It has been a nice day in the neighborhood, with moderate temperatures and blue skies. Monday is a good day. Mondays are a significant part of life. Aaron’s Tree Removal comes in the morning to clean up the massive limbs that fell in our yard during the Ice Storm of 2025. So far 2025 is noteworthy.

Having been a Christian for 57 years, I have noticed a variety of definitions of that term. I first became intrigued by the Bible Storybooks in Ferrell Hospital while waiting to see Dr. Ferrell. The stories were beautifully illustrated and compelling renditions of the life of Christ and his love. I understood what strife worry and pain were and thus became drawn to the life of the Peacemaker and friend to the poor…which I was.

We are seeking the Quick Fix. No more poor but rich…not in spiritual matters but in the pocketbook. Now we look for The King of Retribution who will slay our perceived enemies. The homeless hungry and marginalized sit silently in the shadows waiting for the Bible Storybook Jesus to speak for them and give them a sense of place.

I was reading a good friend who spoke about the Church People who come to the Bar after Church on Sunday are the rudest of the people she has served. Eliteism will make you that way…

Church People are often shunned by the hurting hungry and lonely. Why would they seek more of the pain of life they currently feel from their place of no voice and one who cares about them? Many churches after they unzip their Halloween costumes are Nationalism Clubs.

‘We say we want freedom and then sign up for servitude,’ Woman said. ‘We love the scripture regarding the lion laying down with the lamb until we do not like the current flock of lambs,’ Woman continued. ‘As Archie Bunker bemoaned to his wife Edith that no affirmative action program gave him his job at the factory until she reminded him that his uncle got him his factory job,’ Woman laughed a laugh of sadness.

‘Life is hard and full of work and ambition,’ Man said with pride. ‘I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and made something of me,’ Man boasted with his chest puffed out. ‘That is why we are installing a rod iron fence around our property to keep the undesirables out,’ Man cautioned.

‘Sally’s house was destroyed in the fire a mile from our home,’ Child said. ‘Their house was twice as large as ours,’ Child continued. ‘Sally’s mom died in the inferno,’ Child said weeping.

‘We are all in the same boat in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.’ G.K. Chesterton