Abraham Lincoln

ArticleFunny Facts About President Abraham Lincoln

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Funny Facts About President Abraham Lincoln

  • Abraham Lincoln, 1863
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Abraham Lincoln led the United States through the Civil War and helped bring about the abolition of slavery. But the 16th president also had a lighter side. Lincoln had a varied list of interests outside of politics — he was a farmer, carpenter, animal lover, and inventor — and was known for his keen sense of humor. Here are five funny facts you might not know about the man known as the Railsplitter, Honest Abe, and, according to many historians, the nation’s greatest president.

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Lincoln Was Known to Respond to Insults With Jokes

Abraham Lincoln stood out, visually. He was the tallest president, at 6 feet, 4 inches (at a time when the average American male was 2 inches shorter than today), and he had the largest feet of any president, at a size 14. Consequently, Lincoln’s political opponents frequently took absurd shots at his appearance. In 1860, The Houston Telegraph wrote that he had “the leanest, lankiest, most ungainly mass of legs, arms, and hatchet face ever strung upon a single frame.” The Southern Confederacy similarly published a poem stating that “his nose was as long and as ugly and big / as the snout of a half-starved Illinois pig.” Lincoln took it all with characteristic good humor and was not above the occasional self-deprecating joke. He once recounted a story in which someone called him a “self-made man,” to which he replied, “Well, all I’ve got to say is that it was a damned bad job.” And when Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas called him “two-faced” in a debate, Lincoln famously replied, “If I had another face, do you think I’d wear this one?”

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Photo credit: Archive Photos via Getty Images

Lincoln Grew His Beard at the Suggestion of an 11-Year-Old Girl

Lincoln’s opponents may have made fun of his appearance, but it was a letter from a supporter that led to him becoming the first fully bearded president. An 11-year-old named Grace Bedell saw a poster of a clean-shaven Lincoln that her father brought home from a county fair, and decided she needed to encourage the candidate to go for a glow-up. Bedell wrote Lincoln, “I have yet got four brothers and part of them will vote for you any way and if you let your whiskers grow I will try and get the rest of them to vote for you. You would look a great deal better for your face is so thin.” Lincoln wrote back to Bedell, seemingly considering her advice with the response, “Do you not think people would call it a piece of silly affection?” He ultimately grew out his beard after being elected president in November 1860. Just a few months later, Lincoln met Bedell when his train tour stopped in New York, and let her know that she was behind his makeover: “You see,” Lincoln told her, “I let these whiskers grow for you, Grace.”

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Related:7 Interesting Facts About Napoleon BonapartePhoto credit: Bettmann via Getty Images

Lincoln Let his Cat Eat at the Dining Room Table

An animal lover, Lincoln owned dogs and cats throughout his life, and he let his sons Tad and Willie keep rabbits, turkeys, horses, and goats at the White House. The animal that got the most special treatment, however, was Lincoln’s cat Tabby, whom he let dine at the table, including once during a formal dinner at the White House. When Mary Todd Lincoln said it was “shameful in front of their guests,” the president replied, “If the gold fork was good enough for [former President James] Buchanan, I think it is good enough for Tabby.” Lincoln thought highly of his cat Dixie, as well; he once remarked that she was “smarter than my whole Cabinet!”

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Lincoln Kept Documents in His Top Hats

The stovepipe hat was one of Lincoln’s signature accessories, and the final hat he ever wore is now kept at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The top hat helped the 6-foot-4 president tower over crowds even more than he naturally did, but the adornment wasn’t just used for looks: The president actually kept documents in the hat while he was wearing it. Lincoln would often remove papers (letters from friends, as well as speeches), from his hat while addressing constituents, and he was also known to take documents from atop his head and throw them down in front of generals in anger. According to some historians, the phrase “keep it under your hat” — meaning to keep something secret — comes from Lincoln’s habit.

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Lincoln Was Granted a Patent for an Invention That Didn’t Work

In May 1849, right after the end of his term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Lincoln was granted a patent for “adjustable buoyant air chambers,” which were meant to help buoy boats over shoals. He got the idea from his time working as a ferryman, when on two different occasions he was on a riverboat that got stuck after running aground on the Mississippi River. Lincoln whittled the patent model himself, and submitted sketches showing how the invention would work. The air chambers would be attached to the side of the boat and inflated to lift the vessel over an obstruction — at least, that was the theory. The device was never produced and it turned out that the amount of force needed to lower and fill the air chambers made it impractical. Nevertheless, Lincoln remains the only U.S. president ever to receive a patent.

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5 Ways Albert Einstein Changed the World

  • Physicist Albert Einstein

German-born physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was so influential, his very name has become synonymous with genius. While working as a patent clerk in 1905 at the age of 26, Einstein submitted four papers to the German journal Annalen der Physik that changed humanity’s perception of time, gravity, and light. Today, historians mark the year as Einstein’s annus mirabilis, or “miracle year” — and he was just getting started. 

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Much of Einstein’s work is famously dense. Few people other than physicists need to fully comprehend the mind-bending ideas behind the general theory of relativity and Einstein’s other theories, but these discoveries form the bedrock of technologies the rest of us enjoy every day. Here are five ways Einstein’s ideas changed the world, and continue to provide a roadmap for humanity’s future. Photo credit: Bettmann via Getty Images

GPS Would Be Impossible Without the General Theory of Relativity

Some 10,900 nautical miles above our heads, 31 satellites orbit Earth as part of the Global Positioning System (GPS) — but if it wasn’t for Einstein, those satellites would be little more than space junk. The very foundation of GPS is accurate timekeeping, as satellites need to keep time to correctly log the distance from a ground-based receiver (such as your smartphone). GPS satellites are so precise, the atomic clocks on board are accurate to within three-billionths of a second, a feat impossible without Einstein’s special and general theories of relativity. The special theory of relativity states that time flows differently depending on velocity. Because satellites travel at 8,700 miles per hour, they “lose” 7 microseconds per day compared to Earth-based receivers. Additionally, Einstein’s general theory of relativity — an idea published in 1915 that basically elaborates on his previous theory by throwing gravity in the mix — similarly states that distance from a source of mass, in this case the Earth, also affects the flow of time. This means that technically speaking, your head ages slightly faster than your feet because your feet are closer to the Earth (on time scales that are ultimately negligible). Today, GPS takes into account this “time dilation,” so satellites always know where you are when you open Google Maps. 

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The Explanation of Photoelectric Effect Helped Make Modern Solar Power Possible

It probably comes as no surprise that Einstein won the Nobel Prize for physics in 1921, but what many people don’t realize is that the award wasn’t honoring the wunderkind’s groundbreaking general theory of relativity, but rather his revolutionary yet often overlooked explanation of the photoelectric effect. The initial discovery of the photoelectric effect came in 1887 from German physicist Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (yes, that Hertz), who noticed that when ultraviolet light hit a metal plate, it created sparks. What was puzzling was that different metals required different frequencies to produce the same effect. Then, in 1905, 26-year-old Einstein solved this conundrum by introducing a new conception of light, which he published in his first paper submitted to Annalen der Physik. He argued that light wasn’t just a wave, as some scientists suggested, but also a stream of particles, later known to science as “photons.” Einstein posited that these photons contained a fixed amount of energy depending on their frequency, and his theory — though derided for years — successfully explained the photoelectric phenomenon. Though solar cells predated Einstein’s discovery by dozens of years, it wasn’t until Einstein’s theory that scientists understood why they worked, which helped make solar panels even more efficient. Photo credit: Ezume Images/ Shutterstock

Lasers Were Developed Thanks to Einstein’s Quantum Theory of Radiation

Lasers (an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”) scan your groceries at the supermarket, make self-driving cars possible, and form the backbone of optical communication. And yes, we can thank Einstein for this one, too. In 1917, Einstein published a paper detailing his quantum theory of radiation. The theory basically states that atoms can be stimulated to change energy levels when hit with a specific frequency. If that excited atom is hit with another photon of the same frequency, it’ll produce two coherent photons (traveling in the same direction) while the atom’s electron returns to its ground state. This means you can artificially create a sudden burst of coherent light as atoms discharge in a chain reaction, otherwise known as “stimulated emission of radiation” (the “ser” in “laser”). It wasn’t until after World War II that scientists found a use for Einstein’s discovery; the laser was developed by using mirrors to create light amplification. Photo credit: MPI/ Archive Photos via Getty Images

The E=MC2 Equation Formed the Scientific Basis for the Nuclear Bomb

The final discovery of Einstein’s “miracle year” was the concept that light and energy are equivalent, and that their relationship can be explained with the elegantly simple equation E=MC2, meaning energy equals mass times the speed of light squared. Describing mass as essentially super-dense energy, Einstein’s equation shows how even small amounts of mass at atomic levels can produce a tremendous amount of energy when multiplied by the speed of light squared — and you probably see where this is going. 

This process explains how a neutron fired from a uranium atom splits it into smaller atoms while releasing a tremendous amount of energy. It’s known as nuclear fission, and when the process is controlled, it provides low-emission nuclear energy. When released in an uncontrolled state, it can be used to produce an atomic bomb. Einstein himself never worked on the Manhattan Project, the secret government program to make the first nuclear bomb, but he rubber-stamped the idea in a 1939 letter to Franklin D. Roosevelt that argued for the U.S. to make the bomb before Nazi Germany. Einstein later regarded that letter as the “one great mistake in my life.”

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Related:7 Interesting Facts About Napoleon BonapartePhoto credit: Bettmann via Getty Images

The E=MC2 Equation Could Point to the Future of Energy 

As previously described, nuclear fission works by breaking apart an element such as a heavy uranium-235 atom into two smaller atoms (krypton and barium). However, something interesting also occurs: If two light nuclei (i.e., hydrogen) can overcome electrostatic repulsion, they fuse together to form a heavy helium-4 atom — sort of like fission but in reverse. Similarly, following the E=MC2 equation, this process produces a tremendous amount of energy and heat. This is known as nuclear fusion, and it’s the atomic science that is the energy-producing engine of stars. 

On paper, nuclear fusion could provide the answer to humanity’s expanding energy needs. There’s no enriched material involved; nuclear proliferation with fusion reactors isn’t a worry; a meltdown is scientifically impossible; there’s no radioactive material produced as a byproduct; it’s completely carbon-free; and fusing atoms together releases 4 million times more energy than the chemical process of burning coal. There’s just one catch: Building a fusion reactor is immensely complicated. That’s never stopped people before, though. An international coalition of scientists and agencies is hard at work creating the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, or ITER, which is set to go online in 2025

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Matthew 11:28-30

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Matthew 11:28-30 and how it pertains to all people.

        This is an essay that pertains to the importance of Matthew 11:28-30.  To me personally, I am able to caste all of my burdens on the Lord.  I would like to say that I have a mental illness, and God is currently taking care of me right now.  It is not very easy for anyone to have burdens.

        What is the definition of the word burden?  A burden is a load, especially a heavy one.  My burdens consists of all of my sins.  I say that to say this because even though my sins are many, I am willing to give everything to Jesus Christ.  I am saying this because I am supposed to confess of all of my sins to the Lord as well as man himself.  However, the Lord understands me as a person.

        Next, I want to mention that I have been clean and sober for 29 years right now.  I want to mention that my hometown of Dayton, Ohio was damaged by a tornado on Memorial Day of this year.  I did not have any water for a couple of days.  There are areas inside of Montgomery County that does not have any power as of right now.  My Church Fort McKinley United Methodist located on 3721 West Siebenthaler Avenue Dayton, Ohio 45406 is a temporary shelter for those who have been affected by this week’s tornado.

        Also, I want to say that the above Bible verse is a complete comfort for me right now.  This is because in Proverbs 28:13 states that; He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.  I literally believe this because for me personally, I always confess my sins and burdens to my personal Savior Jesus Christ.  I want to inform everyone that I have submitted all of my medical records to my doctor and therapist, so that they can become aware of my abnormal EEGs.

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        Moreover, I want to say that I have had a very good week so far.  I know that I really think about my mother and sister really bad.  I want to inform everyone that my mother’s birthday was last week on the 22nd of this month.  If she would have lived, she would have turned 75 years old.  My family members are still grieving over the death of my mother and sister.

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        Further, I want to inform everyone that I am very grateful that God is giving me a second chance at life.  The Tornado’s path was located along Siebenthaler Avenue in Dayton, Ohio all the way to North Dixie Avenue and Old Troy Pike.  There are areas that got hit really hard as well.  My sister in law and brother’s house was completely destroyed by Monday’s Tornado.  Please pray for my brother and sister in law because they do not have a place to stay anymore.  My brother is very angry because his house is gone. 

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        Finally, I want to say that on this day May 30, 2019: I am very grateful to God for giving me a second chance to live for Him.  Please pray for all of my family members and friends that are located in the Dayton, Ohio area.  There were 3 Tornadoes during that night that hit Dayton, Ohio.  Together, there were a total of 11 Tornadoes that hit the Western Ohio this week.

James 1:19 Essay New

James 1:19 And What It Means to All People.

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James 1:19 says: My Dear beloved brethren, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.   To me personally it means that we must watch what we are doing at all times. 

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Next, I want to inform all of you that something like this takes a lot of practice.  This is a skill that someone does not learn overnight.  It takes years of practice.  I really think that something like this should be utilized.

Moreover, I want to inform all of you that I have to learn this new skill because I have been very angry all of the time.  I know that I tend to struggle with listening to people. 

Also, I want to say that it takes a lot of practice to learn all three things.  First, listening.  Listening is a process of learning how to understand the spoken word.  I want to inform all of you that if someone tells you something, you should be able to repeat it right back to them.  I know for me; I have to learn how to accept what it is being said out of the person’s mouth.

Another problem that I have is that I do not believe everything that people tell me.  This is true because people will tell a lie in your face.  They even want you to accept it.

 Then, if you do not fully accept what they are saying: There is a major problem.  I want to say that certain people especially if they are from a different culture; can say something to you that you do not agree with.  I know that I have been living inside of an environment that consists of people who comes from different countries.  A person from another country can say something to you, it would offend you.

In Addition, I want to inform all of you that people can cuss you out and get away with it.  This is the reason why you have to pay attention to another person’s non-verbal communication.  I want to inform you that everyone has to pay attention to a person’s movements of their arms and legs as well as fingers.

I also have to pay attention to their verbal communication as well.  If it is in a language that you do not understand, then you have to ask them what they are saying.

 If they are offended with you after you asked them a question, then there is another problem.  Quick to listen is another way of paying close attention to what is being said out of a person’s mouth as well as movements called gestures.  I know that in my neighborhood, it is integrated.  I know that there are people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.  Quick to Listen is just paying attention to what is being said as a person’s language.

Slow to Speak is a way of interpretation.  It is a way of understanding what someone else is saying.  I know for me, I have to learn how to fully understand another person’s speech.  If it is different from what I am used to, then I must take a stand.  I want to inform you that I have learned how to take a non-violent approach when it comes to dealing with other people.

Slow to Speak means that we have to ingest what another person is saying.  To fully understand what they are saying out of their mouth.  Sometimes people who are younger tend to act impulsive.  They also use language that only millennials are able to understand even if it is a threat.  Sometimes a person can say things just to provoke you in some kind of way.

Slow to Speak means that if the communication is different, then you have to defend yourself.  With me personally, I have to fully explain what I actually think they said as long as it is not a form of vulgarity. 

You see, I am a 58-year-old man who fully understand vulgarity in many different cultures.  I even know if it is street slang or gang language.  I understand young people because I have nieces and nephews who are much younger than me.  Therefore, I understand street slang that comes from different regions of the United States.  This is because I used to live in the Midwest and the Southeast USA.

I am more of the proper type, and highly educated.  Just because someone is acting the fool does not mean that I have to act like them. 

You see, I was told by my AA Sponsors to always take a long walk and calm down.  Some young people do not respect older people.  This means that they think that everyone think that you have to yield to them.  I will not yield to anyone but God and Jesus Christ.  I know that inside of a changing culture, there are people who have personalities that are different than yours.  This is the reason why I listen with the intent of exchanging whatever a person is feeling at a particular time.

Slow to Get Angry Means: to learn how to never allow anyone else push your buttons.  Anger is a universal emotion.  I know that a people today are pugnacious.  I understand that my primary intention is to understand your point of view.  It is best for a mature person to walk away from a cowardice fight.  This means that people who are younger than you will try to kill you over nonsense. 

Another intention that I have is to respect you in the long run.  I want to inform you that I am trying to prevent myself from fighting in the first place. 

Slow to Get Angry Means: to think about your consequences in advance.  I know that my objective is to not fight anyone even though they are much angrier than me.  I am trying to stay out of trouble in the first place.  I am trying to diffuse any situation before it gets worse.  I am trying to learn how to forgive everyone 490 times in life.  This means that I have to forgive each person a total of 490 times.  This is the reason why I have to avoid you, if we cannot make peace.

Slow to Get Angry Means: that you do not have to always act like the next person all of the time.  I am still learning how to act like a mature adult.  I really do not like fighting verbally or physically.  Therefore, I will not kiss anyone’s Gluteus Maximus in any way.  I cannot complete that task on myself.  Respect me and I will respect you.  This is my interpretation of James 1:19 inside of the Bible.

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The Beattitudes

The Beatitudes by Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Good Day Everyone!!  My name is Anthony Joseph Hopkins and I am discussing the Beatitudes in the Book of Matthew 5:3-10.  First, I want to inform all of you that the Beatitudes are great for the soul.  I want to say that the Beatitudes are an excellent source in the Bible.  Starting with the first Beatitude is Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  When it comes to this Beatitude, it means that the poor in spirit shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.  What does it mean to be poor in spirit?  The answer to this question is as follows:

 The poor in spirit is ‘Poor in spirit’ is an odd phrase to modern ears, outside religious circles anyway. The traditional explanation, especially among evangelicals, is that it means people who recognize their own spiritual poverty, their need for God. Blessed are those who mourn is taken to mean people who repent and mourn for their sins.

Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.  This means that whenever we mourn over our love ones, we are being comforted by God.  The word mourn means to become sorrowful or crying.  Feel or show deep sorrow or regret for (someone or their death), typically by following conventions such as the wearing of black clothes.

“Isabel mourned her husband”

Similar:

grieve for

sorrow over

lament for

weep for

shed tears for/over

wail/keen over

plain for

  • feel regret or sadness about (the loss or disappearance of something).

“publishers mourned declining sales of hardback fiction”

        Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  The word meek means humble.  What does Jesus mean by Meek? We now come to the third Beatitude:

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Meekness is not a word typically seen in your average Facebook status or Twitter post. When people do use this word, they generally mean submissive, easily lead, or impressionable.  The word meek means quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake, for they will be filled.  The phrase for righteousness sake means to endure persecution for the sake of righteousness requires uncompromising faithfulness to God despite every threat and pressure.

Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.  The work mercy means compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm.  So, to me, mercy is a “love that responds to human need in an unexpected or unmerited way.” At its core, mercy is forgiveness. The Bible speaks of God’s love for sinners – that is, for all of us. But the Bible also relates mercy to other qualities beyond love and forgiveness.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.  The Pure in Heart Means to “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). “This verse means people that go all out, not halfway, will see God,” says Matthew, age 9. … “If your heart is good and doesn’t think bad things, you shall see God,” says William, 10. 

A pure heart is a heart that has warmth and comfort, that will make others feel cared for and in safe hands. This heart does not have a limit in giving, it does not limit welcoming others, and its doors will always be open for those who are in need.  Blessed are the peacemakers for Peacemakers‘ Mean? It should come as no surprise, then, that a peacemaker is someone who emulates …People also ask

What does blessed are the peacemakers?

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. The New International Version translates the passage as: … for they will be called sons of God.

 What does blessed are the peacemakers?

What does being a peacemaker means?

: a person who helps to prevent or stop an argument, a fight, or a war. See the full definition for peacemaker in the English Language Learners Dictionary. peacemaker.

they will be children of God.  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake means What does Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness mean?

Hill notes that persecuted is a participle in the perfect tense which indicates that Jesus’ followers had already been persecuted for their righteousness. This verse has often been cited as an argument for Christian toleration and acceptance.

This is something to think about!

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Is It Okay for Christians to Cut Ties with a Family Member?

Is It Okay for Christians to Cut Ties with a Family Member?

Clarence L. Haynes Jr.

Author of The Pursuit of Purpose

UpdatedJuly 25, 2025

Family is great most of the time. We all have those family members we love when they show up and those we love when they leave. Yet, as the adage goes, you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family.

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While this will always be true, sometimes you may face challenging decisions regarding your family. These may even force you to consider if you should cut ties with them. Like so many questions of faith, there is no simple answer, so let’s consider some guidelines that will help draw a conclusion.

Understanding God’s Design for Family

Before we talk about cutting ties with a family member, it’s important to remember that family was God’s idea from the very beginning. When God created Adam and Eve, he instructed them to be fruitful and multiply. In this, he was establishing the very first family unit.

With that design came an expectation of mutual care and responsibility. Ideally, families support, protect, and nurture one another. However, not every family functions that way. While there is a general responsibility we carry toward our relatives, the depth of that responsibility often varies depending on the relationship.

For example, the way we care for our parents or children carries more weight than how we interact with a distant cousin or the aunt we see only occasionally. The dynamics within a family are complex, and understanding these distinctions helps us navigate tough decisions with wisdom and grace.

What Does It Really Mean to Cut Ties?

When we talk about cutting ties, we’re not just referring to drifting apart or missing a few phone calls. Cutting ties is a conscious decision to step back, or sometimes to walk away completely, from a relationship. It means reducing or ending contact with someone who was once close.

It could mean not returning phone calls, skipping out on family gatherings, or even putting physical space between you and that person by moving away. Cutting these ties could be a pause, which means they are temporary, but they could be a period, meaning they are permanent.    

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To be clear, you can’t really “cut ties” with someone you barely speak to. If you only see a relative once every few years at the family barbecue, the emotional distance may already be there. Cutting ties becomes relevant when there’s a genuine relationship on the line with someone who’s part of your world. This person means something to you, which makes the decision to separate so difficult.

You’re not removing a stranger from your life but stepping back from someone you love. That’s not easy and it shouldn’t be. That’s why this issue deserves thoughtful, prayerful consideration.

Is It Okay for Christians to Cut Ties with a Family Member?

There may be moments when creating distance from a family member isn’t just understandable, it may be necessary. Sometimes relationships with those closest to us can become emotionally, mentally, or even spiritually draining. In those cases, stepping back for the sake of your well-being isn’t a sign of weakness, it can be a step toward healing. It is very difficult to heal from a toxic relationship when you are still in the toxic relationship. When relationships reach that level, creating space may be the healthiest choice you can make.

However, the distance does not have to be permanent. Sometimes a season of separation gives room for clarity and paves the way for healing and restoration. It allows you to regroup and approach the relationship from a place of strength, not pain. The goal is to protect your peace and position yourself so that if reconciliation becomes possible, you’ll be ready to walk through that door with a whole heart.

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3 Valid Reasons for Cutting Ties

1. Ongoing Abuse 

If you are in a relationship with a family member where abuse is present, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or even spiritual, then putting distance between you and that person may be the only safe and sensible option. This isn’t about revenge or bitterness but protection.

If the other person is unwilling to change or take responsibility, that can have lasting, damaging effects. In those situations, walking away may be necessary for your own survival.

2. A Lifestyle That Might Cause You to Stumble

I want to use my words carefully here because not every disagreement is grounds for disconnection. As Christians, there may be times when our values don’t align with those of our loved ones. That alone doesn’t mean we cut ties. In fact, if we look at the heart of God, we see a Father who kept the door open for us even when we were far from him. He didn’t approve of our sin, but he made a way for our return.

Yet, if a family member’s choices or behavior pulls you away from your walk with God, causes you to compromise, or tempts you in ways that weaken your spiritual foundation, then it may be time to take a step back. This doesn’t mean the relationship is over. It just means you need space to guard your heart.

3. Sin That Disrupts Peace

If a family member is living under your roof and brings their chaos into your household, then it may be time to draw a hard line. To protect the peace of your home, cutting ties may be the only option.

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If persistent, unrepentant sin is creating disorder and confusion in your daily life, then strong boundaries are necessary. You can love someone deeply and still say, “You can’t bring that here.” A friend of ours had a scenario where a family member was disrupting the peace of their home. As hard as it was, they put them out of their house. It was difficult, but that person got the message, and the relationship was stronger for it.

3 Things to Do before You Cut Ties

If you are thinking of taking this step, remember to make sure you have done these three things first.

1. Pray for Wisdom 

This decision could bring peace or regret. Ask God for clarity before you move.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

2. Seek Godly Counsel 

Find someone wise and objective. A fresh set of eyes can spot what you might miss.

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).

3. Check Your Heart

This is all about motives. If bitterness or anger is driving your decision, hit pause and acknowledge it.

“A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart” (Proverbs 21:2).

What if You’re the Family Member Who Was Cut Off?  

Sometimes, even though it’s difficult to accept, you may be the family member whose presence others find overwhelming and need a break from. If that’s the case, then some self-reflection is in order. First, ask yourself why. Are you contributing to the tension? If so, don’t deny it; own it. If you need to repent, then repent.

After that, consider reconciliation. You can’t force it, but your humility in repenting can open the door. Remember, this isn’t about casual relatives but those closest to you. If healing is possible, pursue it.

Finally, give it time. Time doesn’t guarantee restoration, but it can lower defenses and create room for the hard conversations that just might lead to peace.

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A Big Decision to Make

Choosing to cut ties with a family member is never a decision anyone should take lightly or flippantly. God established families from the beginning, and His intention is for them to remain intact. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. If it should reach that point, then recognize you can continue to love your family. It just might mean that you must love them from a distance.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Valentina Shilkina

Clarence Haynes 1200x1200

Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a dynamic speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club, dedicated to helping people live with purpose and clarity. In addition to his ministry work, Clarence has spent the last 13 years as a trusted financial educator, guiding thousands of people across the country—including employees at many Fortune 500 companies—toward lasting financial wellness. His unique ability to blend practical wisdom with spiritual insight equips people to thrive in every area of life.

He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads them into his will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has released his first course, Bible Study Basics, to achieve that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.

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1st Samuel 16:7

What Does 1st Samuel 16:7 Really Mean in Contemporary Times?  By Anthony Joseph Hopkins

   What does 1st Samuel 16:7 really mean in a contemporary society?  I want to say that God knows exactly who we all are because He created us.  I guess this Bible tells me that God is the only one who can judge mankind.  I say that because He made everything in His own image.  I know that When Samuel for looking for the next King of Israel, He was looking for someone who was compatible to God.  He was looking for someone who was God Fearing, and who was after God’s own heart.

       Next, God was looking at everyone to determine whether or not they would be suitable as King of Israel.  Honestly, God still does it because He wants to make sure that we are feasible for His Kingdom.  I know when I am writing this blog, I am being scrutinized by God Himself because He wants to make sure that I am worthy to become a member of His Kingdom.

        Further, I want to inform all of you that only man can look at the outside of the body of a person, and perhaps judge him according to his or her behavior.  The heart is very important because it tells God everything about you.  It even allows God to figure out if you are worthy to become a person who can marry a woman or man just to see if they are capable of treating the next person right.

        Also, when we are children, our parents can determine whether we are going to be a success or a failure.  To be honest with all of you, my parents knew whether or not I would be successful in life based on a test.  This test enables a child or an adult to go through a fixed course of action. 

        Subsequently, God will observe all of our works and see if we are in the Lambs Book of Life.  We are going to be judged according to how well we related with other people.  God is also going to look at to see what we have done for His Kingdom.  You know something, the things that we say out of our mouths can determine if we are worthy to join Jesus Christ someday.

        Moreover, I want all of you to know that; the money that we give to God determines if we are good stewards or not.  If we are robbing God with our tithes and offerings, then God will not accept us into his Kingdom.  We have to do things that are pleasing to God on a daily basis.

        Finally, a man or a woman can defile themselves according to their actions.  For example, if a man or a woman is having sex before marriage, this is called sexual immorality.  I have learned over the years to stay inside of separate houses until I get married to my wife.  There are times that Pastoral Counseling is necessary because there are differences in opinion or our actions towards others can make or break any engagement.

       In Summary, God knows exactly what we are going to do in advance.  He even knows how long we are going to live on earth.  I am doing my very best to stop sinning on a daily basis.  I know that I am going to make mistakes in life.  I will have to be quick to ask God for forgiveness.  I have to forgive other people and forgive myself.  I will admit that I have to learn how to forgive myself for all of the things that I had done; while inside of my body.

        In Conclusion, God knows all about me. God knew all of us while we were inside of our mother’s womb.  Jeremiah 1:5 says before you were born I knew you.  Before you were born I sanctified you and ordained you as a Prophet to the Nations. 

 My Name is Anthony Hopkins and I am from Dayton, Ohio.  I have been writing since April 1, 1991.  I have been writing essays and blogs for a number of years.  Please keep me in your prayers because I am scheduled to have eye surgery on September 6, 2022 at 3:00PM.  I have typed over 1,100 essays and Blogs on WordPress, Facebook, Penzu, and Blogger.  Thank you very much for reading my blog.

Psalm 56:8

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A River of Tears

A river of tears is not always negative. A river of tears means that your body is healing from pain. A river of tears itself consists of the water that is flushed from the eyes itself. Our tear ducts that are located right above the eye sockets itself. Debris that is flushed out of our eyes themselves helps us to see things clearly. The brain itself also sends messages to the other parts of the body to let organs, cells, as well as intricate body parts to let us know that it is time to relax. The brain also sends messages to the rest of the body to adjust after extended periods and demands that we place on ourselves.
This pertains to stress that we had put ourselves through based on the demands that we have to deal with. This demand consists of physical, mental, emotional, psychological, spiritual, and holistic demands that we absorb in our lives. No matter what the world thinks of me, it is my time that I am spending with God each day. It does not matter what you are doing each day, take a break and allow God or a power that is greater than yourself to talk with you. As a man there is nothing wrong with allowing your river of tears to flow. A river of tears is not a sign of weakness. It is a time to allow yourself to heal. No matter what others think of you, there is not anything wrong with allowing your river of tears in public. Preferably, it is best to go directly inside of your own secret closet and allowing yourself to heal. Healing really feels good.

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At least one thing, you will feel much better as soon as it is all over. My river of tears is a replacement for medication. For example, a river of tears is a whole lot better than taking medication for pain. It is also a replacement for recreation drugs and alcohol. My prescription for pain right now is my river of tears. It is a time for healing and a time for an entire body repair. Remember one thing, only God can judge me. Mankind itself can only form an opinion and make direct observations. This does not mean that the opinions of others are not honored. I do honor opinions of others and respect those who make them.

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When it pertains to a river of tears, this means that I am a person who has survived a great deal in my entire personal life. Through the choices that I have made, whether they have been good or bad, I have made these choices and I am living with the consequences and repercussions from these choices. It is like Karma; what goes around comes around. This is a universal band of energy that deals with aspects of human behavior. Our cycle of life has not only cyclical in nature, but it also pertains to life and how we make the best of that life that we have for ourselves. A river of tears is not always a bad thing after all. It is a personal time for healing and it makes you feel better in the long run.

I am sorry for sharing about this experience but there is not anything wrong with a man sharing his sensitive side anyway. My river of tears is an expression of my sensitive side when it pertains to the opposite sex. My tear that comes directly out of my eyes does not mean that I am a weak individual. This is a time for healing and disclosing whatever is bothering me from the inside out.


This does not mean that I am bearing and storing baggage. It is best to release it in positive ways. This means that I am being proactive in all of my actions by demonstrating positive ways of dealing with pain. For example, taking a nice walk, and being able to actively participate in sports is a way of making sure that you are releasing stress in constructive ways. There are alternatives that are highly constructive. These alternatives are quite nice. For instance, attending church and religious services is a great way of releasing all of the burdens that are inside of our lives. Taking all of your concerns to God inside of his house makes you feel better from the inside out. This replace going to the store or inside of a neighborhood and dealing with the temptations of society itself. I know that I am okay each and every single day with sharing and revealing my river of tears. Thank you for reading the river of tears. God Loves You and So Do I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!Sincerely,
Anthony Joseph Hopkins

4 Children 4 School

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Glossary

The Order of Operations in Math — A Complete & Kid-Friendly Guide

Jul 18, 2024

Order of operations in math, a guide

Whether you’re getting ready for an exam or simply want to refresh your knowledge of the order of operations in math, we’ve created a comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide for you.

Read on to find simple definitions of the order of operations and related terms, practical examples, and a fun quiz to test your knowledge.

What Is the Order of Operations?

Have you ever tried to solve a math problem, where you didn’t know where to start or what to do next?

For example, when you see 3 + 8 x 2 – 6, what should you do first?

  • Add 3 and 8
  • Multiply 8 and 2
  • Subtract 6 from 2

The order of operations is a set of rules that tells us what math operation to do first in an expression with multiple operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Following the order of operations, when solving 3 + 8 x 2 – 6, we would first do the:

  • Multiplication: 8 x 2 = 16, so we get 3 + 16 – 6.
  • Addition: 3 + 16 = 19, so we get 19 – 6.
  • Subtraction: 19 – 6 = 13.

3 + 8 x 2 – 6 = 13

One way to remember the order of operations is by the acronym PEMDAS.

Watch our video to learn more.

What Does “PEMDAS” Mean?

PEMDAS is an acronym that reminds us of the sequence of steps to follow when solving mathematical expressions with multiple operations.

Much like grammatical rules that govern how we build sentences, PEMDAS is a set of rules mathematicians came up with and agree to follow so that we can have consistency and clarity when performing calculations.

PEMDAS explained

Different countries have their own ways of remembering the order of math operations.

  • In Canada, it’s called BEDMAS: Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction.
  • Some prefer BODMAS: Brackets, Order, Division, Multiplication, Addition, and Subtraction.
  • Then there’s GEMDAS: Grouping, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, and Subtraction. 

When solving math expressions with multiple operations, we follow these steps from left to right.

There is a fun way of remembering the PEMDAS rule with the left to right rule using a playful mnemonic:

Please Excuse MDear Aunt Sally and Let her Rest”

Parentheses, Exponents, (Multiplication, Division), (Addition, Subtraction) – from Left to Right

Now, let’s work through each step of PEMDAS.

1. Parentheses

The first step to the order of operations is parentheses. This means that when we’re solving an expression with multiple operations, we first solve the operations within parentheses (). Here’s a simple example to illustrate.

3 x (4 + 2)

  • First, we solve the expression within the parentheses: 4 + 2 = 6, so we get 3 x 6.
  • Then, we multiply 3 by the result of the expression inside the parentheses (which, as we’ve seen, is 6): 3 x 6.
  • Finally, we get the answer 18.  

Sometimes, math expressions contain a set of parentheses inside another set. To solve them, start by solving the operations inside the innermost parentheses, then work your way outward.

For example: {4 x [5 +(6 – 3)]} – (8 – 2)

  • First, we subtract numbers inside the innermost parentheses: 6 – 2 = 3, so we get {4 x [5 + 3]} – (8 – 2).
  • Then, add 5 to the answer inside the square brackets: 5 + 3 = 8, so we get {4 x 8} – (8 – 2). 
  • Next, multiply the result by 4 inside the curly brackets: 4 x 8 = 32, so we get 32 — (8 – 2). 
  • Now, solve the expression inside the parantheses: 8 – 2 = 6, so we get 32 – 6. 
  • Finally, subtract the result of step 4 from the result of step 3: 32 – 6 = 26

2. Exponents

The second step in the order of operations is exponents. Exponents, also known as indices, show how many times a number is multiplied by itself.

To illustrate, 3⁴ is an exponent form that means multiply 3 by itself 4 times, or 3 x 3 x 3 x 3.

Let’s look at this example:

22 + 4 x 2

  • First, we look at the exponent 23 which means we multiply 2 by itself 3 times, or 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 , so we get: 8 + 4 × 2. 
  • Then we multiply: 4 × 2 = 8 , so we get 8 + 8. 
  • Finally, we add: 8 + 8 = 16.

Refresh Your Memory: What Does Squared Mean in Math?

 3. Multiplication & Division

In the order of operations, multiplication and division are prioritized equally and are performed from left to right as they appear in the expression. This is why we consider them together as the third step in PEMDAS.

Let’s see that in practice with: 8 ÷ 2 × 4 + 3

  • First, we perform the division because it appears first, before the multiplication: 8 ÷ 2 = 4, so we get 4 x 4 + 3.
  • Then, we perform the multiplication: 4 x 4 = 16, so we get 16 + 3.
  • Next, we perform the addition: 16 + 3 = 19.
  • Finally, we get the result 19.

4. Addition & Subtraction 

As the last steps of PEDMAS, we work on the addition and subtraction.

Just like multiplication and division, addition and subtraction are prioritized equally and are performed from left to right as they appear in the expression.

For example:

10 – 4 + 3

  • First, we subtract: 10 – 4 = 6, so we get 6 + 3
  • Then, we add: 6 + 3 = 9
  • Thus, the result is 9.

Now that we have covered each step of PEMDAS, let’s look at a more challenging example:

Order of operations example

Find more tips in our Order of Operations Series Part 2.

Common Mistakes with the Order of Operations in Math 

PEMDAS makes solving math expressions much easier than simply memorizing the order of operations, but students sometimes forget the steps to take.

Here are some common mistakes to keep an eye on when solving math expressions with multiple operations:

1. Going Only Left to Right

Some students forget PEMDAS and just focus on the left-to-right approach, which might feel natural because of how we read.

It’s important to remember that while going left to right can work, it’s only suitable when you’re solving expressions that only contain addition and subtraction, or multiplication and division.

For example, using the left to right approach works if you are trying to solve:

8 – 6 + 9 – 3

Or, if you are trying to solve:

8 ÷ 2 x 9 ÷ 3

But let’s say you are trying to solve:

10 – 3 x 2 + 5 ÷ 5

As you can see, this expression contains subtraction, multiplication, addition, and division.

If we go from left to right – first subtracting 3 from 10 to get 7, then multiplying 7 by 2 to get 14, then adding 5 to it to get 19, and finally diving 19 by 5, we get 3.8 which is an incorrect result.

But if we follow PEMDAS, which tells us to start with multiplication and division (left to right) before we get to addition and subtraction, we get:

10 – 3 x 2 + 5 ÷ 5

= 10 – 6 + 1

= 5

The correct answer is 5.

2. Doing Addition Before Subtraction

Many students tend to do addition before subtraction in math problems because they learned addition before subtraction or because they’re close together in the order of operations. Some also think that because A comes before S in PEMDAS you should always do addition before subtraction.

For instance, in the expression 8 – 2 + 3 you might tackle the addition before the subtraction and get: 8 – 5 = 3.

In the order of operations, addition and subtraction have the same priority which is why we have to use left-to-right approach and perform subtraction first:

8 – 2 + 3

= 6 + 3

= 9

3. Doing Multiplication Before Division

Similarly to addition vs. subtractions, students often think multiplication comes before division because that’s what they’ve learned before or because they’re used to seeing multiplication listed first in math problems. Another mistake is believing M comes before D in PEMDAS because you always do multiplication before division. 

For example, in the expression 6 ÷ 2 × 3 = 6 ÷ 6 = 1 , a student might do the multiplication first and get a wrong result:

6 ÷ 2 x 3 = 6 ÷ 6 = 1

But we know by now that multiplication and division are equally important. So, we need to work from left to right and do the division first:

6 ÷ 2 x 3 = 3 x 3 = 9

Solved Examples for the Order of Operations

Example 1

Using PEMDAS, let’s solve this one: 

3 x (8 – 4)2 + 6 ÷ 2

  • First, we do the subtraction inside the parentheses: 8 – 4 = 4, so we get 3 x 4+ 6 ÷ 2.
  • Next, we square the result: 4= 16, so we get 3 x 16 + 6 ÷ 2.
  • Then, we multiply: 3 x 16 = 48, so we get 48 + 6 ÷ 2.
  • Next, we divide: 6 ÷ 2 = 3, so we get 48 + 3.
  • Finally, we add: 48 + 3 = 51.

Example 2 

Let’s do the same for this expression:

3 x (7 – 2) + 6 ÷ 2

  • First, we do the subtraction inside the parentheses: 7 – 2 = 5, so we get 3 x 5 +  6 ÷ 2.
  • Next, we multiply: 3 x 5 = 15, so we get 15 + 6 ÷ 2.
  • Then, we divide: so we get 6 ÷ 2 = 3, so we get 15 + 3.
  • Finally, we add: 15 + 3 = 18.

Example 3

Finally, we can work on this one:

80  ÷ (6 + 7 x 2) – 5

  • First, we perform the multiplication inside the parentheses: 7 x 2 = 14, so we get 80 ÷ (6 + 14) – 5.
  • Next, we perform the addition inside the parentheses: 6 + 14 = 20, so we get 80 ÷ 20 – 5.
  • Then, we divide: 80 ÷ 20 = 4, so we get 4 – 5.
  • Finally, we subtract and get: 4 – 5 = –1.

Flash Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Order of Operations?

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Order of Operations

Discover clear and easy-to-understand explanations about the rules and steps for solving math problems using the order of operations.

1. Can PEMDAS be applied to all math operations?

Yes, PEMDAS applies to all mathematical operations involving multiple steps, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation

2. What are BODMAS and BEDMAS?

BODMAS and BEDMAS, just like PEDMAS are mnemonic devices used to remember the order of operations in mathematics:

BODMAS:

  • B: Brackets
  • O: Orders
  • D: Division
  • M: Multiplication
  • A: Addition
  • S: Subtraction

BEDMAS:

  • B: Brackets
  • E: Exponents
  • D: Division
  • M: Multiplication
  • A: Addition
  • S: Subtraction

3. What should I do when math expressions have parentheses within parentheses?

When there are parentheses within one another (nested parentheses), you should start by doing the innermost expressions first and then work your way outwards.

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