I Think We Can Handle The Truth

I went to see "The Big Miracle" a couple of weeks ago with my two boys. The movie is based on a true story surrounding a collaborated rescue effort to save three grey whales that were trapped in the frozen waters of northern Alaska. My boys seemed to enjoy the movie, but I didn't think it was all that great, personally. As I often do when I watch a movie based on true events, when I got home I immediately began doing some research to find out how accurate the movie was. While I expected to find some variations from the actual event what I didn't expect to find was that the "happy ending" may very well have been a complete fabrication.

For those who have not seen the movie, I don't think I'll ruin it for you if I tell you the movie ends with the whales making it to open waters. After all, I don't think there would be much of a reason to make the movie if all the whales die. We all love happy endings and as you sit there watching this movie, you just know things are going to work out in the end. However, what if they didn't really make it to open waters? What if they spent all that money and manpower trying to free these three whales and their attempts completely failed? Could we handle that truth, or would we rather re-write the ending to make it happy?

As I read several articles about this actual event, the truth seems to be that nobody really knows if the whales made it or not. While many believe they did, nobody actually knows for sure. It is possible that the whales made it out to sea, but it is equally possible that they never made it and the effort was a failure. Naturally, the whales surviving makes for a much better ending, but when I see a movie based on a true story, I prefer the facts to be accurate for the most part. I guess what I'm saying is I like for true stories to be true. What would be so bad about the ending of this whale movie being accurate? Instead of manipulating the ending to go along with what most people hope for concerning the fate of the whales, what if the movie played out like the real life event? Couldn't we all handle an ending of uncertainty? I really think we can handle the truth.

We live in a world where truth is often hard to find. We have political leaders who hide the truth in order to maintain power, push their agendas, and "protect us" because they think we can't handle it. The news media does the same thing. Abortionists use the word "fetus" to convince themselves and the masses that they are removing tissue rather than exterminating a life. God forbid we speak of a literal hell because in the end we like to think that along with dogs, we all go to heaven. In an effort to be "politically correct," we shy away from speaking the truth for fear of offending someone. In relationships, we often steer around the truth because we fear the difficult conversations that often accompany speaking the truth. When we meet people we often put on masks and pretend to be something we're not because we figure if they know the truth about us, they'll reject us. We get a lump or a pain somewhere and we hesitate to go to the doctor because we don't want to know if its something bad. Somehow we figure if we just don't know, we will be better off. We would rather not know the truth if it is bad news. In a court room we take an oath to tell the whole truth, yet neither side really wants the whole truth, just the portion of the truth that benefits them.

I don't know about you, but I want the truth. I think I can handle the truth. I don't ever want to be like those young people on American Idol who have been told all their lives they can sing when they really can't carry a tune in a bucket. I think we should always be supportive of our children, but part of being a parent is having those difficult conversations with our children when we have to speak the truth. It is always a huge mistake, whether we are protecting others or ourselves by running from the truth.

Have you ever seen someone walking around with their fly down and chose not to tell them? Have you ever seen someone with food in their teeth and chose not to say a word? If you were that person wouldn't you rather someone politely tell you the truth rather than say nothing? Several years ago I got home from church to notice that when I took off my pants that the entire seat of my pants had come unstitched. I'm not talking a little hole, I talking a 6-8 inch gaping hole. Now, I hope nobody saw my tighty-whities, but its hard for me to imagine that nobody saw my bright white Fruit-of-the-Looms through the hole in my navy pants. Trust me, in an instance like that I WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH!

Sometimes speaking the truth is difficult. Sometimes it is extremely uncomfortable for both the one speaking the truth and the one hearing it. Sure, the truth may produce anger, tears, and many other emotions initially, but in the end, it produces freedom. Trying to protect someone by shielding them from the truth, often does more damage than just speaking the truth.

Concerning the whales in "The Big Miracle," sure I would much rather the story end with the whales making it to safety. I don't think anyone wants them to die. But, I can handle it if they did. I'm pretty sure my two young boys could handle it too. Perhaps, I would have to do a little explaining to them, but in the end I would rather them know the truth. Actually they do know the truth because I told them. I told them that in real life nobody really knows if the whales lived or died. Their response? "I hope they made it because it would be sad if they died." Amazing, it seems like they can handle the truth.

The Ancient Secret That Gave Eagles Flight

A long, long time ago, on a far away and distant shore

Lived a group of eagles, who had forgotten how to soar.

These eagles were easy to find, for they never soared in the sky,

But, hung around chickens and turkeys, and other birds that didn’t fly.

As a matter of fact if you didn’t look close you would easily have thought

Since these eagles couldn’t soar, then eagles they were not.

For its true you never see eagles, hopping like chickens on the ground

No, they were meant to soar, yes in the sky is where they’re found

But these eagles had been grounded far too many days and nights

That none of them knew the old and ancient secret that gave eagles flight

These eagles were ruled by a lion, one that was cruel to the core.

Some thought him to be evil, yes one to be abhorred.

Though its true many liked him not, nobody would ever say,

For fear of his wrath it was better just the think, yet never ever to say.

But the lion wasn’t alone, for he had a very dear old pal

A chameleon who was slick, and who was always on the prowl.

Together they worked hard to keep every eagle on the ground

For they knew what could happen if that ancient secret was ever found

Yes, these two knew the truth, that when eagles learn to soar

It means that those eagles can never be controlled anymore.

Since, the lion and chameleon, loved power and control

Making sure those eagles never flew was their biggest goal.

So they tried with all their might and their plan worked great

Till, one day something changed, yep, some call it fate

It was as if the very One who created those eagles to fly

Reminded them who they were, and that they belonged in the sky

Still the lion and chameleon demanded it was not true

But the eagles could no longer be tricked, for now they knew

Then the lion and chameleon came together and agreed

No eagle shall ever fly, or there will be trouble yes indeed.

The eagles couldn’t take it anymore, so the decided they would leave

They would find a place where they’d fly, at least that’s what they believed

The journey it was long and many eagles died along the way

But just for a chance to fly it was worth it all, every one of them would say

Could these eagles ever learn to fly? Its a question only time would tell

Each of them believed they could, but there was still the chance they’d fail

They felt freed from the chameleon, but the lion still held on tight

He sent those whom he trusted to make certain not one eagle took flight

This was not what they expected, not at all what they had planned

The eagles thought by now they would be soaring high above the land

All the eagles grew more impatient with every passing day

For an eagle was born to soar, so they just had to find a way

All the eagles got together and they drew up a mighty plan

They would fight the mean old lion, draw their line in the sand

The lion didn’t like it at all, and he let out an awesome roar

But the truth is a lion is no match for eagles who are learning how to soar.

The lion lost his grip, and with his reign no more intact

The eagles drew one step closer, and were never going back

No more lion, no chameleon, no more of their deceitful lies.

Now with nothing holding them back, surely they could fly

Though they sensed a kind of freedom, they had never sensed before

Still the secret they did not have, the one that made eagles soar.

To discover this ancient secret, there went out an important call

To gather eagles from near and far, the wisest ones of all.

Together they reasoned, thought, and talked ‘bout this thing called flight

Some thought one thing, some disagreed, each thought himself right

No one budging, made things hard, and caused a long delay

Then, like a bolt of lightning, one wise old eagle stood to say

“Is it true that it was our Creator that created us to fly?

Then, why would we exclude Him now, can anyone tell me why?”

Having listened to this wise old eagle, all the eagles said a prayer

Together with their Creator, they worked with the greatest of care.

And when they were done, they were sure the secret had been found

That old and ancient secret, that would get eagles off the ground.

The secret was quite simple, but sometimes it’s just hard to see

With all the powers that want control, and all those lies and deceit

The secret that gives eagles flight is they just need to know they can

Then they need the room to soar, no boundaries from a ruler’s hands

Together with these truths, is one last and important thing

In order to fly and soar real high, eagles need wind beneath their wings.

Those wisest of all eagles gave every eagle this secret to flight

And immediately some of those eagles soared to the highest of heights

Still there were some eagles who never, ever wanted to soar

I know it makes no sense, that they would stay grounded as before

Years went by and some eagles flew high, yes higher and higher still

While others chose the ground and went only as high as the highest hill

There were problems along the way, but no matter what they faced

These eagles just kept soaring, and no others kept up their pace

As a matter of fact, I speak the truth, when others needed a helping hand

It was the eagles who had learned to soar, who helped those distant lands.

It’s true, ask any eagle, and I’m sure each of them would agree

There’s no better place for eagles, than where they can soar and be free

But along the way some things did change, not much but a little tiny bit

Not enough for eagles to worry much, or to make them throw a fit.

Along there came a donkey who had the grandest of ideas

And with him came an elephant whose ideas where different than his.

Now, neither caused big problems for each loved to watch eagles fly

They just wanted to insure nothing brought down eagles from the sky

The eagles trusted the two new comers, and everything it seemed was fine

Until, the donkeys and the elephants began to get a little out of line

Not all of them, but some it seems, wanted to cage the soaring bird

But the cage was very large, so hardly any eagles said a word

The cage grew small as time passed by, and no one knew just why

Was it because of those who didn’t soar, who wanted no other eagle to fly?

Or, was it something else, was it about power and control

Every eagle hoped it was not true, and to this hope they would hold.

But with every passing year, the cage grew smaller still

And the eagles started thinking, and asking, “What’s the deal?”

By this time is was too late for the cage had grown so small

It had grown so small that no eagle could fly, now they could only crawl.

Puzzled, amazed, and stunned, all the eagles hopped around.

“How did we get to this place, where eagles can’t get off the ground?”

But as the eagles took a good look around, they began to see so clear

For an eagle’s eye can see so much that for other’s just doesn’t appear

It was not your normal donkey or even elephant to blame

For among these two were a few who were not at all what they claimed.

Snakes, and lions, and chameleons and a couple scorpions too

I know it’s hard to fathom, but every eagle now knew this was true.

Their plan was masterful, and slowly they took control

Until every eagle was grounded, and well within their hold.

The eagles screamed and wailed but very few would lend an ear

The mighty eagle was doomed, at least that’s what they feared

True it is a tragedy, it is one of grandest size

But never count an eagle out, for eagles know how to rise.

The truth is any eagle can fly, as long as they understand

The old and ancient secret, that makes eagles soar high above the land.

The one about knowing that you can, with no boundaries high or low

And with wind beneath your wings, yes, this is what every eagle needs to know.

And just like that old lion and that chameleon from years and years before

No creature large or even small, is a match for eagles who know how to soar

copyright 2010 Tim Stone

The Price Of Freedom

Freedom...What an awesome concept! I'm not sure if we totally understand just how truly great it is. Living in America, we've not known anything but a life of freedom. Because of that, if we aren't careful we'll take for granted this freedom we've been given. We all know that the freedom we have wasn't free, but how often to really ponder the price that was paid for it? When we speak out without fear of being prosecuted for what we say, do we ever think that some fallen soldier secured our right to do so? When we choose to go to Baptist church or a Methodist church or some other kind of church, do we ever stop to think of the men and women whose blood spilled in order for that choice to be our own? When we choose to be a doctor or mechanic or school teacher, do we truly think about those who died in order to create and preserve a place where young and old alike could pursue their dreams of becoming whatever they want to be?

No greater price can one pay than the giving their own life. And throughout the years, countless numbers of men and women have been willing to pay that price in order for freedom to reign in this country. At the same time moms and dads have lost sons and daughters, sons and daughters have lost moms and dads, and all of us have lost some of the greatest heroes this world has ever known. Yet, so often we live our lives enjoying the freedoms they secured without thought of the price they paid.

This weekend we set aside time to remember those heroes. But like so many "holidays" we have become very good at forgetting the whole meaning behind it all. We get with family and friends, crank up the grill, take a week-end get away, or just enjoy the extra day off. Somehow, I'm thinking our fallen heroes would be totally ok with all of that. For somehow it all speaks of the freedom they gave their lives for. That being said, I'm thinking the price they paid is deserving of so much more. It is true that the debt we owe, we could never repay. However, we can honor them all by taking time out to remember them and the sacrifices they made. In addition, we honor them when we choose to fully embrace the freedom they gave their lives to secure for us all.

So, enjoy your weekend. Chow down on that bar-b-que and take time out for family and friends. But, in the middle of it all take time out to remember those men and women whose sacrifice made your weekend possible. And when this weekend is over, determine to live life to its fullest fully embracing your freedom, always remembering that somebody paid a hefty price in order for you to do so.

A World At War

As I stood glued to the television yesterday afternoon, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Here, on our soil, our enemy struck. Sure, he was dressed in a uniform that made him appear to be one of our soldiers, but the truth was, he was the enemy. An enemy with an agenda. An enemy who set out to take down as many of our soldiers as he possibly could. I'm sure as the whole story unfolds, we'll begin to find out what it was that made this man go off. What it was that made his brain snap so that he would carry out such a horrible attack. Was he in opposition to our foreign policy? Was he part of a much bigger group with an much larger agenda? Was his recent conversion to Islam a contributing factor? Or, was he just chemically imbalanced?

Perhaps, it was all of these or then again, maybe it wasn't any of these. Whatever the motivation, the fact still remains that he set out yesterday with a plan that tragically took the lives of several American soldiers and wounded many others. I think that for most of us, we expect to hear about this kind of stuff happening on foreign soil. But here in America, at one of our Army posts, now, that's a really hard pill to swallow. I mean lets face it, as long as there are enemies miles and miles away from our country's boundaries we aren't all that rattled. But when we find one here, we are often left scratching our heads.

Here is something we all have to remember though. We have enemies. The United States has always had enemies. Since the time we declared our independence, we've had to fight to keep it. All the freedoms we enjoy, have come at a heavy price. Countless men and women have spilled their blood to give each of us these freedoms. As long as we live here, that fight will never end. I know there are those who oppose war and other armed encounters but their very freedom to disagree with it, was purchased by that very thing. I'm not saying I like war, I think only a fool would say that. But I'm not so naive as to think that freedom doesn't come with a price. There is never a time when I meet a man or woman who is either serving in the military or has served that I don't go out of my way to express my appreciation for their service. I understand that it is because of them, I can walk outside and breathe a breath of freedom every morning. That's a freedom I pray I never lose sight of.

Since the fall of man, this world we live in has been a world at war. It is a world full of evil people with evil plans. They are often motivated by hate, and a desire for power and wealth. It would be great if that wasn't the case, but it's the truth. If there is not a force or forces committed to thwarting evil, then evil will rule. Peace would be great, but true peace will never come until Jesus returns. Even that peace will come as a result of him thwarting the plans of the evil one by a war unlike one this world has yet to see. Peace isn't the result of avoiding conflict, it is only produced by refusing to back down from necessary conflict.

Kimberly Munley, the officer who took down the shooter at Fort Hood, who I'm sure will say she was just doing her job, is a hero. She chose to confront evil and as a result, who knows how many lives were saved. It's people like her and all those who wear the uniform to whom we owe a debt we could never repay. Let's remember all those who were wounded and their families as well as the families of those who lost their lives yesterday. Earnestly pray for them. And take note that Veterans day is coming up next week on Nov. 11th. Determine to find a veteran and tell them thanks. They are extremely easy to find. They usually pridefully wear a cap or have a bumper sticker that promotes a branch of service or declares their love for this country. Trust me, I search them out all the time.

All Of This From A Tank Of Gas?

It finally happened. I finally paid over $3.00 a gallon for gas. Up until this week, I had always been able to avoid the $3.00 mark. It was sort of a game I played to try to beat the system. I would pass gas station after gas station with prices like $3.04, $3.06, $3.09 and finally find one for under 3. But this week, one couldn't be found. Finally they beat me.

Its hard to believe that gas prices have soared so high isn't it? I think the thing that bothers me most is I have no control over it. It would be great if I could protest and it have some effect. Or, how about boycotting? Oh sure, like they would really miss the minuscule amount of cash I spend. Perhaps it would make me feel good, but in the grand scheme of things it would change nothing. Besides, boycotting would mean I would have to buy a bike or walk everywhere. The truth is I am dependent on gasoline to do life. And although I can cut back, there is only so much I can cut back. So, here I am at the mercy of a powerful system that doesn't know me, doesn't care about me, and is driven only by their desire to have more. More power, more control, and more money.

This world's system takes after its father. Our enemy the devil. You can see his signature all over it. Here's how he operates. Picture Adam and Eve in the garden and along comes the sly one. He paints a picture of this fruit that makes it tempting for the first time. Never before this moment do we find that our two Eden dwellers are even drawn to this tree. But this day is different, there's an enticement, an allurement. And so they stop to check it out. Convinced that life would be better with it and convinced that they can't live without it, they indulge.

Have you ever wondered what satan's real motive was here? I've often thought that he was so ticked off at God that he just wanted to destroy what God loved most. But you know, I really don't think that's it. There's probably know way to know for sure, but consider this. Have you ever met anyone that is power hungry? Someone who is driven to be in control? We all have. The issue that got satan's tail kicked out of the presence of God was this very thing in him. He wanted to be in charge. He longed to be number one and wanted the power that came with it. Here's my point. Those driven by this thing, find life and energy in it. They can't do without it. They have to have it at all cost. Satan is no different. In fact, he's the author of it. Could it be that in the garden that day, his insatiable need to be the one in control was the motive? Since He couldn't manage to take God's throne, perhaps he could take control of this new creation of God? Could it be that his enticement of Eve and the subsequent fall of her and her husband, would feed his need to be in charge?

Whatever the motive, the fact is, in the garden that day, he controlled and manipulated things and scripture tells us that sin began to reign in our bodies. Did you catch that? Sin began to rule and reign. Sin took charge. It began to control mankind. Check this out. After this event with Adam and Eve the next recorded sin in scripture is murder. Now, I'm not saying there wasn't any more sin after the fall and up until Cain killed his brother but I find it pretty crazy that in one generation sin went from taking forbidden fruit to murdering a sibling. How does that kind of thing happen? Sin is running the show.

Adam and Eve were under God's authority and with that comes true freedom and liberty. They were so free that they could choose to even reject God or not. When they believed satan's lies and then acted on those lies, however, they came under his authority which brings with it bondage and domination. Scripture tells us that "where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty," and I think its safe to say that where the spirit of the enemy is there is bondage.

Whenever we give power over to someone who truly loves us and cares for us, we will find true freedom. I'm not talking about someone who says they love us, I'm talking about someone who truly loves us and has our best interests at heart. Someone who wants to see us become all that we were created to be and will do anything they can to assist us to get there. In that kind of relationship, we will find encouragement, life, liberty and peace. On the other hand, when we give power over to someone who doesn't truly love us but instead is only looking out for number 1. Someone who is driven to succeed at all cost. Someone who is driven by the need to have power and to be in control, we will find bondage. And the more power we give them the more dependent we become and more dominated we begin to feel. Eventually, if things aren't corrected, we will become completely dominated and controlled by them.

Thank God, he sent Jesus to correct things for us concerning sin and it's dominion over us. Unfortunately, this world's system still operates that way. Yep, because we have given control and allowed ourselves to become dependent on others, we find ourselves under their control every time we go to the pump. And with every dime we spend they get more power and we become more dependent.

I could go on and on, but I've got to wrap things up. I've got a meeting I've got to get to and I have to stop for gas on the way.