Rise of the Karen

If you are taking note of different cultural phenoms right now you have probably heard the phrase attributed to certain behaviour, these people, generally ladies called "Karens". 

I have to admit I feel a bit sad for the Karens out there who are genuinely nice people. Their name is being used in such a derogatory manner.

A few definitions might help if you haven't come across this term?

Wikipedia defines a "Karen" as ... someone as entitled or demanding beyond the scope of what is appropriate or necessary. This seems to be the nice version in my humble opinion.

My definition is as follows ... someone who may or may not have been wronged and yet over reacts verbally, physically or both to a situation that triggers them.

Even last night I was suggested a new YouTube channel to watch in my suggestions section entitled "Karens in the Wild". It is not for the faint hearted of those offended by verbal tirades using "colourful" language choices. In fact it is kind of an embarrassment...

It highlights that level many seems to think is ok to stoop to, when life is difficult, or there is a sense of being wronged in some way.

It certainly has made me think...

As someone doing what I can to live my life to glorify God, is being a Karen justified on any level?

Should we be different from the culture - well the answer is yes.

If our "saltiness" as scripture tells us has become the worst form of saltiness (bitterness, anger, rage) then how will any one believe our message. Our lives are saying the opposite of who we want to be.

So here I am today reminded of two things:

One, to make sure as much as I can, to handle myself well, to seek to help where I may be struggling.

Two, to show grace to those who have let the "Karen" of their flesh bubble up and then define them. That maybe I shouldn't be entertained by their struggles, but instead desire to offer them something better.

It seems ultimately to me that being a "Karen" is a cry for help. Not a label for us to further push them away from the love they so desperately need.

Something to think about...