In 2012 there was a scientific study done with college students and published in a Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin that finds men who are nice are often ignored and put on the back burner in society. Thus perpetuating the phrase "Nice guys finish last." Even the word nice is used in very flat, non-emotive, dismissive sort of way when people want to describe something or someone. The word nice can lack zest and spunk like some of its synonym colleagues, amiable and commendable. I argue however, that this scientific study is refutable and inaccurate.
Nice is the nucleus of what a great person should be. Therefore nice guys won't ever finish last. They are always one step ahead of everyone else because they have truly embodied the heart of Christ.
Yesterday, August 3, 2015 Jimmy (James) Jones, one of the nicest men I've known, transitioned into the heavenly realm. Jimmy was always one step ahead of the rest in faith, in jest, in love, and in conduct. This was a man who embraced people as his family. This was an impeccable trait of Jimmy's especially living in a world where people pride themselves on judging and isolating others. Jimmy was the polar opposite of society's norm. He embraced quite a few us by calling us his sister or his brother, a title that he meant and took very seriously. From the phone calls, messages, words of encouragement and hugs to making sure we got in the Beyonce concert, were safe in the clubs, and hydrated at the zoo, his sister/brother sentiment proved not to be just words. We had in fact become Jimmy's blood siblings.
Jimmy's family and church family both are mourning our loss. But through our broken hearts we find comfort in knowing that there's no safer place he can be than in the arms of the Master. Jimmy has proven and taught us that nice, amiable, kindhearted, well-mannered, courteous, gracious and obliging guys will always finish first and receive the greatest reward and that is seeing our Savior face to face.
Have a blast up there big brother!
Don't worry about Tiff, Jayla, or Tae Tae. Your family will cover them with the same love you have always shown us.
"Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)
Amazing
ReplyDeleteThanks Corey!
Delete