The Viaduct Run

When I was a small boy, maybe around the age of six, I had much difficulty walking (to this day I still walk into an occasional wall, but in my defense they do tend to jump out at me). My mother always told me that I was pigeon toed, which, to a six year old, was like being a circus freak.

Also at around this same time I was active in swimming lessons and many times during the day while my mother was at work my sitter would have to take me to the class. One morning as we crossed over the bridge or, as all the locals call it, the Viaduct something dreadful occurred. About mid way through the adventure the babysitter asked if there were sharks in the river and if I could swim. To both I answered yes. Quickly, or least I remember it that way (remember I was slow and pigeon toed), she hoisted me over the railing of the viaduct and dangled me by my pigeon feet directly above the river.

As you can probably tell both incidents were quite traumatic. After all I was a circus freak with some sort of bird feet that was soon to become the next meal for a dirty river shark. From that day forward I would never cross the bridge by foot, pigeoned or not.

Then on one unexpected afternoon some time later I experienced a miracle in my life. My family was downtown for some reason that I cannot remember and we were heading home. As we approached the fatal bridge there was a small convenient store that my father wanted to stop in. I, seeing the opportunity for more Garbage Pail Kids, decided to go in with him.

Mother was with us that day, but had been arguing with father and decided to walk on without us. As I left the store and realized what my mother had done I became very distraught and searched for her. Within moments I spotted her on the other side of the bridge. Without thought in mind, and yes regardless of what people say this is an unusual condition for me to be in, I began to run.

One would think that a small six your old boy running for his mother was a beautiful thing, right? No, not quite.

Just imagine a young boy running over a bridge crying out to his mother. Now imagine that small boy wearing the typical brightly colored short length shorts of the 80’s. Continue with this thought and place upon the boy’s feet a pair of cheap cowboy boots. (The cowboy boots were worn because I was convinced they helped with my pigeon feet.) I can sense that there is no need to elaborate any further due to you probably being well into a chuckle at this point as you imagine this little boy running over a bridge in such a horrific outfit.

Upon reaching my mother I was swept up into a loving embrace and comfort ran through my childish frame. She then brought my attention to the fact that I had just crossed the Viaduct all by myself. I was absolutely amazed and from that day forward I crossed the bridge with confidence.

I tell you this tale so that you may better understand the passage that states “whatever is true, what is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think of these things.” (Philippians 4:8) When I was a child I focused on all the potential pitfalls and struggles in life instead of something that was pure, like the love of a mother. Today as you go on with your life think not of what bad could come, but of what glory waits and you too may find yourself comforted by a loving embrace.

Moral Decline

Recently I was asked by a professor as an assignment (as if they ask for any other reason) to take a poll of five of my peers. This poll was to consist of them reading over 34 character strengths (finding five peers who could read did prove a little difficult) and picking five that they felt were necessary for a good elected official to possess. The results were quite intriguing.

With strengths like Communication, Commander, and Woo (the ability to win people over) there was quite a bit to consider. However, there was one strength that was only scored a couple times (yes I realize this is forty per cent, but be patient). That strength was Belief.

This trait is defined as someone who believes in doing the right thing. In retrospect it would appear that this is actually the most essential trait of them all. With my curiosity piqued I questioned those who did not score this trait as to why they felt it was not essential. Their answers, in my mind, could not be more horrid. What they responded with was, “I really do not care what they do when they go home at night.

The mindset displayed by these individuals gave evidence (though this population is way below acceptable standards) that people are beginning to care less about who they vote for. Do we honestly believe that if a man is immoral at night he will be moral during the day?

With corruption rampant in our government and the moral fabric of our country being whisked away by television one would think it was time to take charge. We need to look towards our past and utilize the rules of our grandparents as a yardstick to measure ourselves. Yes, I understand that the ways of yesteryear are outdated, but are not the moral standings needed just as much?

In conclusion I suppose I am trying to say that I feel as if our moral threads are degrading in every way and before long we will live in an anything goes society. It will be in this society that we will truly acknowledge the faults of the preceding generations. I present to all people that it is our duty to be morally minded and that we must hold all leaders to a higher moral standing than we may even hold ourselves. After all a man that leads me into the ditch of my own hand is no leader at all.

Word Confusion

Today I stumbled upon a fun list at http://www.dictionary.com/ and thought I would have some fun. From this list of confusing words I have selected a few and made sentences utilizing the set identified. So just sit back and relax, for today's post is intended for leisure. (Note: If you feel the need to criticize the grammar or anything of that nature, that is fine but remember I do have a twice removed uncle who once trained with a man that bought coffee from the same barrista as Chuck Norris. I'm just sayin'.)

1. Though Mr. Carter was affluent, he never was effluent in order to become influent.

2. I do suppose it wouldn’t be a grave solecism to support the philosophy of solipsism.

3. I am nearly certain that this uncharted island is unchartered.

4. For ease of use you should attach that strap to your attaché.

5. It is completely intolerable that you can be so intolerant.

6. The musician has concluded that the timbre of this timber is quite unique.

7. Her eloquent speech adds to her air of elegance.

8. Can you believe how difficult it is to give my pastorale a true pastoral feel?

9. You really should catch that ewe that is chomping on our yew.

10. A person of high class must always cast aside the caste structures of society.

United States of Rome

It was written by Edward Gibbon in his account of the fall of Rome: “Toward the end of the Roman Empire, all religions were regarded by the people as equally true, by the philosophers as equally false, and by the politicians as equally useful.” Having read this statement I find that I am thrust into a whirlwind of modern day similarity.

Currently, in America we have a social atmosphere that allows, and even endorses, that there are many paths to God. This is not at all unlike that of the Romans many centuries ago. It is this attitude that causes the erosion of conviction and opens the door to the other two issues to follow.

In the society we now live philosophers do not hold as much of a grasp as once held. Insteadwe see their position being held in the discipline of science. Where we once speculated, we now presume to know. It is this knowledge that gives rise to a belief that God is no longer necessary.

As far as politicians are concerned; I am not fully certain that the problem of usury among them has ever truly been eradicated. While there are many good men of political industry, there are twice as many corrupt. Nonetheless, in modern America we too see the issue of men in power using religion to advance their agenda.

What was written of Rome now seems to be true in America. In a nation whose forefathers utilized the lessons and dynamics brought forth by the Romans it only seems fit that we fall on the same sword. It is often said that we should understand history lest we repeat it. Well, it would seem that even with the knowledge that history has taught we are destined to repeat their triumphs and failures to the point of our own destruction.

In conclusion, the central premise presented revolved around religion. It is apparent that the belief in God is essential to society’s united effort of progress and success. When this nation first began the majority was united and greatness occurred. Now we see a separation of efforts and therefore a decline of strength. I cannot help but believe that if only we would return to our own history and repeat the success of being one nation, indivisible, under God; that we could become the America that we all believe ourselves to be.