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The NCAA March Madness is over.  However, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark will remain in the record books until another phenom arrives on the court.  Caitlan and her basketball peers know what many knew long ago… girl’s basketball is a winning ticket!

In my daughter’s home hangs a shadow-boxed framed letter sweater of purple wool adorned with an embroidered basketball that proudly spells, “1935 Mid-State Champs.”  Gold medals are attached near the large wooden buttons, which appear as if they were sewn yesterday. 

My mother was a 5’ 7” mountain girl who weighed 99 pounds in 1935 and played center for Monterey Tennessee High School.   Crowds filled the gym each game they played and cheered them to victory repeatedly. 

At age 15, Mom also won the Middle Tennessee State free-throw contest at the University of Tennessee, sinking 48 out of 50 attempts. 

Tennessee applauded girls’ basketball before many states knew females could hold a ball.  Now, 90 years later, folks around the country are shouting, “WOW!!”  And I reply, “Duh!”

No team?

When I began walking, my mother put a basketball in my hands.  It was a part of my life, and try as I might, I could never come close to the skill she possessed. 

Dad hung a netless goal above our garage.  My court was a gravel driveway, so dribbling was nearly impossible.  I diligently practiced and finally made the B-team at some point.  The A teams consisted of many young players like my mother, who could run rings around most of the fellas who played the same game.

Just before we moved to Georgia, I decided to try to join my new school’s team.  I would be a sophomore, and if I practiced more, I would become a phenom like Mom. 

I envisioned the crowd roaring with my every long shot and each assist.  Oh, yes, I was going to be famous and one day have a letter sweater with medals and wooden buttons.

It only took a few minutes in my new high school to learn that my silly dream would never become reality.  My school had a stellar male team, but females?  No way!  Yes, no girls’ basketball.   I was astounded, and as much as I kept saying, “You guys are crazy not to have a team!”  My words fell on deaf ears.

Today, I just say, “I told you so!” with great pride and joy.

Recognizing greatness

I wonder when folks will fully recognize that women can achieve greatness in sports and every aspect of life.

Where would we be without Madame Marie Curie’s groundbreaking discovery of radium and polonium or nurse Clara Barton, who founded the Red Cross? Rosa Parks exemplified sheer courage and will, while Mother Teresa spread the love of God to the poor among us. How many lives were saved or transformed by the power of these and so many other women? 

In 1848, Elizabeth Cody Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Susan B. Anthony believed women deserved the right to vote.  They all died before women’s voting rights finally became a reality in America in 1920.  It took over 70 years of struggle to achieve such a feat.

 Inequality, bias, and outdated perceptions of women, not only in sports but in many aspects of life, are still unjust.

Since 1982, women have earned more bachelor’s degrees than men, and since 1987, more master’s degrees.  Lastly,  since 2006, they attained more Doctorates than males.  Yet, they make up only 8.8% of the CEOs in this country.

According to Forbes Magazine, pay equality will not be achieved until 2056. At that rate, Caitlan, who broke more records than any of her male counterparts, may see her daughter be paid according to her ability on the courts.

How many years?

 It took 90 years for a large section of the mainstream public to watch girls perform outstanding feats on a basketball court.  Seventy years passed for women to finally achieve the dream of entering a voting booth.  How long will it take for bias to end, and how many years will it be before the yet-unknown female scientist finds the cure for cancer?  

Will it take another century for the world to see, allow, and encourage excellence from girls in all areas of life?  It will never be a reality without women supporting and applauding each other and our endeavors. 

In the beginning, God created a man, and then he made Eve when he realized that Adam could not live alone.  Maybe he created women to do so much more, even if they had to dribble a basketball on rocks to break the glass backboard or ceiling one day.   

“Women are the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.”

Hillary Clinton

It was 1950-something when Grandpa (my grandmother) and I usually went into town on Saturday mornings.   I always adored visiting the small Tennessee mountain town where she resided.   

Before she bought groceries, we would swing by the local five-and-dime for candy or a small toy.  Sometimes, we went to the department store to look at shoes.  Grandpa loved shoes as much as I loved candy.  But as I look back, we loved each other more than money could buy.

The town square centered around the courthouse where men gathered to whittle and talk about religion, politics, or how the crops fared during the harsh winter.  Their pipe smoke filled the air with hazy circles as they tried to solve the world’s problems.  And when I was very young, I believed they could. 

It wasn’t until the 1950s turned to the early 1960s that I noticed only white folks sitting around the courthouse.  In fact, I recall seeing only our race around town.

“Grandpa, why are there only white people here?”  I asked her one day as we strolled toward the courthouse. 

“Oh, honey, those old men ran anybody that looked or acted differently out of town long ago.” She calmly answered.

“Do you think that it is the right thing to do?”  I replied.

Another thing comin’

“Honey, let me tell you something I hope you never forget.”

She continued, “From now until forever, some folks think they are right when they are wrong.  It makes ‘um feel better when they believe themselves superior to others.  It’s funny that those same old folks head to church on Sunday, study the Bible, and pray for a more righteous world.  They often believe their success, power, or even color causes them to rise above others.  But honey, they got another thing comin’!”

“What’s coming, Grandpa?”

“Let me tell you a story that will make it clearer.”

“One day, it was burning hot outside.  A crowd had gathered to catch the bus.  The group included people of all colors and convictions.  Some were thieves, many carried weapons, some held handfuls of cash, some were Republicans, and others were Democrats. 

The bus was late, and the people grew angry.  They began to blame each other for all their problems and woes.  They pointed their fingers and began to shout and shove one another.  Each person felt their views were correct and thought the other was as evil as the thieves.

Suddenly, a gunshot quieted the group.

What does happen next?

“What happened next?” I asked with my eyes wide open.

Grandpa answered, “Finally, the bus pulled up to the curb.  The door opened, and the driver emerged.  Without saying a word, the man walked into the throng to find a child lying on the ground.  She had been trampled by the enraged crowd and killed by a bullet embedded in her heart.  He slowly lifted the little girl into his arms as he studied the eyes of the people around him.

Then he touched the little girl’s chest and healed her, but he didn’t return her to her parents.  At that point, the folks recognized the driver as the Lord God himself!”

“Then, The Lord turned to speak to the unruly mob.”

“Didn’t I tell you to put no other Gods before me?  Yet, you chose anger, hatred,  violence, and politics over me.  You selected bias, power, and self-righteousness to be your God.   Distrust, doubt, and fear became your armor instead of faith.”

God continued, “This bus goes to Heaven.  Do you believe I would only select one race, and only the rich and the influential, to ride in this bus?  I was the one who welcomed the lepers and defended the prostitutes.  I welcomed all who believed and loved me to my table.  Didn’t I ask you not to judge others and do the same?”

He continued,  “Do you presume your politics will save your America, or do you believe that following the laws of kindness, inclusion, and compassion is what will make your country shine?” 

“You love to hate and feel no guilt by spreading it to others when I commanded you to simply love your neighbor.”

He returned to the bus, closed the doors, and drove away.

“Grandpa, did anybody get on the bus with him?”

 “Only the little child.” She softly answered, and I understood.

The 60s are now today.  Some things have changed, but what would the Lord say to many who stand in the sun to catch that bus to Heaven?  It could be the exact words.

Yet, I know one person who rode with the Lord to Heaven because she lived by her faith.  Her name was Grandpa.

After listening to the news and reading the paper, I hid in the closet…. And maybe I would stay there until it is safe to come out!  Kids killing kids, adults behaving like disrespectful brats, and don’t get me started on the absolute nightmare of politics! 

Sometimes, the harshness of life is just too much.  And, for many of us who love people, hiding from the world seems a good solution.  The only downside is that the world will stay the same if we live in seclusion.  It will only be kinder, safer, and more loving if we dare to show up.

I know; I recently told you I gave up writing.  I thought the closet would be better, but it is dark there!  And I don’t like it.  We can become isolated in our own safe havens way too often.  We let the bullies win when we hide or become frightened.  Why should we allow their antagonistic, revenge-filled lives to defeat our courage?  Why is hatred louder than love?

Mistakenly, I let the nastiness in the world sucker me into its grip.  “What’s the use of promoting civility, decorum, unity, humility, and old-fashioned goodness?  Greed and anger seem to defeat compassion today, and bullies appear to be winning on the playground of life. 

People sometimes dismiss words regarding our shared emotions as namby-pamby or unintellectual.  They fail to realize that we are reduced to a joyless, worthless existence without a spiritual life or feelings.

Nancy called

I was tired, not of writing but of sensing that God was constantly crying.  If I put on my earbuds and listened to music in the closet, I could drown His tears and thus, selfishly, end mine.  

Then Nancy called.  I don’t know Nancy, but she has read my columns for the last two years.  When she read that I was putting the pen down, she called the newspaper and asked how to reach me. 

I listened to her sweet voice as she told the story of how a column I wrote helped her deal with the death of her best friend.  I responded,  “I always know when I write there is one person whom God may be trying to reach.  He knows someone out there needs a bit of hope, a touch of inspiration, and a friend.” 

As I heard myself say these words, I realized, “How do I accomplish such a thing if I stay in the dark chamber I put myself in?”  I can’t.

Nancy wasn’t hiding either.  She picked up a phone and contacted a stranger who needed to hear her words.  Funny how the Lord works. 

So, I came out of the darkness to view the light of spring.  Suddenly, the clouds melted away and were replaced with a clear blue sky.  Drab gray faded to bright green, and blank tree branches erupted in glorious colors.   Everything looks fresher, newer, and more hopeful.   

God works through us.

As we head toward Easter celebrations, I am reminded that God works through each person to bring joy and peace.  He wants us all to jump from our inward struggles and fight the wickedness and meanness around us.  No matter how hard it is, no matter how timid we might be, His battle is ours.

What is Easter about?  Christ came to save us from the evildoers who nailed Him to a cross to suffer and die.  Afterward, they put him in a tomb, victoriously thinking, “That’s the end of that voice!” He fought the battle for 33 years against the oppressors, the self-absorbed, and the self-righteous.  He never wavered from his mission of spreading God’s love.

But on Easter, all those who believed they were victors saw that death could not stop His voice, quell His love, or keep His words entombed.  Christ was the victor!

 His courage should pulse through our veins as we face challenges in life.   His love does open the doors to our closets and frees us all.   When we let doubt or disdain interfere with our purpose, we cause suffering to the very one who came to end ours.

 How untrusting we are to rely on something other than the Lord’s strength to fulfill our mission here.  How foolish we are to think that what we do or say will not be heard by God.  And how utterly cowardly we are to remain silent when evil is shouting victory! 

This Easter, let goodness reign, kindness swell, and no matter who or what you believe in, never let it replace the one who believes in you.  It is the only way to free ourselves and our world from darkness.

Thank you to all who wrote me notes of inspiration in the last few weeks.  I may not see you every week, but I will not put the pen down again.  God bless you.

I submitted my first story to the LaGrange Daily News nine years ago.  It was a love letter to the west Georgia town that accepted me as a 15-year-old newbie with a Tennessee mountain accent as thick as Dolly Parton’s.   The editor printed the story in three parts, and within two weeks, I became a weekly columnist for their publication.

Today, I am printed in several news outlets, magazines, and national publications because a young editor believed, “Readers need hope and inspiration and an escape from the harshness of other news.”  

Before starting my column each week, I asked the Lord, “Well, God, what are we writing about today?”  Suddenly, words would appear on my computer, and they surprised me many times!  Each time, I knew there was someone out there in reader land who needed a friend.

Writing can be challenging during a pandemic like COVID-19, the ongoing political division, and the bombardment of hatred and incivility.  Finding the right words to calm the waters, provide respite, or remind others that God is always with us and watches what we do is often difficult.

Promoting words

Promoting kindness during political upheaval is like using a water gun in a war.  Reminding folks of truth, justice, and honor in an environment laced with conspiracy, blame, and lies is akin to trying to survive a raging flood using a toddler’s floaties. 

I knew that sharing my feelings and being transparent about my faults would open others to the idea that we all need each other. We don’t do well embroiled in division, controversy, or self-righteousness.

Thanks to a group of skilled editors and publishers, I am blessed to have the opportunity to write about everything from the importance of fried chicken to faith, family, and friends.

 Because of the opportunity God gave me, I have encountered the most fabulous folks.  From the fantastic Vietnam Veterans to reconnecting with old friends, my Tennessee roots, and you, I understand never taking these gifts for granted.  

However, having said all these things, I now feel it is time to put the pen down…. at least for a while.  Perhaps it is just for a short time to reflect and pray.   Maybe the hatred exhibited in our world compels me to lose a little more faith in folks than I need to.  So, I’ll pause instead of causing you to do the same.  

Before informing my editors of my decision to take a break, I placed my hand on the Bible.  “God, please tell me if I am doing the right thing.  Let me know somehow that this is your will, not mine.”

And God replied

I opened the Bible randomly and read Ecclesiastes 3:7: “There is a time for everything: A time to tear; a time to repair; a time to be quiet; a time to speak up.” At that moment, I knew it was my time to be quiet and repair.  

Everyone knows Lynn and silence are unrelated, so hopefully, I’ll be loud again soon.   However, when it is time, I pray God comes back to my office, throws words on the computer, and you will take the time to read them.

So, until I see you again, remember that decency requires being decent, hatred dies by the hand of love, and most of all, remember that our leader is our heavenly Father, and we should reflect Him in all we do and say. 

Fulfill your purpose not with negativity but with vigor and hope until the day they call your name from way up yonder!

With love and appreciation,

Lynn Walker Gendusa

Note: I will add information and reflection on my web page during this time off. God bless

Can any of us imagine living in a country run by a tyrannical dictator, rife with corruption, and where one is killed or imprisoned if one opposes such evil?  A place where truth is optional, freedom to speak is non-existent, and hope is gone. 

“It is what it is, and there is nothing we can do!”  This is an excuse used by people in Russia, America, and other countries worldwide regarding government leadership.  Such a statement that is oft-repeated by a nation’s people will soon be controlled by someone like Hitler, Putin, or Kim Jong Un.

Apathy is the killer of free societies.  We will forfeit liberty when we assume nothing can be done.  We hand in our rights when we are not courageous or sensitive enough to care.

 When citizens allow corruption or conspiracies to spread, then evil will rise and control what we care about.

   I firmly believe that every citizen of this country must let your voice be heard.  For all the soldiers who have died to defend our land, shout.  Apathy or fear must never invade America, or we will become another Russia.

Applaud character

I applaud those who stand for honesty, civility, and character.  Leaders willing to give up power for the country they serve should be heralded and not victimized.  They are the ones who sign no political pledges, work together to find solutions, and use their time to help the citizens of their nation.  These are the leaders who prioritize their country before their party.

Can any of us imagine living in a nation where such a brave leader is killed, and one is not allowed to simply lay a flower on a sidewalk to honor him?  Can you imagine being the mother or wife of Alexey Navalny who knows justice will never be served for his murder?  Do we not comprehend that in some countries, there is no justice?

 America has always believed that “no one is above the law.”  Justice wins here because of our Constitution, which should never be undermined.  It is our backbone, our power, and our protector.  

The Make America Great Again movement promoted in 2016 was and still is confusing to me.  I always thought America was great.  We have problems, but we typically have worked them out or at least tried to do so.    

We marched when we needed to, went to war when we needed to, survived, and grew.  There is greatness when the will of the people reigns.  When we vote, we establish a future for four years.  If our leader fails, we can rid ourselves of the commander.  We call it democracy.  It is not perfect, but Lord, it isn’t Russia. 

Members of the world

Have you noticed how some folks think God is only an American?  We are members of a world, and our world includes people of all ethnicities, beliefs, and creeds.  As godly people, we are, according to scripture, supposed to help all people.  “Go therefore and teach all nations…”  Matthew 28:19

Now, how do we do that if we become isolationists?  How do we aid and love others when we choose to ignore the fate of God’s children of all nations?  Or, because living in a vacuum is easier and cheaper, do we delete that part of God’s edict?

What would have happened if Hitler was not defeated?  Can you imagine? 

When hatred permeated our corner of the world on December 7, 1941, the citizens of our GREAT country banded together in force to defeat it.  They cared enough to fight, fall, and keep our flag hoisted above our land.  Freedom-loving leaders worldwide battled to conquer the enemy and were valiant enough to show their character.  Those powerful enemy dictators fell because apathy was destroyed by the clutched hands of unity. 

Can you imagine how we could ever be greater than we were and still are as long as we are together?

There is no excuse for apathy, laziness, and cowardice… not here.  Not in this place where the opportunity to be the voice of freedom and justice is heard.  Not in this America where we can peacefully protest and raise flags.   Not in this land where roses are proudly displayed to honor fallen heroes.  Not on this earth’s soil where American blood lies beneath the surface because we cared enough to die for our corner of the planet.

Can you imagine living in a country where pride is gone, honor is lost, and you don’t care that it is?  It will never happen here if we inspire others to be brave, hopeful, and involved.

Pick up a phone, vote, write letters, pray, and keep a great America.

You know what?  We need to laugh more!  We should demand television show reruns of The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Cheers, and Friends during prime-time hours.   Who needs more bad news, murder, lawlessness, and unsolved mysteries?  We have an abundance of those in our daily lives.  Instead, we need a Jackie, a Lucy, a Norm, or a Pheobe to lighten our moods.

I was born into a family who adored life’s funny and foolish antics.  My Dad was voted “The Wittiest” in high school.  He never changed; he could energize a group with his over-the-top wit.  Everyone loved him because he shared his humor and cherished other’s smiles.

Dad’s brothers and sister were his best friends throughout life.  My Aunt Ruth passed away earlier than the others.  She lived in Seattle, and folks say any writing talent I possess is attributed to her.  When she wrote letters, they prompted giggles and rereads. 

When I visited her in Seattle during the 1962 Worlds Fair, she was heading to the drug store early one morning.  “Lynn, wanna’ go with me?”   I recall not wanting to but instead responded, “Sure!”

When we paused at the greeting card section, she began reading the amusing cards aloud, making funny faces, using body language, and generating hilarity.  Folks gathered around, enjoying the comedy show in the middle of a drug store on a  sunny Saturday morning.  

During the July trip, I saw incredible sights and stored priceless memories.  But a lasting highlight was the laughter collected in the middle of Walgreens from an aunt who treasured the frivolity of life.

The brothers

My Uncle Paul was the oldest sibling of the Walker four.  He was a respected surgeon who you would think would be the most serious and studious of the gang.   You would think wrong.  He possessed a roaring belly laugh and a repertoire of jokes and pranks that could also amuse a crowd. 

Robert was the serious one.  He was also blessed with more cash flow than the others, yet they all jokingly teased him because he drove the worst car, never spent money on new golf balls, and earned the reputation from his mother as “Poor Robert.”

Of course, Poor Robert was not poor but rich with kindness and brilliance.  He continually laughed and adored his comical best friends.

When he died a few years before my father, Dad was standing with a group of Robert’s fellow golfing buddies after the funeral.   They all felt grief for their friend and brother.  Dad was devastated because now, the fab four were down to one.

Suddenly, my father, recognizing the shared pain, lifted them all with one question, “Did anyone remember to put the golf ball retriever in the casket with Bob?  If he can’t hunt for lake-soaked lost golf balls on the course in heaven, he will not enjoy paradise!”

They began to laugh and understand how the playful times we remember ease our misery, grief, and loss.

Humor is undoubtedly a gift we often take lightly.  The four Walker siblings lost their father and a toddler sister to the Spanish Flu in February 1920.  So many relatives passed away that year that Dad said, “Each day was filled with fear that another loved one would leave.”

Laughter to survive

The fabulous funny four used humor to survive the brutality of life.  They entertained each other and laughed at themselves.  Everyone enjoyed their outlandish and humorous ways, yet the siblings knew what heartache could accomplish if it consumed them.

My cousin Bobby recalls walking by my grandmother’s home as a young boy and hearing cackling laughter and slapping knees from folks gathered on her front porch. 

And boy, do we need to hear more of it today.

  Are we losing our insight into the meaning of laughter?  When we applaud, ridicule, disrespect, and be rude because we think it’s funny, we abuse the happy blessing of humor.

When a former president mocked a disabled person, I knew it was terribly insensitive, but when the crowd laughed at his crude remark and gestures, I felt such shame my skin crawled.  

Instead, God smiles when we use the gift of humor to lift another.  That’s what we should do with our spirits.  We boost ourselves and others with a cheerful heart, not a spiteful one.

As a direct descendant of a bunch of clowns, I inherited silliness.  It has healed many heartaches, just as it did for my father. 

 I still read comical cards in the drugstore, and when I do, I recall my Aunt Ruth’s infectious merriment and these words:   “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up bones.” 

Proverbs: 17:22

We need to provide more medicine to the world before we are nothing but broken bones.

God is our mighty defender, right?   Yet, today, I feel the need to defend Him.

 Of course, God doesn’t need defending by mere humans.  The actual defense of our faith is being a witness of his love to those who watch us.

In the summer of 1960, I attended a church service with my friends from a different Protestant denomination.  It was just before we entered our teen years, and there was much bickering regarding the upcoming Presidential election. 

Since preteens pay little attention to the happenings outside their orbit, I learned little about politics.  When the minister began his sermon, he became almost enraged.

He roared, “As Christians, I must say we cannot vote for the Catholic John Kennedy!”

When my pals and I walked into the bright sunshine after the service, I asked one of them, “Isn’t the Catholic religion Christian?” 

“Yes, but they are wrong!”  My friends responded.

That day in 1960, hypocrisy hit me like a ton of bricks.  Love thy neighbor was out the window, Christians gathering in harmony, tossed away, being the world’s light, darkened.  All because of politics and bias.

Some change, some none

A few short years later, I attended my church during the days of racial unrest.  Hearing news of folks torching historic black churches and not allowing Christians of color to worship in predominantly white sanctuaries was more than shameful.  Plus, there seemed to be little condemnation from religious leaders.  I thought for sure God would set fire to all of us by the time it ended if it ever would.

Thank God He sent Martin Luther King to be a peaceful negotiator and leader to rescue all of us.

It is now 2024, and for the first time in 80 years, church membership has fallen below 50%. * 

The problem is the same as it was centuries before and during the turbulent 1960s: hypocrisy, judgmental thinking, and many saying, “God is missing in the church.”  And now it is worse.

Today, congregations are splitting over doctrine, personal ideologies, infighting, and who has the right to do this or that.   Politics has entered the Evangelical movement, which appears more interested in swaying people toward candidates instead of turning them toward God. 

 It seems a belief in the word conservative or liberal has more credence than the word Godly.  We can become quite nasty when it involves politics and then proclaim, “It’s okay to do so.”

And we wonder why church attendance is at an all-time low.  Why is division at an all-time high among all Americans?    

I recall that Sunday in the Tennessee church, thinking that any minute Jesus would walk down the aisle and smack that preacher silly, or lightning would smoke up the sanctuary! 

They say no sin is greater than the other.  I believe that to be true, but I also know God gave every one of us a mission, and it is clear as a bell: “Love one another.”

Love others…. please.

We are all hypocritical regarding many things, but there is no excuse for our behavior prompting pews to empty when Jesus gave His life to fill them.

It had been a while since I heard from Sheri. *  She lived far away but became a pal through my columns.  The phone rang, and I was amazed and delighted to discover it was my friend. 

She needed to talk to someone because she felt isolated and alone.  Always a churchgoer and strong Christian, she began, “Lynn, I don’t feel comfortable in my church anymore.  I don’t attend.”

I totally understood.  The political environment and infighting over conservative or liberal persuasions have thrown people out of pews nationwide.  And nothing makes it okay to do so.

 When Christians use disparaging remarks, applaud hatred, turn from those in need, and worship idols or money,  we divert people away from God.  We put an exclamation point to the complaint, “God is missing in the church!”

 It must end.   Christ’s words must rise above all else, or he will walk down the aisles of every cross-bearing building in our land and slap us all silly.

Jesus came to save us from ourselves. The church has one mission based on one doctrine, as commanded by Christ: “Go therefore and teach all nations.” 

As believers, our first priority is to bring people into the arms of God’s love and understanding.  Churches preach the gospel to save souls, teach God’s power, and use it to enlighten the world.

Faith and love of God take work.   Christians should always use their faith to steer others toward a loving, omnipresent, merciful Lord.  If our spirit shines a light into the darkness, it may be the only way others will find their way home.

Let’s lay hypocrisy down and grab a flashlight.

*Church Trak: 2024

“What’s that Joe?  Little Ruthie asks her slightly older brother as he holds up a mysterious bottle in the bathroom.  Joe answers, “Styling Mousse.  It’s made from moose guts.”

 Ruthie makes a grimacing face as Joe continues, “And if you spray it on a zombie, it’ll die a painful and lingering death.

“What’s lingering mean?” Ruthie responds. 

“Smelly, like Lingburger cheese.” Joe casually answers.

Ruthie: “Why is cheese so smelly?

Joe: It’s so you can tell what you eat in the dark.

Ruthie: Why do people eat in the dark?

Joe:  It’s a tradition in some countries, like Detroit.”

Ruthie: Detroit’s a country!?”

Joe:  Yeah, and it’s run by witches and warlocks.

Finally, Ruthie asks, “How do you know all this stuff, Joe?”

“DUH, Ruthie!  Have you never heard of the internet?” *

Do we need to grow up?

Out of the mouths of cartoon characters under age seven lies an unfortunate adult problem.

Joe is so casually fabricating nonsense because his story is more fascinating.  Plus, it is easier than researching what mousse does for the hair.  Or having to dig into a dictionary and find the meaning or spelling of a word.  Who needs a map to find a land of warlocks and witches?

Why take time to find answers, truth, and meaning?  Should we look at several different sources for news or listen to those more knowledgeable on a subject we know little about?

Educating ourselves to be better informed might improve our wisdom, decisions, and attitudes. 

The amount of misinformation spread across the internet continues to be a divisive and explosive detriment to our nation and its citizens.  When we accept or embrace an idea without examination, we become victims and not victors. 

Today, we have a massive issue with aligning ourselves with what we prefer to believe rather than the truth.  Fact is often disappointing and hard to accept.  Truth often resembles nasty cough medicine.  It tastes horrible but stops the menacing cough.   Taking a dose of truth can rid us of bias, lies, and anger.

Detroit, Russia

The amount of conspiracy theories and bogus ideas is increasing because it is easier to believe a captivating story that aligns with our beliefs.  We applaud our foolish wisdom when others think as we do.  The more folks agree with us, the more valid it seems and the more it spreads.

Finally, we become like seven-year-old Joe, who believes Detroit is a country.  If Joe then shares his theory with other kids,  soon Detroit is in Russia and governed by a tribe of witches and warlocks called “Michigan!”

How do we know where a narrative begins on the internet?  We understand that foreign entities and hackers use tactics to separate us.  “Divide and conquer” has been a strategy for centuries; the internet just makes it more underhanded.

  I am constantly amazed at the number of otherwise reasonable folks falling prey to the fear spread by some unknown expert from somewhere in the open seas of the World Wide Web.

Just give me a reputable newspaper.  There is more truth in the newspaper’s comic section than in bizarre stories on social media.

Often, I take a photo of a funny cartoon and send it to my friends first thing in the morning.  They don’t subscribe to the paper, and Garfield started my day with a laugh I want to share.  

I prefer to read a story backed by an actual event based on facts.  As a matter of fact, give me a state, national, or local paper and allow me to discern truth from fiction.   I went to school. 

Truth or Warlocks?

I write for several local and national newspapers and publications.  Each of their skilled editors is determined to represent honesty, fairness, and open-mindedness. 

Through the years, I have yet to see any nefarious schemes or distortions as found in other branches of news outlets and certainly on the internet. 

I have stated this before, but I love my fellow citizens enough to say it for the thousandth time: “Do not listen to only what you want to hear!”

It’s akin to reading the Bible.  If you only read “Thou shalt not kill,” you might miss the part “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”   We should never choose words from the Bible to validate our ideas but rather study them to learn how to live according to God’s word.

To live an honest life with honest leaders, we must take the time to seek the truth even though it might taste like hair mousse or smell like stinky cheese.  We need sound directions to escape from the darkness where warlocks live.   And it may take God to return us to Detroit, Michigan, in the land of America.

*One Big Happy by Rick Detorie  Sunday 1/21/24

The helmet is awkward, the shoulder pads are too big for the armor, and I can’t pick up a thing wearing boxing gloves.  However, I am ready to protect myself from the ruckus, chaos, and uncertainty of 2024.  

As I stumble around the kitchen in my protective garb, I recall those election years when all seemed mostly normal or something other than now.  Days when it was our civic duty and honor to vote without fear of retaliation or conflict.   

I recall casting my first vote after graduating high school, where Miss Owen taught the required Government course in my senior year.  Boy, understanding government before you select someone to govern is a blessing.  Perhaps I wouldn’t have to wear boxing gloves if more people studied what Miss Owen directed us to learn.

America was built on the backs of unified bravery.  We stood firm through wars, terrorism, diseases, financial collapses, racism, and social woes.  We endured many problems but advanced, changed, grew, and prospered because we cherished freedom more than trouble.

This year, I do not wear armor to protect me from a foreign enemy, disease, or the economy.   It is not racism, diversity, or immigration that will doom America.  What we will need to fight for is our integrity and civility.   The blows leveled upon America by the lack of respect toward each other will be our demise.

What do you hear?

If you listen to the candidates running for office today or tune in to the halls of Congress, what do you hear?  Sure, the old promises are still there, but the brutal attacks, demeaning jokes, threats, and vitriolic verbiage used are like never before.

The lack of civility exhibited by some government leaders is nothing short of un-American.  The political power struggles and tactics employed between our political parties and many of those representing them should be shameful to all.  Encouraging division to gain power is undermining the American spirit.

Many folks exuberantly applaud the nasty rhetoric, laugh at the cruel jokes, and overlook today’s unacceptable behavior.   When winning is more important than how we run a race, what does it say about our culture and character?  If true, we no longer deserve God’s grace and are no longer America, the beautiful. 

We all want to support our choice of leaders, but we must respect the values and rights of others without condemnation.  To disparage another because we disagree with their choice of leadership or policy is not appreciative of a democracy based on individual rights and freedoms.

 When an honorable character is no longer critical, and actions have no consequences, then take a match to our constitution.  At that point, we don’t deserve to have one.

Justifying “wrong”

Our nation has historically embraced the power of God.  What do you think will happen when influential people have no fear of God and folks turn away from His words and laws?   Rome fell, Germany fell, and heralded leaders toppled because the power of God was stronger than the will of a nation, its leaders, or its people.

Folks who believe they are “right” are committing wrongful acts.  Many are terrorizing those who differ from them, threatening their families, and using physical and mental means to do so.  They are the bullies of our world.  And no one loves a bully but the bullies.   Unfortunately, too many of us just turn away, ignoring the situation, until the day the bully wins.

My family and many of you heard these words when we were kids: “Don’t engage in cruelty.  Don’t bully, and don’t follow one.  Don’t disrespect your elders, teachers, or God.   Converse, don’t shout, and never take the easy way out.  Kindness will open doors, and meanness will trap you inside.  Walk a mile in another’s shoes to understand compassion.”

Do we need a pinch?

If we use today what we learned as children, our children will not be disillusioned with us or our nation.

When I was a child, if I were discourteous and behaved rudely in public, Mom would pinch me where no one could see her do so.  Sometimes, we learn the hard way to act in a better way.  It was part of our maturing into decent folks.  

 Where has much of the decency gone?  I didn’t know it could fade away by following people who obviously never were pinched.

America is tattered, torn, and tired of political rhetoric without substance but laced with fear, power, and blame.  Most Americans desire our government to be represented with sound policies and led with honor. 

Here we go to 2024!   May we be reminded as we march onward that integrity, civility, and respect for one another are the armor we need for America to shine as that one indivisible nation under God.  

My buddy passed away last week after valiantly battling cancer for years.  I wrote a story about this man in 2021, “Meet God’s Soldier with a Mission,” published in several news outlets across the South.   Lieutenant Colonel Dan Payne wore so many different hats during his lifetime of service to God and country that he required a room to hang them all. 

If we are fortunate to live a while, we all wind up with a roomful of hats.  We change our roles throughout our lives.  Transitioning from child to adult, from mothers and fathers to empty nesters, and from one job to another until we wear the cap announcing, “I’m Retired!”

Dan graduated high school with me and married my good friend, Jo.  Became a father, college student, Vietnam veteran, seminary graduate, and Baptist pastor.  Then rejoined the Army and became a Chaplain in various military bases worldwide, including in the Desert Storm/Shield conflicts.   Finally, after serving 28 years, he was a veteran with so many medals that he needed another room for those!

Yet, that wasn’t the end.  No, Dan became a Park Ranger and a grandfather while continuing to counsel and support countless appreciative people. 

God was Dan’s Boss

“Lynn, I often wonder why God keeps me on earth to suffer?” 

“Well, Dan, I think God has used you to send messages of hope to the numerous folks you touch throughout your life.    And he is still making you work.  How many people have been encouraged to never give up because of the grace and bravery you exhibit through your sickness?” 

Then, I ended my conversation as I usually did with Dan…. A joke.  “Shoot, Dan, who knows, you might wind up taking Job’s place in the Bible!”

I didn’t shed a tear when I heard Dan had left us.  Instead, I smiled.  To lose a lifetime buddy usually puts me holding a box of tissues for a while, but not this time.  It was as if heaven opened for me to glimpse Dan sitting beside the Lord.  This time, he wasn’t wearing a hat; he donned a crown. 

I traveled with another high school friend to Dan’s funeral in north Georgia.  We listened to members of the military speak, saw Dan’s minister shed tears as he delivered his eulogy, and Park Rangers sitting side by side in a pew.  Family members gathered in swarms, and as I watched Jo enter the church in the arms of her sons, I saw her smile. 

She knows Dan’s life isn’t over, and his legacy will live on for years.  A life of service, sacrifice, and joy.

Dan’s life journey taught me that it is not how much we accumulate in our earthly life.  Instead, it is about how much we give away during our time here. 

Making every hour count

We can spend time on the beach or playing sports.  How many of us spend years searching for success and making money only to obtain more material items?  We spend hours looking for ways to entertain ourselves and have fun.  We spend precious time defending our often-errant beliefs and personal opinions that, most of the time, matter little. 

Ultimately, what have we given to others’ lives when our life was complete?  How many hats did we wear that improved the world?  Like Dan, did we inspire others by how we spent our time?  Did we leave a legacy, benefit our nation, protect our forest, become a hero, and hear thunderous applause when we reached heaven’s door?

People often ask, “Do you think about death often?”  Usually, if one does, it is a sign of depression or negativity.  I have made the monumental discovery that we should contemplate our death more.  We all know our lives will end, and if we live as though it could be over tomorrow, perhaps we will treasure our days and spend our time in more valuable ways.  

None of us can take success, money, fame, fun, political party affiliation, or beach chairs when we pass to the great beyond.  We will not be asked how we spent our hours because God already knows the answer. 

Did we serve, minister to others, provide calm, and love people and all of God’s creatures?  Were we kind, patient, forgiving, giving, faithful, and fearless?  And did we do well enough that folks smiled at our funeral because they knew, without a doubt, that we were safely in the arms of the Lord?  If so, what a glorious way to end our earthly journey.

Goodbye, old pal, you were outstanding here.  I can’t imagine how spectacular you will be in heaven!

In memory of Lieutenant Colonel Dan L. Payne, 1947-2024