Some years ago my mentor and colleague Len Sweet pointed me toward a website where Jan Hargrave, a body language expert, held forth on the power of strawology.
“Strawology?” you ask.
Yes, the science of paying attention to how you manipulate your straw when drinking your favorite beverage from a cup. Have you noticed folks who chew their straws, blow bubbles in their drinks or tie knots with their straws?
Hargrave suggests the “Chewer” is looking for praise, the “Bubbler” is ostentatious and full of youthful energy, and the “Knot-Tier” is a meticulous planner. And she was just getting started.
The “Spooner” uses a straw as a spoon to foam off the top of beverage and is expressive and outgoing; the “Twister” is vigorous and animated in expression; the “Refuser” will not use a straw and is a bit of a maverick; the “Sharer” is carefree and friendly and connects well with others; the “Drinker”uses a straw just to drink, an efficient, no-nonsense type; the “Slurper” makes loud noises to intentionally annoy people.
I am sure you could add to the mix. Just observe the crowd at the restaurant or club the next time you stop by.
I am remembering this bit of practical wisdom this week as I ponder the wondrous diversity of the people where we live. There may have been a time in Kinston you could wave a broad brush stroke or two and describe our town.
The longer I live in this city, the deeper I get to know her citizens; and the more I hear stories and exploits of young and old alike, the more I sense the uniqueness of those I encounter.
My regular prayer for this town is for its prosperity and welfare, and I am coming to appreciate that we might just have the right mix of folks to stir up some things together ... if we are willing to sip together while honoring what makes each of us a unique gift to the community. And this is just flat out hard to do.
I have my team, my job, my vacation spot, my political party, my religious beliefs, my opinions, my pet peeves, and let’s just confess between friends when someone else doesn’t agree with me, they are just wrong!
I have met some folks who are ... well, excuse the pun, but I am just setting up another Straw Man. What I really need to do is take a sip from my straw and remind myself there is more than one way to get to the bottom of the cup.
So this week, why not take time to try your hand at another straw technique and stop setting up Straw Men and Women to tear down (at least for a day). We build true community when we each work our way to the bottom of the cup together.
Allen Bingham is pastor of Queen Street United Methodist Church. Reach him at allen@queenstreetchurch.org.