AHOY, ICEBERG AHEAD! part 1

I feel like I’m on a cruise in the north Atlantic. The big party is in the main ballroom dancing to Glen Miller and his band of renown. It’s loud and lively. There’s plenty of liquor, laughter and luxury. It looks like everyone is there. The talk and singing is nothing if not joyous. I’m on the port deck with Gail listening to the party inside and in absolute turmoil about what I see coming. This danger could be seen coming for quite a distance. The captain has left the bridge and is inside observing the passengers. No one appears to be at the helm. No one seems to care. We see the iceberg approaching on the port side, or is it standing still and we are approaching it. Either way, it is beginning to look unavoidable.

When were first saw the obstacle in the distance we tried to warn of the impending danger. We were mocked. This ship cannot be damaged. It is unsinkable. Let the dancing continue. The ship is automated. It is designed to sense obstacles and take evasive action. It needs no captain on the bridge. We are not avoiding the obstacles and the captain is not there.

The one consolation is that Gail and I can see into the future — or maybe we are seeing in retrospect. We know we are not going down with this ship. Maybe it is because we are so close to the emergency lifeboats. Just in case, we have donned life vests. Admittedly we cannot swim well. Besides the waters are shark infested. Our situation, like everyone’s is about to become tense. Hard times are ahead.

Some passengers do believe the ship is listing to the port. Many are aware of this. A large, gentle giant sits in his wheelchair near the port doors. There are a lot of rumors and gossip about this man and his size. He has a very clear and powerful voice. One sophisticated lady dislikes even the sound of that booming but joyful sound. She is mounting a drive to have him tossed overboard. She is convinced it will level the ship out and remove any possible danger. She is blinded by her own spirit and desire to have a world around her that fits her view of the perfect world. Her control drives and hatred for anyone who does not fit her sterile view simply does not belong. She has removed in the dark objects she considers in appropriate (read she does not like). In secret, she has removed, relocated and/or rearranged information posts she does not approve, appreciate where they are placed or appear to be clutter. All her concerns are addressed under the guise of “concern” for the other passengers. But, alas, it is only one passenger is sees.

She has certainly not set the iceberg in place. But she is distracting all from seeing the present danger and placing every issue at the feet of one man whom she dislikes. She has even added concerns that are not accurate. Unfortunately, she is at the center of the deck surrounded by her disciples. She is preaching her doctrine of bitterness and hatred.

It reminds me of the sailors who threw the apostle Paul overboard to calm the storm. They all went down. I’m hanging on for the impact. We are getting closer. Gail and I have moved nearer the lifeboats.