This world is getting darker and meaner every day. And there are fewer kids doing wholesome kid stuff with each passing year. But I think you’ll find that the sights and scents of a flower garden can still attract kids almost as much as they attract bees.

So, stop what you’re doing and make the most of it. So what if you had an appointment. Be a little late. So what if you’re on the way to work or the kids are on the way to school (which I recommend is in your own home). What you can teach them in a single, precious moment can have eternal benefits. And that trumps the daily routine any time.

Here’s the main reason you and the kids should stop and smell the flowers. Because it’s a simple, effective connection you and they can make to your living, loving God who made the flowers. He’s the Creator who spoke words and all the universe exploded into existence. That’s powerful stuff packed into each flower. And right down to the very fragrance that wafts up into your nose. I call it…

Take a look at the colors in a flower.

Even more than the best and brightest flower

“Lord I love to smell the lilies of the valley

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Do these sound like masculine traits? Decisiveness, assertiveness, and confidence? I think they certainly SHOULD sound like masculine traits. And I believe those traits can be instilled into boys in ways that help them develop leadership skills.

Let me ask you this? Do you think that’s happening in America these days? I don’t. At least not as a rule. Only as the exception. The general rule has turned to females in charge of little boys. And a majority of those little boys have turned into pasty-faced, video-playing mama’s boys who act way too feminine.

Well, here’s some reasoning I read in a bullet list somewhere online. It said, “Boys who are taught to lead with integrity and respect can become leaders in their communities, workplaces, and families, promoting positive change and setting examples for others.”

Yeah, OK. Nothing particularly wrong about that. But it uses two overused clichés. “Promoting positive change.” And “setting examples for others.”

And I exiled those two phrases to cliché status because they don’t actually say anything. For example, what one person might call “positive change” another person might say is too crazy to even consider. And what kinds of examples should be set for others? Who gets to determine what they should be?

I’ll tell you who, here in the FunderSphere, gets to say what positive change is and what kinds of examples should be set. Mister Tony. That’s who. Uh-oh. Did I just put myself in charge of what’s right and wrong? You bet I did. But before you go ballistic, berserk, and bonkers on me for doing something so unthinkable, let me use some of my hard-earned leadership skills and ‘splain it just a step or two further.

And since that includes me, I look for real truth. I found real Truth when I was only 13. And every time I’ve zig-zagged away from that Truth, I knew it was me who moved. Not Truth.

So, when I want to share actual, man-building truth with kids (at least the male kids), I go to the Manufacturer’s manual. And I look for the solid answers there that are always right. Always on target. And always based in God’s love for anyone who loves Him.

Then, I take those answers I find, in the manual, and I convert them into easy-to-understand nuggets of knowledge and insert them into Christian books for kids, rhymes, songs, and videos.

Here’s a short, to-the-point example:

There’s a life inside of you, and it comes from God,

And that ain’t never gonna change no matter how much haters try to change it.

Now, take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to 2 of my books and 2 songs, right away, that grownups AND kids can enjoy. Then, I’ll do my best to encourage you to sing a new song with the power of God’s love.

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I just want you to know I’m wishing you all the best today. Because I know you’re going through a lot. And I know it can sometimes feel like you’re being tested every day.

Doesn’t it make you feel a whole lot better when someone’s tells you that? And don’t all your cares and troubles seem to magically fade away or disappear? Yeah. Words are truly powerful.

(cue the needle scratch sound)

NO! When somebody tells you they’re wishing you all the best, your problems don’t vanish. Certainly not if they’re real problems. Because wishing doesn’t have that power. Despite what some woman in a crystal bubble might tell a girl who wears ruby red slippers.

So, why would a grown up adult tell you what they wish for you? Especially, when they KNOW their so-called “wish” won’t do a darn thing to ease your pain?

Well, maybe it’s because they know it might help to ease your pain.

Wait a second. Didn’t I just say it wouldn’t ease your pain? Yeah. I just went back a couple of sentences, and there it is. I definitely said a wish “won’t do a darn thing to ease your pain.” So, why would I follow that up with the very next sentence that says a wish might help ease your pain? Oh brother (or sister), it’s all so complicated.

Except it’s not complicated, when you realize the relational aspect of comforting words. When you hurt, or you have to deal with a serious challenge in life, another person’s comforting words can sometimes make all the difference. And I’m talking about the difference in your attitude.

And the only reason it’s not totally saturated in everlasting darkness is because there’s still a flicker of God’s light. And that light shines brightly enough to keep hope alive. If you’re a Christian, a member of the Body of Christ, you are a ray of that light. Use your light to help someone through their darkness, today. Or at the very next opportunity.

Because it would be a shame if you kept that light under a basket and somebody you care about ended up in eternal torment. So, you know what I’m wishing for you today. Right?

Here’s something I wrote about wishing, many years ago.

There are people of the past

We don’t wanna hear it.

Oh, I wish our world was better.

There are innocent children

We don’t wanna hear it.

Oh, I wish our world was better.

© 1978 & 2015

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“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” You’ve heard that more than once I bet. And it sure applies to Christian doctrinal differences. Because I see it more and more, with each passing year, how Christians put words and actions into God’s mouth and hands that He didn’t (and doesn’t) do and say. In other words…

Like the messed up idea that God predestined everything that happens or has happened or ever will happened. And how that means everything happens for a reason. And that we just need to remember it’s all “part of God’s plan.” Like I said, that’s messed up. So, to that I say, no.

And then how about this whole messed up idea of Christians forgiving everybody? Yeah. You even see people interviewed on TV after a loved one was murdered. And they’ll say things like, “I know God wants me to forgive him (the murderer), but it’s not easy.” Or they just go ahead and forgive the murderer and feel good about themselves for doing so.

That’s messed up, too. And to that, I also say, no.

Of course, the most ubiquitous case of what you know that just ain’t so is “Judge not.” Also known as “don’t judge” or “I’m not judging you” or some other form you’ve probably seen and heard.

And the irony is…the Christians who say we’re not supposed to judge will get very judgmental toward any other Christian who’d dare to judge someone. I’m sure they mean well (don’t touch that sarcasm dial), but they truly either haven’t read Paul’s writings, or they just forgot.

It’s really important to get these things right. I wrote a song about ’em. Here are the lyrics.

Everything is for a reason

No, no…a thousand times no.

Should you freely give forgiveness?

No, no…a thousand times no.

And who are you to judge?

No, no…a thousand times no.

© 2010 Tony Funderburk

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I hope you’re not rockin the boat today. Because the world has enough troublemakers without you chimin’ in. And if you don’t know what I’m talkin’ about, then you probably shouldn’t even be reading this. Because you just won’t understand. And it’s probably a matter of your lack of education. Or enlightenment. Or esotericism.

Yeah, you just don’t get it.  

“Wow, Tony. Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed or what?”

Well, hopefully you’ve been reading my articles and listening to my podcast episodes long enough to detect my dripping sarcasm. But just in case you’re new to my wry Rhyme and Reason wit and wisdom, I’m not actually attacking do-gooders.

In fact, I are one. Or at least I aspire to be one.

“But what in the world are you talkin’ about then, Tony?”

Ok, I’ll get to that. But first, let me tell you a little story (one of thousands) about my full-time performing days. In my repertoire of cover songs I had a few personal favorites. Mostly I sang for the audience and what they wanted to hear. But some songs were on my list just because I liked ’em.

And one of those songs was called “Sit Down, You’re Rockin The Boat.”

It was written by Frank Loesser and published in 1950. And it was one of the songs featured in the musical “Guys and Dolls” and performed by Stubby Kaye. I talked about another song Stubby sang in that movie. And you can check that out here.

Anyway…

A much cooler version of that song was done by Don Henley. And you might remember him from the Eagles. Right? And apparently Henley’s version was on the soundtrack to a movie called “Leap of Faith” with Steve Martin. But I didn’t see that movie. And from what I can deduce, I’m glad I didn’t.

And I mean an oh so slight…well…slight. And I think most people miss it altogether.

But it takes a close look and listen. I’ll include the lyrics, and hopefully nobody’s gonna come after me for copyright reasons. And if you’ve never heard Don Henley’s version, you can check it out on YouTube. It’s sort of a reggae style, which I enjoy, and it’s the style I followed when I sang it live.

It has a little bit of the “plank in your own eye” message. But there’s also the hidden sarcasm toward people who would dare claim to know the difference between right and wrong. And the words mix in just a little bit of false doctrine to help prop up the straw man.

But, all that being said, I liked the “vibe” of the song enough to include it in my nightly repertoire. And I made sure to toss in some of my signature replacement lyrics when I sang it live.

So, there you go. A little backstory to an old song you probably never gave a second thought to before.

I dreamed last night I was on the boat to heaven.

And the people all said sit down

Cause the devil will drag you under

As I sailed with those passengers to heaven

And the people all said sit down

Cause the devil will drag you under

Oooh Oooh Oooh

As we sailed

And I said to myself sit down

Cause the devil will drag you under

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Maybe it wasn’t today. But maybe it was yesterday. And you got up still feeling sleepy. And before you even finished your first cup of sunshine you said “Boy, I’ll be glad when this day is over.” Sound familiar? Because if it does, it’s a form of wishing your life away. And I’m guessing you don’t really it mean it to be that way. But it’s true.  

Uh-oh. Now, I done did it. Went ahead and mentioned the “S” word. Selfish.

“Golly, Tony. How come you gotta judge me like that? I just wanted the day to be over so I could be past the crud.”

I know. And I understand how tempting it is to wanna be past the crud in life. Because, after all, who in his or her right mind would enjoy crud? Well, maybe somebody who owns a successful crud cleaning business. But besides that…probably nobody else.

But here’s the problem.

Even if you could skip all the crud, today, that doesn’t mean it’s gone. Because we live in a crud filled world. Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever written the word crud so many times in my whole life. Anyway…this world is broken. And we humans broke it. So, we gotta deal with reality. And that means dealing with the consequences.

And if it’s true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger (and I’m not so sure that’s always true), then it’s better to brace yourself for the consequences. Instead of wishing your way past them.

Talk to God. He listens when you do.

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Yeah, it’s a fact. An unflattering fact. But a fact nevertheless. You have selfish desires. And I do, too. But they don’t have to rule over you. Trouble is…most people in the world allow that to happen. In fact, they prefer it that way. So, what’s a “good person” to do?

“What?! Me, not a good person? How dare you, Tony!”

Ooh…that’s a tough one, right?

Sure, you and I might get along and enjoy a conversation over a cup of coffee. And we might even have a lot in common. So much so that we could become lifelong friends. Even have each other over on holidays. But you’re still not a “good person.” Because of that darn selfishness thing going on inside you.

Now, easy there champ. You can say the same thing about me. And I won’t even hold it against you. Why?

Because the truth matters.

And if God, Himself, says nobody is good, then it’s gotta be the truth. Right? Right.

And He does say that. But what He also says…more times than once…is, you and I are redeemable. We don’t have to be selfish, little knuckleheads forever. But most of the people in the world don’t wanna hear about His solution for our problem. Because they wanna be their own king…or queen.

Sadly, they don’t realize their selfish desires lead to eternal fires. And whether those fires are literal or figurative doesn’t matter. What DOES matter is, they never burn out. And the souls caught in those flames will never find relief. So, here’s what I recommend.

And get off your high horses.

Up on the mountains of self…

We’re riding our high horses.

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I saw a Christian, on social media, quoting Ronald Reagan. And the quote was, “I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.” I enjoyed listening to Mr. Reagan. He delivered engaging and entertaining speeches. But that time he was wrong. [powerpress_player]

And if you’re a Christian, you know (or should know) Jesus Himself said the total opposite. And who are you gonna believe? Ronald Reagan? Or Jesus? (I hope that’s a rhetorical question, but I’m not so sure.)

History books are laid out on the framework of man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. And day-to-day news is played out the same way. Human beings murder other human beings with heartbreaking ferocity. And the voracious lust for blood seems to be increasing with each new year.

How could anyone dare say man is good?

And yet, there are potentially redeemable qualities in each and every one. Otherwise, I don’t believe Jesus would have suffered such a tortured death. He created us. And His desire is that none of us should perish. So, He willingly allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross, high on a hill where everyone could see. And He endured an agonizing, humiliating death just so you and I could live forever.

Now, I get it. Maybe you want to choose to see the good in everyone. And if you’re doing that with the same motive as Jesus, fine. But I know most people who say man is good are just ignorant (willfully most times) of the truth. And remember, it’s the Truth that’ll set you free. Not what you feel like is true. But what IS true. Say that.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were right,

If I didn’t know better, I’d say that you care.

If I didn’t know better, I’d leave it alone.

© 2020 Tony Funderburk

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