Barbara's Banter

John Hancock’s name is synonymous for any signature. “Put your John Hancock right here,” we’ll say and every American knows what that means. John Hancock has one of the most recognizable signatures in history. When he signed the Declaration of Independence, he did so in big, bold, flamboyant letters. He stood for truth, justice, and the American Way.

On signing the Declaration of Independence he commented, “There, I guess King George will be able to read that!” I always loved that story. I can picture John in his defiance, filled with indignation for King George making that statement. Today we would say, “Take that you big bully!” Unfortunately John Hancock didn’t say that. It’s not true.

Actually after he signed the Declaration he exclaimed, “There! John Bull can read my name without spectacles and may now double his reward of £500 for my head. That is my defiance.” I can picture him saying that in great indignation. Today we might say, “Take that, Johnny Boy. Put that in your pipe and smoke it!” Ah….actually John Hancock didn’t say that either. It’s not true.

What he really said was, “The British ministry can read that name without spectacles; let them double their reward.” Ah….that’s not true either.

Well, I mean, there’s no documentation on what he said after he signed. I guess it’s easy to put words into someone’s mouth, especially if he’s dead. He might have said, “Here’s you pen back. Thanks for letting me borrow it.” It’s amazing how all of these statements credited to Hancock have wormed their way into all sorts of books as fact, including history books. No need to ruin a good story by researching to find out if it’s true or not.

The truth is the delegates to the Continental Congress didn’t sign the Declaration of Independence on the day it was adopted, July 4, 1776. After Congress adjourned, Hancock was given the job of making the revisions agreed upon, signing it, and sending copies to the colonial legislatures for approval. So when he signed it, the chamber was virtually empty except for one other man, Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress (and he’s not talking!). So there was no need for inspiring rhetoric to rally the troops or get others to sign.

The famous painting by John Trumbull shows John Hancock signing in the midst of a crowd of delegates. This bit of creative license by the artist adds to the lore. It was August before the rest of the delegates signed. Who knows what John was thinking when he signed? Maybe his handwriting was naturally big. Maybe he couldn’t see well so he signed it big so he could read it. Who knows?

This of course doesn’t diminish the role John Hancock played in the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and the forming of the U.S. Not only did he lend his bold signature to the cause, he provided the much needed encouragement to win the revolution….money. He was rich, rich, rich. And he put his money where his mouth was…or should I say signature was.

John had inherited his money from a rich uncle who raised him. John’s father died when he was quite young, so his mom sent him to be raised by his Uncle Thomas, a rich businessman and…ahem…smuggler in Massachusetts. Thomas took young John under his wing, taught him everything he knew about the merchant business, and made sure he got a good education. John was a fast learner. When Thomas died, John Hancock became one of the richest men in America at age 26. He wasn’t a frivolous man. He was very civic minded. Some of his best friends were John and Samuel Adams (Yes…the very Sam Adams the famous beer is named after). He went on to serve as President of the Continental Congress and was elected governor of Massachusetts nine times.

We cannot make light of the fact that signing the Declaration of Independence was gutsy. These men were taking a big chance. The signatures had to remain secret for several months to protect signers from being charged with treason. John, being the first signer, might have thought others would sign their names as largely as he did. Boy, was he surprised?!

But then, where would we be without his bold signature and legends surrounding it? What fiction mixed with truth would we pass on for posterity? After all, isn’t that the American Way?

 The American people have a love affair with drugs…. all kinds of drugs. Some love the illegal variety, guaranteed to help us forget our troubles and get happy. Some of us love the legal variety, guaranteed to help us forget our troubles and get happy. We are a feel good society and we want to feel good all the time. Therefore we have drugs to wake us up and drugs to put us to sleep. We have steroids to buff us up and diet pills to reduce the buff. We aren’t satisfied to let our bodies rest and replenish when ill. We’d rather pump them full of some concoction that will keep us going. After all, we are important. We simply can’t miss that appointment, cancel that date, or postpone that meeting.

And to answer the public need to keep us dancing as fast as we can is the drug company coupled with the medical profession, working hand in hand to supply our demand. It’s a marriage made, not in heaven, but at the bank. They learned a long time ago how to keep us happy. They just tell us what we want to hear and have us pay for the privilege. This drug will lower your cholesterol. This drug will lower your blood pressure. This pill will help prevent heart attacks. Are they lying? No. These drugs will do what they claim, and so much more if you consider the side effects. In fact, sometimes one of the side effects of a drug is the very symptom it is supposed to treat.

One of my favorite commercials shows a happy fellow enjoying life. The voice over says, “Be sure to ask your doctor about this blah, blah, blah, blah life changing drug.” The implication being that your doctor is far too busy to know about this drug himself so you, the patient, being fully educated through this media propaganda blitz, should tell him. Then the voice over lists the side effects, which run the gambit from a to z, so quickly he sounds like Alvin the Chipmunk. Magazine ads are the same. Our eyes soak in the bold printed claims and skip the small printed side effects. It’s marketing, folks. And it works.

We can’t blame the medical industry for offering us a quick fix. Many times that is exactly what we want. We’re too busy to take advantage of the information age even though knowledge about health is plentiful. It’s much simpler to let the doctor give us an antibiotic for our sniffle and a dose of Ritalin for our active kid. We’ve deified doctors and we’ve decided if we can’t pronounce it, it must be good for us. It’s quicker and easier to accept things than do the research and find out for ourselves.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I know that drugs can save lives and I’m thankful for them. But we need to be informed consumers. When Jesus sent his disciples out into the world he gave them this advice: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16).” In other words, use your head.

The same advice can apply to us when it comes to living a healthy life. We are like sheep among media and propaganda wolves. Therefore, we need to do our research. We need to ask medical professionals questions. We need to realize a “quick fix” may not be the answer to all our problems. Although it’s a hard pill to swallow, we may actually have to change how we live. We may need to get some exercise, eat healthy, and sleep more. This won’t prevent us from having to take drugs when appropriate, but it will probably help us take less of them. In addition, if we do our research at least we’ll know what we are taking, the side effects, and why we think it’s worth the risk. Let’s not be guilty of having our drug of choice being too lazy to do our part.

I’ve heard it said that the best way to train up a child in the way he should go is to travel that way occasionally yourself. I think that’s sound advice. So in honor of Father’s Day we offer this little poem.

To Father’s Everywhere
There are little eyes upon you
And they’re watching night and day.
There are little ears that quickly
Take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager
To do anything you do;
And a little boy who’s dreaming
Of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little fellow’s idol,
You’re the wisest of the wise.
In his little mind about you
No suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly,
Holds all you say and do;
He will follow in your footsteps
When he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide eyed little fellow
Who believes you’re always right;
And his eyes are always opened,
And he watches day and night.

You are setting an example
Every day in all you do;
For a little boy is waiting
To grow up to be like you.
~Anonymous

Don Gosset recounts a story from his childhood in his book, There’s Dynamite in Praise, that goes something like this. During the Great Depression his dad, like so many others, was out of work. He had a job offer in another town so the family moved, but soon that job fizzled out. They were left with just enough bus fare money for his wife and two children to return home.

“But how will you get home?” his mom asked with concern in her voice.

“Don’t worry. I’ll hitch hike,” Dad replied confidently.

So with a heavy heart Mom and the kids boarded the bus. When they reached the edge of town little Donnie caught a glimpse of his dad along side of the road, thumb out, looking for a ride. The excitement overtook him and he rushed to the window pointing and yelling to the other passengers, “There’s my daddy.”

His mother was embarrassed but that didn’t stop Donnie who kept saying with the openness of a child and the love in his heart for his father, “That’s my daddy!” He was intent on everyone on the bus knowing that was his dad!

In our Christian walk, I wonder if we aren’t more like the mother in this story than the child, just a little embarrassed. Instead of sharing all the wonderful things God, our Father, our Dad, does for us we try to stay incognito, almost fearful that someone will find out who we really are. I’m not saying we should cram Jesus down everyone’s throat but when the occasion arises, and it will, especially if we are looking for an opportunity to point people to God, we shouldn’t shy away from it. Of course, if God the Father has done nothing for you, you have nothing to share. But I suspect He has done plenty.

The funny thing is, God is not embarrassed to be our Father and He probably should be. However, many times we act as if we are embarrassed to be associated with Him. You know, evangelism doesn’t have to be some dreaded, arduous chore. Sometimes it can be as easy as pointing to heaven and saying, “He’s my Dad!”

One of my dearest friends and I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Let’s not forget Liechtenstein! One of the tiniest, yet richest little countries there is. I must admit that if you blink on the bus you might miss it, but we stopped there and I’m counting it! These were all countries we had never seen before so our Germanic journey was filled with awe and wonderment for new places and spectacular scenery – and of course FUN! Evonne and I always have a good time together. We’ve always had that uncanny ability to know what the other one is thinking and laugh, laugh, laugh. We’ve been friends since the second grade and you can just guess how long that’s been, but I’ll never tell!

I love traveling with Evonne because not only do we enjoy life, we both appreciate the One who gives it! We see God’s hand everywhere we go. When we visit a castle high up in the mountains we think of God being our fortress.

When we see a majestic view, we think of the one who created it. The views of the Alps are some of the most majestic views you will ever see. They are truly awe inspiring!

A Webster’s definition of awe is “veneration or wonder inspired by authority or by the sacred or sublime.” Perhaps living in a computer generated world, used to 3-D effects can make us desensitized to the beauty around us. As children we were amazed by yellow daffodils and mesmerized by watching ants carry ten times their weight across the yard. Too soon we become jaded and take our sunsets for granted. We no longer see a colorful sky radiant with colorful reddish, pinkish, orange hues; we just wish the sun would go down so the light will stop shining in our eyes while we’re trying to drive. Somewhere along the way we lose our awe.

Awe truly can nourish our souls and help us live better lives. Stanford University and University of Minnesota researchers have discovered that “gazing at a beautiful landscape or listening to a majestic symphony may make people feel less rushed, more patient and more compassionate towards others.” They found that a sense of awe has a major impact on everyday decision making. People who can recall awesome moments are more likely to volunteer, do charity work, and spend their money on experiences rather on material goods. Participants in the study reported that small doses of awe give a boost in life satisfaction.

We as Christians can sometimes be guilty of losing our awe of God, His creation, and the blessings He bestows. Hebrews 12:28 tell us, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptable with reverence and awe.”
There is a fine line in our relationship with God between awe and familiarity.

Yes, God is our friend and father. He wants us to feel close enough to Him to be honest and discuss anything. However, He doesn’t want to be taken for granted. No one does. After all, God is our creator. Job tells us that dominion and awe belong to God (Job 25:2). God is also our fortress, high tower, sustainer, giver of every good gift – the list goes on and on. When we lose sight of this awe we fail to see God as he really is – a truly awesome God!

Many know that I’m a movie buff.  I especially love a movie with great, crisp dialog. A favorite of mine is A Few Good Men which is about a military court case.   You just can’t forget Jack Nicholson yelling, “You can’t handle the truth!”  People remember it even if they’ve never seen the film.

However, the line I love happens when two of the lawyers disagree about their Marine clients.  One asks the other, “Why do you like them so much?”

The reply is: “Because they stand on a wall and say, ‘Nothing’s going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch.’”

I love that line.  When I think of those who serve in the military to protect our freedoms that’s what I picture – soldiers standing guard so we can sleep in peace.  They stand watch so we can enjoy the freedoms and rights we so often take for granted: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to assemble, the right to a trial, the right to vote, and so on. These are privileges afforded us because of those who make sure no one takes them away. And don’t kid yourself! Some countries resent the United States for having these freedoms and would be ecstatic if they were gone. Many gave their lives so we could have these freedoms to protect.

There was a time when almost every man living had fought in some war for our country. Our freedoms have become somewhat secure so fewer men have had to do this. But many died so we could be free. Memorial Day commemorates the death of all those who lost their lives in military service to protect our freedoms. Memorial Day is a time for us to remember them.

God is very big on us remembering things. In fact he was constantly reminding the Israelites to remember all he had done for them (Deuteronomy 7:12, 8:2). And especially how he had delivered them to freedom (Deuteronomy 5:15). I guess freedom was just as big a deal in biblical times as it is today.

I hope we remember to thank God for our freedoms. I hope we remember those who gave their lives to help us gain freedom. Memorial Day is a great time for remembering. Let’s remember them!

In my last blog I mentioned a handwritten poem my father-in-law gave me when our first child was born.  Grandpa Dahlgren has long since passed away but here’s a picture of him with our youngest child Matthew who is not so young anymore – he’s 32.  I’ve had so many requests to have the poem printed in its entirety that I decided to go ahead and put it in this blog.  Like I mentioned before I don’t know who wrote it because my copy indicated the author was Anonymous.  Anonymous has written so many clever things through the years that I would love to meet him or her one day to give credit where credit is due.  Until then I’ll just enjoy the fruits of their labor.

The Best of All

Some have bonds and some have gold

But you have a child in your arms to hold

Some have power and some have land

But you have the touch of a little hand

Some have riches and some have pride

But you have a kiss at eventide

Some have fame but you have more

The patter of feet on the bedroom floor

A dear goodnight in the darkness there

And the tender words of a little prayer

A tousled head on the bed to lay

At the ragged end of a happy day

And the light of the stars on a little face

And a darling smile that the moonbeams trace

What matter then if gold we miss

For what is gold compared to this

Priceless Treasures

When we had our first child my father-in-law gave me a poem which he lovingly hand wrote as a keepsake.  It was by that famous author, Anonymous.  I memorized the first two lines.

“Some have silver and some have gold,

But you have a child in your arms to hold.”

Each stanza describes those who have land, power, riches, pride, or fame.  But how can those things compare to a child’s smile, embrace, footsteps, first words, or kiss?  That poem has provided me with an inner compass.  When our other two children were born I would reread it just to keep perspective of what is most important in life.

Who hasn’t longed for a wealth and riches?  Who hasn’t longed to be able to afford expensive works of art?  Having traveled a bit, I’ve been dazzled by Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Monet’s Water Lilies, and Whistler’s Portrait of the Painter’s Mother.  I’ve marveled at Michelangelo’s Statue of David, the Greek Venus de Milo, and Rodin’s The Thinker.  I’ve been a guest in homes so lavish and pristine you were afraid to breathe, much less sit down.  And I can say without hesitation that none of these can compare to my own assortment of priceless treasures which have taken me years to accumulate.

My cherished collection includes but is not limited to the following:

•  Carnations made out of pink Kleenex tissues
• A hanging wall letter holder made from paper plates
• Popsicle framed pictures
• A teabag taped to a picture of a teapot
• A jewelry box made from macaroni glued to a cigar box and spray painted gold
• Abstract (and I do mean abstract) works of art
• Family collages of pictures pasted on construction paper
• Handmade greeting cards with original poems beginning with “Roses are red and  violets are blue”
• Seedlings planted in small paper cups
• Awards with “World’s Greatest Mom” written in crayon
• Colorful potholders made from material scraps
• A cutting board made in shop class
• Jewelry made from pipe cleaners
• Message holders made from clothespins
• Paper weights made from painted rocks
• Plaster of Paris foot prints
• Coupons that say, “I will take out the trash” or “I will clean my room.”
• Card board place mats
• A child’s hand print accompanied by a poem about children leaving fingerprints everywhere in a home

It’s taken years to acquire these works of art.  And more priceless yet were the three treasures who presented them to me – because as the last stanza of my poem explains…

“What matter then if wealth we miss?

For what is gold compared to this?”

Here are my three priceless treasures all grown up…

Christ says that we will be witnesses for him. “You shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).” Some of us balk at the idea of being witnesses for Christ. Perhaps it’s because we have a false concept about what being a witness really means.

The word “witness” conjures up negative images of Christ being on trial in a court of law and we must testify that he is innocent. But Christ does not need us to defend him. However, He does want us to attest to what He has done in our lives if someone asks. The Bible says to be ready to give an answer – to those who ask (1 Peter 3:15). It doesn’t say to go out and cram the gospel down everyone’s throat. And, yes, people do that.

Many think this passage in Acts commands us to go out and witness for Christ. But not every scripture written in the Bible is a command. Some state facts. Let’s reread Acts 1:8. “You shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Could it be that Jesus is stating a fact here? The gospel will spread to the ends of the earth and as it does Christians will be witnesses for Christ – not by trying to persuade skeptics to follow Him, but by showing how the fruits of God’s spirit can be manifest in our lives so others will want to follow Him.

If we call ourselves Christians then our lives are a witness for God. Our lives are either good witnesses or bad witnesses – but they are witnesses just the same. Hopefully our lives are a living testimony for God’s goodness, so others might say something like, “WOW! That person has a peace that passes all understanding. I’d like to have that kind of peace in my life.”

Being a witness for Christ is not as difficult as we may think. We don’t have to convince others to follow Christ. Christ does that. We don’t even have to go out looking for people to “witness” to. God will do that. God will make sure we come in contact with the people he wants us to know. He will put it in their hearts to ask us questions about Him that we can answer.

The early church knew this. They continued steadfastly doing what they had been taught. They met together, ate together, worshipped together, and prayed together. They were happy and got along with all the people (Acts 2:42-47). “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” The early church members devoted themselves to living a Christian life. That’s how they witnessed for Christ. They didn’t talk people into becoming Christians. They didn’t “lead” people to Christ. They allowed the Holy Spirit to transform them into what Christ would have them be and then…God added to the church.

With this kind of witnessing God gets all the glory. You see, it’s all about Him – not about us. That’s what witnessing for Christ is all about.

Jesus told the early church that they would be witnesses. “You shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).” A witness is one who attests to the truth. So this implies that people would be telling others about God’s truth by sharing their first hand experiences.

Witnesses is biblical times were very important. Most of the people were poor and many were illiterate. The average person couldn’t read or write so many things weren’t written down or recorded. Therefore sharing what you had seen, heard or experienced with others was important. The teachings of Jesus had to be passed on word of mouth.

The Bible is filled with examples of those who witnessed for Christ in their own way. There was no specific way presented for people to share the gospel. People led by God’s spirit don’t all witness in the same way. God created us with various personalities. We all have different occupations, strengths and weaknesses. As unique members of the body of Christ people use what they have to witness in their own ways (2 Corinthians 12). This is true today as it was in biblical times. Here are some examples…

The Blind Man
This man had been blind from birth and Jesus healed him. The Pharisees did not like this. In fact they tried to say that Jesus could not be from God because Jesus healed him on the Sabbath. Now the blind man didn’t have much education and didn’t wax eloquent in front of the Pharisees. He merely stated that he didn’t know who Jesus was, but he did know one thing. “I was blind and now I see (John 9:25).”

Peter
Peter was a tent maker. He was a bit impetuous and made his mistakes, yet his love for Christ and enthusiasm for the gospel was almost contagious. He walked on water. Christ seemed to spend a little extra time with Peter (Matthew 16:15-23). Peter gave the sermon on the day of Pentecost when Jesus’ followers were together in Jerusalem (Acts 2). He could attest to the miracles, wonders, and signs Jesus performed. He said, “God has raised Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of that fact (Acts 2:32).”

Dorcas
Dorcas was a woman ahead of her time. She was a business owner and philanthropist. A dedicated follower of Christ she witnessed through her good works and living the Christian life (Acts 9:36). She put her faith into action by serving the poor and making clothes for the widows. Many mourned when she died in the prime of life. Believers sent for Peter who prayed and she was brought back to life.

Matthew
Matthew was a Christian tax collector which is almost an oxymoron. He left everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:27-31). He witnessed through his hospitality. He threw a banquet for Jesus and invited all his tax collector friends. The Pharisees didn’t like this, but Jesus did.

Paul
Paul was more of an intellectual and knew the arts, philosophy, and the law. He used his logic and reasoning to become all things to all people (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). He once persecuted Christians but then he became one. His changed life was part of his witness, but he was also a persuasive orator. He spoke comfortably in Athens, the center of philosophy (Acts 17) and defended himself in court so adeptly that he almost persuaded King Agrippa to become a Christian (Acts 26:28).

The Samaritan Woman
The Samaritan woman had three strikes against her. First, she was a Samaritan. Jews did not speak to Samaritans because they considered them religiously impure. Second, she was a woman. In those days women were to be seen and not heard. Her third strike was living in adultery. Yet Jesus chose to speak to this “three strikes and you’re out” loser in the world’s eyes and share the gospel (John4). She couldn’t contain her happiness, so she told all her neighbors, family, and friends. She didn’t try to convert anyone, yet many believed (John 4:39-43). She witnessed by sharing her joy!

All followers of Christ witness in one way or another, whether they want to or not. We are all God’s witnesses. In matters not what our strengths or weaknesses are. We share the gospel with those we come in contact with by the lives we lead. Our lives are our testimony. How we live is our witness. How we live declares the truth about God’s influence in our lives. God can use that for His glory.