Spring is in the air. Green is making its presence known. In these early days, you have to look for the green, but soon it will be abundant. The brown of winter earth is still with us. The land where the snow lay heavily upon the ground. Trees lift their bare branches to the sky, looking for change. So it goes with us. Life looks static on its surface. Beneath the surface, a hidden world is preparing.

Christ spoke to the people of his day in parables. ‘A short tale that illustrates a universal truth.’ Discovering the truth in our modern days is a bit like a riddle contest. The problem with riddles is that you change the answers regularly. This would be the modus operandi of some in government. It is difficult to run for the goalpost when it keeps moving.

Word games and riddles are fun for kids, but they can be dangerous when lives are on the line. A joy of the French Quarter was seeing people who were not pretending. The life lines in their faces revealed their walk through the world. The joy in their music was a worshipful experience. Genuneness of spirit is exciting. Real is hard to beat. There is a magnetic connection with people of goodwill and singleness of purpose.

Fear is not the answer. Hiding from a Bully will not satiate him. Looking away from a housefire will not save the occupants.

‘The Leader says everyone should build a bomb shelter,’ Chet said. ‘He says we are under the threat of imminent attack,’ Chet continued. ‘He says he can not identify the attackers at this time for our own good but that we must build our war supplies in preparation,’ Chet continued.

‘Endless war refers to a state of perpetual, unresolved conflict, often characterized by unachievable goals, sustained military spending, and a lack of clear exit strategies.’

‘I have a lot I want to give you if you will just let me explain,’ the Kindly Old Man with the red eyes said. ‘I will give you all of the kingdoms of the Earth, and you will be my king and be loved by all,’ Kindly Old Man said with a quiet smile. ‘You are tired and hungry…you need sleep…all of these needs I will gladly fulfil for a leader of your skills,’ Kindly Old Man said. ‘Most men are motivated by their fear and lust…they will serve you gladly, and I will be at your right hand for advice when you need it,’ Kindly Old Man admonished.