Category: Uncategorized (Page 6 of 23)

Culture wars have been around for over 150 years. When there is a cultural clash between social groups, it can become a culture war. When differing social groups find themselves in a tussle over their beliefs, folkways, or mores it tends to escalate; when that tussle becomes one group trying to impose its own “culture” over another, it develops into a culture war. There has been something of a Culture War for years over Halloween for too long. It could be as amusing as arguing over whether a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. It isn’t.

Today’s tome posits that this week finds us between two significant celebrations (less a culture war than name confusion)—Halloween and All Saints Day; actually Halloween was frst known as All Hallows E’n —the night before All Saints Day—over time as the observance became more popularized the name migrated into “Halloween.” You get the point. To be clear, All Saints Day comes on November 1. When November 1 falls on any day other day of the week, Christian churches observe All Saints Day on the nearest Sunday. It is the Christian observance of all who have died. It complicated.

But I digress. Some people object to Halloween celebration, saying it is evil. Hailey Bieber, Justin Bieber’s wife put something on Social Media about her celebrating Halloween; apparently some folks got their panties in a wad over that: says she;  “I’m not afraid of the world. I’m not afraid of any devil or demon or incantation. They are terrified of me. Halloween is now MY HOLIDAY and I am claiming all candy for the glory of God and the celebration of the Saints.

Halloween is not the first, nor the only Christian observance to be taken hostage by some secular celebration. Such festivals have oscillated with each other over time. Halloween is a case in point; All Hallows’ E’n was first, a pagan festival; Samhain, first observed by Celtic Pagans. Christians found it compatible with All Saints celebration and converted it into a Christian celebration. And. Christians also overtook (Umm converted) a pagan ritual in to Christmas celebration; Christians; 2 — Pagans; 2.

However, in an odd sort of way, at the end of October and the first of November costumes could lead one to think Good and Evil collide. It is pagentry, not a moral battlefield. It seems to me, there is opportunity for the Christian faith to be transformative.  Christian Scholar C. C. Lewis offers, asserting something as “good” naturally means that it comports with some supreme standard of right, and something “evil” does not. Thus, we judge evil according to the standard of good. This, for Lewis, proves good more powerful than evil.  

Harking back to the Culture Wars, The Halloween dustup burns valuable daylight over childish bickering—and has done so for too long. In writing to the Church at Rome, the Apostle Paul tries to help his friends cope with difficulties of living in a world threatened by evil. He guided them to conquer evil; he concluded saying, “Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.“. That is transformative.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

How like diamonds sparkling in sunlight are dewdrops! The early morning sun emblazons a dazzling beauty as its rays touch each tiny drop, transforming it into a spectacle of joy. Don’t you thrill at seeing dewdrops in early mornings gleaming on grass, leaves, and meadows!? I do. It is almost like God washed the world last night and left sun rays gently buffing them dry.

When I pass a golf course in early morning it seems almost sacrilegious that trails from golfers are tracking across the dewy grass. On the other hand, it amuses me to see wild animal trails tracing through the dew-drenched grass. Yet, I know God did not create the world for my preferences only. I am learning (I think,) to be tolerant of Dewdrops. They have their purpose.

According to National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), a continental-scale observation facility—a branch of The National Science Foundation— Dew is a more prolific producer of water than rainfall! Our planet depends on dew. Our fresh water systems in the United States —- though imperfect, would be in worse shape without the careful monitoring of an agency like NEON. Here in Metro-Atlanta, work has been underway for years cleaning up brooks, streams, and rivers. A lot of progress has been made; much more is needed.

With attention turned to rivers and streams, it is easy to overlook the immense basic value dewdrops have. As I write this, our area is in a rain deficit, termed a moderate drought—fire danger warnings are issued. Dew is essential as a secondary moisture source. Scientist François Ritter, a Ph.D., explains, Dew is not enough by itself to keep plants alive long term, but during periods of drought these secondary processes become more relevant. Dew may help some species survive drought conditions.

Aside from citing a galaxy if scientific, ecological, and agricultural data, I affirm the myriad blessings from dewdrops, including their beauty. God comes to us in many ways—one is dew. Dew is mentioned more than three dozen times in the Bible. Some are specific to everyday understanding of dew, some are metaphorical, and others are analogies.

There are two that stand out to me; Actually, this first mention of dew —and used several times–it is about food for the Israelites. They had complained about the scarcity of food there in the wilderness; the Back-to-Egypt-Committee wants to return to Egypt. God provided food–quail and manna—dew that turned into flakes suitable for bread making. Several other references to dew refer to this miracle.

Another mention of dew—that attracts me—is a different kind; It is God’s message. Warriors from Midian were laying siege on the Israelites, now hiding in fear, in caves; disaster loomed. God sent a messenger to a farmer’s son, Gideon. The first time I read this version in The Living Bible, I was alone in my camper, working on a sermon. As I read chapter 6, I literally broke out in to laughter. Gideon’ reaction to the voice of God was so human! Gideon’s “dew test” required God (yes, Gideon tested God!) to repeat it three times before he trusted God’s leading.

Gideon’s dew test may seem as small as it is absurd; yet it underscores the immense importance of little things. God is great, but often, if not mostly, God uses little things—like dewdrops—to accomplish much.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

Adulting. Yes, it is a real word—not a contrived verb. You need not take my word for it—my “Go-To” authority on words is Merriam-Webster; Adulting; the act or practice of attending to the ordinary tasks required of a responsible adult. Adulting came to mind recently as my three grand children—two in Atlanta, and one in Colorado, found themselves learning Adulting. All three—having received higher education degrees, are now working; actually having to get up, dress up, show up, and work prescribed hours. And of course earn their own pay checks. They are now adulting.

I am glad they studied hard, played hard, made tons of friends, and explored much of the world. Now the page has turned. They will still work hard, but differently; their friends are scattered—they, too, are adulting (well, most of them), and new opportunities are coming. As Yogi Berri said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future. ” But this younger generation can, and I believe will, create a better world. They’re taking their Adulting seriously.

All three of my grands are working in areas that have sharp focus on the betterment of life, the world, and their lives–they plunge in with joy, enthusiasm, and hope, undergirded with compassion and courage. I’ve often quoted the late Bill Powell, the morning show DJ on WMAZ Radio in Macon Georgia. Bill’s cheery early morning voice fueled middle Georgia’s drive-times on GA 247 as he spun out tunes of the day with buoyant commentary. He often happily said, “I love this job! If I didn’t have to do it to earn a living, I’d do it for free!” Many a middle Georgia listener got their day started on a happier note because of Bill Powell.

Taking responsibility for one’s life and work is a big task. It takes courage. Not everyone takes adulting seriously. But I am grateful for those that do: First Responders, Teachers, Scout leaders, bus drivers; you can add to the list. (I did not include Congress—although there are many members of Congress that do their best to be adults).

There is an impressive story in the Old Testament about Queen Esther. She was a Jew, an orphan, raised by her uncle Mordecai. A plot grew out of nefarious schemes within the king’s court. The Jews would be annihilated (the king did not know Queen Esther was a Jew). As the plot was about to revealed, Mordecai called on Queen Esther for signifant adulting. What a dramatic display of adulting she attained! She spoke up to the King: by doing so foiled the plot, saved her fellow Jews, and opened windows of wonder. The Book of Esther is but ten brief chapters, yet “The Adulting of Esther” is dramatic and wonderful!

Jesus encouraged people to take responsibility. On one occasion Jesus saw a man lying near the healing pool (had been there for thirty eight years, )waiting for someone to help him toward its healing waters. Jesus and his entourage passed by; the man called out to Jesus for help. Jesus paused, turned to the man and asked, “Do you want to get well?” The man replied, complaining that no one would help him. Jesus told him to get up, and get going RWV (Revised Willis Version). He did. For the first time in his life he was adulting. It is never too late to start adulting!

© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

Most ot us are not prepared when a sudden catastrophic event or death happens—to friends, or neighbors. Usually, out of human compassion, the immediate response we human beings ask is, “What can I do to help?” Often the answer is so evident that it’s a waste of breath. You simply jump in and give obvious help; put out the fire, drag the person to safety, stop the bleeding—do what’s immediately essential. It is human compassion, action, and wisdom at its best. Although we want to fix or do things, it is important also to “be” —be present; personal care, reassurance.

Saying or doing the right thing is not always obvious—or necessary, especially in the aftermath. A devastating blow–physically or emotionally— needs more than a Band Aid. Often your presence is the only thing a person may need. In many crisis situations, actions—even words—get in the way. I love what the irrepressible Winnie The Poo said; It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are with; —a powerful reminder of the value of the presence of a person.

Scottish author Gail Honeymanm, wrote, Sometimes you simply needed someone kind to sit with you while you dealt with things. In the midst of an emotional upheaval, your calm, warm, caring presence speaks volumes—an invisible arm reaching out and embracing the troubled soul. It may well be enough. I’m reminded of Bill Withers’ somg, “Lean on Me:” If there is a load you have to bear / That you can’t carry / I’m right up the road / I’ll share your load / If you just call me, call me. The physical presence of another human being is powerful medicine; It lets you know you are not alone,

From the beginning God knew that the presence of another human being was needed. Although the Good News Translation of the Genesis story is an honest translation, I love the way, Green Pastures, James Weldon Johnson has God speak the need for a Presence.

Then God walked around, /And God looked around /On all that he had made. /He looked at his sun, /And he looked at his moon, /And he looked at his little stars; /He looked on his world /With all its living things, /And God said: “I’m lonely still.” /Then God sat down— /On the side of a hill where he could think; /By a deep, wide river he sat down; /With his head in his hands, /God thought and thought, /Till he thought: “I’ll make me a man!“

And, I don’t think it is too much of a stretch to say Jesus felt a strong need for human presence to accompany his ministry; he chose twelve men,—disciples, we call them—to be present with him during the good, the bad, and the ugly of his brief ministry. A further indication of Jesus’ need for human presence is the often mentioned village of Bethany; it was his “home-away-from-home”—the secure place where he could experience safe—even cozy human friendship with dear friends’ Lazarus, Mary, and the family. Jesus’ final words to his disciples were the assurance that a Holy Presence would be with them.

© Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

In the 1700’s Puritans were fond of formal, stern worship services. In many churches, in the sanctuary, men and women sat on opposite sides from each other. Silence was demanded—to the extent that Puritans appointed a “Tithing Man,” who carried a “Tithing Rod” during worship. Its purpose was to awaken anyone caught dozing.The Tithing Rod was long and usually had a feather dangling from the end—I once saw a facsimile of a Tithing Rod with a ceramic doorknob dangling from the tip. If the Tithing Man caught a man sleeping in church (apparently women didn’t sleep in church), he took his Tithing Rod and tapped the offender on the head—sometimes not so lightly. (But that ceramic doorknob could really awaken someone!)

Church etiquette evolved greatly over the years. Until WW II Sunday dressy attire had been the norm. Quiet reigned in the sanctuary. “Sunday Clothes”—for country folks that meant the best you have. Church was the primary social opportunity for most folks. Therefore, social gatherings developed around church; ”Dinner on the Grounds,” Homecomings, and Revival meetings (usually lasting a week or more), funerals and weddings served as primary social opportunities.

The Sunday-dress-up-for-church was from the cultural norm of “presenting your best for God.” A secondary motivation of social palavering; folks needed to get together to chat, visit, share news and enjoy fellowship with others. Concern grew that dressing up for church raised a barrier to people who did not have “Sunday-best” clothes, so more casual dress crept in. In the past few decades attire for attending church has changed dramatically.

The “Tithing Rod” evaporated from worship services centuries ago. So have many other standards—including pot-belly stoves, spittoons, and gender fences down the center aisle of the sanctuary. When someone whines “Church isn’t the same anymore!” I tend to think how glad it isn’t. I am glad we have become more reasonable about theologically trivial matters..

Ancient prophets, as well as Jesus, decried folks making worship of God a mere showcase. The prophet Amos went so far as to say God “hates” the religious festivals and solemn assemblies. When Jesus was challenged by religious leaders for abusing the Sabbath.He pointed out that human beings are more important than customs for customs’ sake. The Apostle Paul went to some length calling Christians to give up pretense and to present ourselves to God just as we are.

Maybe we don’t need someone with a Tithing Rod to rap us on the head to wake us up—not literally. But we do, I’m convinced, need at least inner promptings to remind us the God is God—that God loves us just as we are; our fellow human beings need that assurance too. Scriptures as well as the Church fathers and mothers, often gave reminders that God looks at our heart not our costumery—outer appearance. Jesus put priorities clearly; Put God First!

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

When someone is said to have a predilection toward something, it could imply bias—that can become a character trait. I recently discovered a French term that is a bit softer, and, I think better articulates it. The word is parti pris. It means a preconceived opinion. Upon learning the term, I discovered parti pris lurking in an uncomfortable niche in the fabric of my social DNA. I was raised at Deepstep; looking back, I saw a plenty of that animating principle of parti pris . Ostensibly, I was taught to have (a kind of) respect for the Black folk in our community and farm—treat them humanely; the atmosphere was chock-full of parti pris.

My relatives instilled in us that we “are not like” certain folks—black or white—in our church, school, or customers at grandaddy’s store. When things are steeped into your stew, you tend to not notice such fade-resistant opinions until you confront them head-on.

I remembered an occasion on one warm spring night in the Spring. I was driving home from band practice in my dad’s pickup truck “fat, dumb and happy.” For this lively teen-age boy it was way too early to go home. (Remember it was at Deepstep—no sidewalks to roll up at night!) I saw a light on at one of the pumping stations at the Kaolin mine, and recognized a pickup parked at the door. Our neighbor, Mr Hornbuckle, was working the night shift.

Lacking any compelling reason not to, I stopped and knocked on the door. Mr. Hornbuckle invited me inside. He worked with my dad, I knew his son from school. I also knew they were one of those families-white-but- “not like us”—and likely poor, ignorant laborers. He invited me to sit down, Lying in his lap was a Bible and some literature and note paper. My first shock!—He’s reading the Bible!? My second shock; He said, “I am working on my Sunday School lesson. I am teaching this Sunday. My third shock; A Sunday School Teacher!? This man not only reads—the Bible—and in his spare time! He is also smart enough to teach Sunday School!? I was astonished!

I don’t remember how long I stayed, but Mr. Hornbuckle dazzled me with his interest, enthusiasm, and knowledge of what he was doing. It shattered my Parti pris. My little well-contrived, comfortable world at Deepstep, now developed a small fissure. It would not be the last; on to college, more fissures; on to Emory University’s Candler School of Theology—on to life—fissures continued. They happen so that growth can happen Fortunately, more parti pris pop up like Whack-a-Moles. It is another part of the human condition that needs constant monitoring to digest the good. Our preconceived opinions form faster than ants at a picnic, as persistent, and as difficult to redirect.

Jesus was confronted by preconceived opinions; many thought he had come to replace the Roman government. The moment he was on trial, is the culmination of what was a parti pris. But we get the clearest, if not the earliest parti pris about Jesus from Nathaniel; having heard that Jesus was from Nazareth, he scoffed, Can anything from Nazareth be good? Nathaniel, due to his parti pris, was wrong about Jesus! It is a human tendency. Which is why we need Grace. In abundance.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

This month there were two searches in the news—daily—simultaneously; one a search for an elusive, escaped prisoner, the other for a spelunker. The location for each was pretty well known. The elusive escapee was known to be—and remained— within a specific circumference for over two weeks; remarkably he was captured without gun-fire or violence. The location of the spelunker’s location was known precisely from the beginning; he had become desperately ill while on a research mission in a cave more than a mile deep in Turkey. (the search—was focused on how safely to rescue him through deep, narrow, labyrinthine passages). To the relief to most of the world, both searches were successful.

As the world watched, extensive scientific, practical effort, and sheer human skill yielded success–in both cases. Beyond other advantages there is the vast knowledge and skill to be put to use in future similar endeavors. Universities, explorers, and organizations, over the years, will put their learnings to life-saving use.

Unfortunately, the Human Condition, will hinder the most profitable denouement from these experiences. Humanity, down through the centuries, has had opportunities galore to do better. Usually we don’t. We live daily with that . Violence, hatred, instant spewing misinformation, are in every community—not all of it, nor all at once, but it is there. The adage, “We learn from history,” really means we could learn from history. We cave (no pun intended). We too often miss the teachable moment.

A positive peek into history shows that little things can have potential for prodigious results—as in the legend of the young Dutch boy who put his finger in a hole in the dike, thus saving the entire community from flooding. A flood of wrong can feel overwhelming. However, taking the high road can become a multiplier of good for many. One such decision could be answering the call to become a teacher. Think about how tedious it can be to teach reading to a little kid–or a private music lesson! (They don’t call it drilling for nil). Such moments figure prominently into marvelous success for the pupil, and deep satisfaction for the teacher.

Authorities say a letter or word must be repeated seventeen (17) times to be remembered. From U. S. News & World Report ...”experts say first graders should be able to read at least 150 high-frequency words by the end of the year. Think about how may drills (repetitions) it means. That is letter, number, and sentence implementation. A teacher also contends with a child’s background, peers, parents, and competing interests to accomplish this—it multiplies beyond first grade.

Searching for improvement of life, liberty, and happiness is no easy journey; and that can be a good thing. Too often we search with more greed and gore than compassion—or common sense. Jesus taught his followers that there is a better way—a way that is a win-win for us all. Andre Crouch captures the sense of this persistent search in his song; Through it all Oh, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God, Oh let me tell you, Through it all Oh, through it all, Oh, I’ve learned to depend upon His word.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

One sunny afternoon my friend, John Will Voss and I were roaming around Deepstep creek. John Will was not only a few years older than I, but also more adventuresome. As we trudged through ruins of the millpond dam, he spotted a pool near a cleft in the dam. Blue-gill Bream were tooling around in there. He said, “Look! those are good sized Bream!” Almost instinctively he said, “Let’s see if we can catch one.” I said, “We don’t have any fish bait.” Nearby was an abandoned Tupelo limb on which someone had tied a fishline and hook. John Will said, “We’ll create some fish bait. On your jeans is a stray cotton string in that tear on your pocket. We’ll use that!” I didn’t say anything, but I was as skeptical as horse regarding a new rider.

John Will snagged the white cotton string, rubbed it around in his palms creating a fluffy puff; satisfied, he fastened it to the fish hook. As he dangled it into the water, a couple of fish examined it—-not carefully enough—-it hung there for a bit, then suddenly one nabbed it! John Will set the hook and pulled the fish out of the water. Since we hadn’t come to fish, and weren’t prepared to keep fish, that nice Bream became “catch and release.

My doubting that we could catch a fish with inspired bait was eclipsed by John Will’s inspiration. Our need for fish bait was fulfilled by his on-the-spot ingenuity. The world is filled with useful devices that make our lives happy, healthy, and helpful—because of inspiration. I think of the ubiquitous “Post It Notes.” A church choir member’s Inspiration is behind its creation. He wanted to avoid “dog-ears” on his hymnal marking selected hymns for the day. He remembered that his lab crew at work was trying to create adhesive that would allow quick release. He took some of the trial paper to choir practice; It worked his idea caught on. Post-it notes was born.

You could easily make an impressive list of things we depend on daily that somewhere, sometime, someone said, “It cannot be done!” In the 1959 film, “Hole in the Head,” Frank Sinatra sang the now famous lines “…You’ve got High Hopes,” A key line in the song reiterates the value of inspiration; When troubles call, and your back’s to the wall— There a lot to be learned, that wall could fall. Inspiration produces myriad possibilities.

Sometimes we seem to be at our wits end, like Elijah, the prophet. He had offended Queen Jezebel—who vowed to kill him—he came to the conclusion that “I am the only one left” In that low moment, he found inspirationn. Inspiration puts imagination to work. Jesus taught his followers that if they believe, there is “Nothing you can’t do!” John Wesley’s Siren call was “The world is my Parish” —an awesome inspiration—now untold millions bear the name “Methodist.” Wesley had endless confidence that not only did everyone need God’s grace, but also it could be made available throughout humanity. His was not simple imagination, it was imagination powered by confidence. Inspiration is a derivative, theologically, of Spirit filled.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

I keep two or more hard-copy roadmaps in my car; at least one is an Official Georgia Roadmap. Sometimes passengers think I’m a Hutterite. I am not. I simply like to see the context and texture paper roadmaps give. Don’t judge me. I do use my car’s GPS—usually if I am uncertain of a precise address (full disclosure—I mostly use WYZE for navigation—thus I don’t buy the annual GPS CD update).

For fresh roadmaps, I rely on Georgia Department Of Transportaion (GDOT); Each year around January 15, an updated hard-copy Georgia roadmap is published. It is large (Georgia is the largest State East of the Mississippi River!) That map is a goldmine of information about Georgia.

Yes. I know. There’s the Internet. At most it’s the size of the screen on your iPhone or computer—and yes, it offers information at your finger tips. But there is no context—try looking up “Roberta, Georgia” on the Internet. You find a photo—and maybe three sentences? Take a hardcopy Georgia roadmap, and you get contextual, geographical, topographic, and visual information—not just a penurious post; which is why I keep roadmaps in my car.

An ancillary advantage of a hardcopy map is that you can learn more than simple driving directions. The physical roadmap, can easily offer diversion to your journey into interesting side trips. I have a friend who. when traveling often takes side trips when not in a big hurry to arrive at a specific destination. Often interesting people, places, and possibilities pop up on these side trips. It simply adds flavor to a journey.

The Bible says for forty years the Children of Israel wandered in the wilderness between Egypt and the Promised Land. The distance was about 130 miles. It took 40 years—not because they had neither GPS or Roadmap—but they had a better Guide; God. There was to be more to the journey than simply getting there. Joy for the journey would not exactly describe it, but it produced profound depth and meaning—into which joy was woven.

When a professor of mine at Emory retired, we asked him his plans. He said, “My wife and I plan to get into the car and follow the radiator. ” He was planning on joy-filled journeys. His plan glowed with excitement and pleasure. I think finding joy is a gift of God.

Jesus had joy in his life; I kinda think Jesus’ first miracle—turning water into wine —was partly to add joy to his people. I think he knew that doing a miracle publicly could be too dramatic for some people. By tossing some joy into a family wedding, he could grease the skids for reluctant ones; he chose a genesis point where seeing the signs and wonders of God could open up.

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

(On a side note, just so you’ll know, you can pick up a free, current Georgia Roadmap at any GDOT office, Georgia State Patrol Station, or Georgia Welcome Center.)

There is an old family story about my great-grandfather, W. H. Veal, working around the farm with his older siblings. The family gave him a nickname–H’chee Bill (my phonetic attempt at the name—I never saw written.) As the story goes, when any sibling failed to do a chore, or did a poor job of one, H’chee Bill was blamed for the blunder. No one would take the blame—their answer always was, “H’chee Bill did it!” It didn’t take Grandpa Nathan, long to catch on. One day upon hearing again, “H’chee Bill did it!” —-Grandpa defended little H’chee Bill. “Well!” he said, “It sounds to me like H’chee Bill is the only one around here that ever does anything!”A solid affirmation of H’chee Bill!

There is actually a psychological term for behavior, such as H’chee Bill’s siblings; it is called Diffusion of responsibility^[” —unwilling, or refusing to take responsibility. There may be a molecule of that in everyone—I know there have been times when I wish I could have said, “H’chee Bill did it!” Claiming your error, or misjudgment takes courage; it takes even more courage, the larger the blunder.

I stand in awe of someone who, when faced with an embarrassing debacle—especially if it is ruinous to people and/or property—owns responsibility. News media thrive on mistakes, blunders, and, well, anything bad. “If it bleeds, it leads.!” is often attributed to Adolph Ochs, a leading American newspaper publisher of a bygone era. The blinding light of scrutiny—especially public scrutiny, tends to chill open admission of error.

A friend of mine told me of an impressive transaction he witnessed. My friend owned a convenince store. One day a man came in with his young son who looked like an egg-sucking dog. The man said, “Mr. K, my son has someting to tell you!” In a pained, squeaky voice, the boy said, “Mr. K, I took this comic book from your store yesterday.” As painful as that deed was—for both the son and the father— it was a character building moment.

Accountability is a vital part not only of building trust, but also in maintaining trust. When God placed the man and woman in Paradise–the “Garden of Eden-–They both broke God’s trust; then a blame-game began to develop. The idea of “scape-goat” is derived from a practice where Jewish people cast their sins onto a goat, in a cleansing preparation for Yom Kippur. For Christians, Jesus is understood to be “…the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world…” A vision seen by St. John of Patmos is the cherished graphic for Christians. It is a kind of catarthic twist on “H’chee Bill did it!” —we confess our sins and trust Jesus to hold us up—as we hear his voice saying, “Go, your sins are forgiven.!”

©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2023

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