A Fishing Story

Once upon a time...

There was a lodge located in the middle of some of the best fishing in the world.  The lakes, rivers and streams were teaming with hungry fish.

The wise men of  lodge thought it would be a good idea to go fishing.  One of them stood up and asked, "who knows how to fish?"  They looked and each other and realized nobody had ever gone fishing.  Another wise man stood up and said, "We need to bring someone to the lodge who can teach us about fishing".  They all agreed that it was a good idea.  They collected their resources and hired a professional fisherman to come and teach them about fishing.

They announced the event to all of the staff and guests.  They even gave it a name, "Explore Fishing".  Everybody was anxious to hear about fishing.

When the day arrived the Professional Fisherman taught them everything he knew about fishing.  There were handouts with photos and everything.  He told them about the different types of fish and what they ate.  Next came detailed instructions about the rods, reels, different lines and the proper clothing to look like a fisherman.  He
went over the best times for fishing and the best places on the lakes, rivers and streams where fish could be found.  He even showed them how the primitive people fished 2000 years ago and mentioned some scientific names for various types of fish.  There was a great lesson on the problems of fishing and how to handle them.  Afterward, the guests and staff asked questions.  There was even a time for group
sessions so they could have intellectual discussions about fishing and share their thoughts and, most importantly, their feelings about fishing.

It was a great success.  The staff and guests had learned about fishing.  Everyone was thrilled that they could do it in the comfort and protection of the lodge.

One lady stood up and asked the wise men what the people were going to do with this information.  The chief wise man said, "we'll all know about fishing".  She asked again,  "what are these people going to do with the information?""  The chief wise man answered, "We have all gained insight on fishing.  Didn't you hear the words of the Professional Fisherman?"  She finally walked away and was very disturbed.

The wise men decided to have more events like this.  "We must tell more people about fishing if we want to be a successful lodge".

They brought in more guest speakers.  The lodge was growing and more guests were learning about fishing.  They even had special courses for people that wore red shirts and for those who wore blue shirts.  The wise men were pleased that everybody could find a comfortable place to learn about fishing.

One day, unbeknownst to the lodge or the wise men, the lady that asked too many questions went fishing.  She took her fishing equipment to the lakes, rivers and streams.  The fish were jumping everywhere.  Bravely, she began fishing.  Wouldn't you know it !  She caught a fish.  Then another and another.  She caught a lot of fish.

Excited about what happened, she went to the lodge and showed everybody the fish she'd caught.  "The lakes, rivers and streams are full of hungry fish !", said cried.  Everyone was amazed at what she had done.  She told them how she did it and everything.  The wise men heard about this and were ecstatic about the success of the lady who asked too many questions.  "She took the information, used it and caught fish", they cried with joy.  They gave her the special position of Resident Fisherman.  They made sure that she would be available to tell everybody what she had done.

The lodge opened new lodges.  The young lady was very busy going from lodge to lodge telling everybody about her success in catching a fish.  So busy, in fact, that she never had time to go fishing again.

THE END

Taking a Stand

Have you ever noticed how people will take a stand for trivial matters? Arguments about sports, cars, soda, music, etc... can create some serious adverse reactions. Fights have come about because someone's subjective tastes differed from another's.

Has anybody taken a poll to find out why people become so defensive with these things? Has a college received grant money for such a study?

It's very interesting to watch these discussions. It's disturbing to not see a stand when one should be made.

One would think that a position against the profanity and licentiousness in movies would be made by the religious majority. With 84% of the United States population being Christian it's surprising that nothing has be done.

If the Protestants and Catholics were to stop attending movies for 3 months, and voice their concerns, the movie industry would change. Not because of a sudden revelation of their wrong doings but because of the money. When 84% of the people stop doing something it makes an economical impact.

Why won't they do it?

There are churches that have used portions of movies that are rated R as an introduction to a sermon or announcing an event. Using a vehicle that offends the sensibilities of the teachings of Jesus Christ doesn't make sense.

Christians should think hard about what they're allowing to happen and take a stand for something worthwhile. After all, Christians are not called to be entertained. They are called to be Holy.

Division

If you remember, I wrote a piece about how I think music divides. There are other things that divide. Egos. Opinions. Churches.

Did I say churches? Yes, indeed. Although it isn't a process that's been intentionally thought out, it is a fact that churches divide. Think about this. When you go to church, what happens? The son goes to one part, the daughter to another and, if they're lucky, the mom and dad attend class or worship together. Where are the kids?

In the olden daze, we used to go to church together as family. We sat together in the service. Unfortunately, we'd all be divided for Sunday School.

Why? I have no idea except that maybe the powers that be thought it to be a good idea.

Today the church focuses on specific groups i.e. young, old, black, white, Mexican etc... Why is this.

Today the church is changing the message that Jesus spoke to "come and hear" instead of the incredible "Go and Tell". Why?

Jesus' message is clear, "Go ye therefore unto all nations..." The operative word is "go" not come. The next teaching is this. "And ye shall be witnesses". Not witness that say come and hear but witnesses in Judea, Samaria and the uttermost part of the world. Clearly that isn't a 'come and hear' message.

Where have we gone wrong?

Think about it.