Child Custody Devotional – “Good” versus “Bad” in the Judgment-Free Zone?

We’re lawyers so we’re big on terminology. From both a practical, legal and even spiritual sense, words have power. I’m looking at James 1:17, from the Christian Bible, today and I’ve got to make a note for the record.

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So, the King James Version of the verse reads as follows: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…”

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Here’s my problem. Foxtrot operates in a judgment free zone, especially when it comes to our clients. There is no “good”; there is no “bad”. (See Matthew 7:1, “[j]udge not, that ye be not judged.”) There are only actions and decisions which move each of us in the direction of where we want to go and actions and decisions which don’t. There is simply cause and effect.

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I checked a different translation of James 1:7, the Message bible if anyone knows it, and here’s how it reads: “Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven.”

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I like that better. Justice O’Connor used to refer to things as either “attractive” or “unattractive.” I like that, too. It’s less judge-y. I also like “effective”, “optimal” and even “natural”. All these are better than the good / bad distinction.

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There is a desirable way to swing a golf club and an undesirable one. There is a natural way and a forced or sub-optimal way. An undesirable golf swing can lead to poor results and undue strain on the body. Actions and decisions in #ChildCustody and #CoParenting are similar.

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We’re not here to Judge, you decide what your goals are for yourself, your family and your children. Your actions and decisions either move you in that direction or fail to do so. No judgment; just cause and effect.

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This article contains general information and should not be construed as legal advice for you and or your unique situation. If you would like to speak more about how you, as a Committed Parent or Caring Relative, can be more effective in your Child Custody case, please visit www.ThinkFoxtrot.com/public_calendars/ to schedule your initial consultation at one of our offices. ~SW, Foxtrot