August 2008 Archives

We had a busy weekend, and I am almost glad to be at work so I can rest.  The reason I am so tired is that we ran around with our granddaughters.  Although they are three-and-a-half and two, they can run circles around us.

One of the highlights of the weekend was taking them to Crown Center, here in Kansas City.  Crown Center is an upscale shopping mall, with a whole lot more in the surrounding area.  In the winter, there is an outdoor skating rink, while in the summer, they have a fountain that shoots out of the ground.  Kids of all ages can run through the jets of water, including "Gramma Robin", who showed Savannah and Katelynn the proper way to get wet in a fountain.  (Hint:  If you aren't completely soaked, you're doing it wrong!)

I was manning the camera, and got to capture their joy.  Their cries of, "Watch me, Poppa!" rang out over the whooshing and splashing of the water, and I would aim the camera in their direction and try to catch them in the frame.  It wasn't easy.

Later on, we had a picnic in the backyard.  I was keeping the girls out of Robin's hair while she got our dinner ready, and the girls were playing on the plastic yard equipment.  Savannah kept showing me her new trick.

"Watch me, Poppa!"  I assured her I was watching, and she would shoot head-first down the slide.

Time and time again:  "Watch me, Poppa!"

After they were tucked in bed, I reflected on her actions.  Why did she keep asking me to watch her?  Was she afraid she was going to get hurt?  Was she just so proud of her new-found ability that she had to show me over and over?

At first, I thought, "How childish."

But then I realized how wrong I was.

After all, we all have something inside us that craves attention.  We all have a desire to show off to others.  I think part of it is just to remind the world that we are alive, that we are here.  We all want to leave our mark.

Some go out and win gold medals in the Olympics.  Others create visual masterpieces on canvas with paint.  Still others create fountains that kids can run through.  Some of us write novels and record podcasts.

But more than just leaving a mark, a brief reminder of our existence, I think all of us have a need to make sure that Someone is watching.  We want to know our Creator hasn't forgotten us.  We want to hear God telling us He is proud of us.

So we do whatever it is He has asked us to do.  We exercise the gifts and talents He has given us.  And even whatever we do has the ability to entertain and bless others, deep down inside, I think our spirits are crying out to God:  Watch me, Poppa!

Peace.

Bob

I apologize for the lengthy delay in publishing another blog post, but it has been very busy here the last few weeks.  The good news is that I have completed three episodes of Jabez: Conceived in Pain, Delivered in Victory.  I need to have the first five done before I can release them to the actual site that will carry all the podcasts.

I have also re-recorded the first episode, because the first one was recorded with inferior equipment.  I will put the newly remastered episode (as well as Episodes 2 and 3) out on the website later this evening.

Anyway, I just need to share something with you regarding the age-appropriateness of the book.  I have been made aware that several readers under the age of 10 have found the first episode and have listened to it.

Please be aware that the book is written primarily for older readers.  When I release the book on the podcasting site, it will probably have to carry a "PG-13" (or equivalent) rating.  You need to know that there is a certain measure of violence and sexual content in the book.

I don't dwell on these adult themes, but they are there.  For example, Episode 1 contains two scenes that might give a parent pause.

In one scene, Jabez's father is kicked in the groin by a bullock, and his "manly parts" are crushed.  (I actually use that term.)

In another scene, Jabez's mother is raped by several men.  I do not use the term "rape"; instead, I use the phrase, "ravaged".

Please know that I did not include those scenes just to satisfy some perverse desire.  These two scenes are absolutely crucial to explain why Jabez was rejected by his own family and his village.

In today's society, some of these situations may be considered inappropriate for readers under the age of 13 or so.  However, the irony is that the entire book is about an old man telling the story of his life to his great-grandson, who is only six years old.

So, why would it be appropriate for someone to tell a young child about things that, today, we might not wish to share with a child so young?

First of all, the setting of the book takes place in ancient Israel, shortly after the conquest of Canaan.  This was a very violent time in Israel's history.  Indeed, God commanded the Israelites to conquer the land and destroy the inhabitants.  It is my belief that in such a time and culture, violence was a very real part of their lives.

Secondly, the setting of the book takes place in an agrarian society.  It has been my experience that "farm kids" are exposed to certain practices at an earlier age than "city kids" (although, given the amount of sexual content, violence, depravity seen in popular culture today, this distinction may have eroded.)  That is, children who are raised around animals typically have an understanding of "the birds and the bees" at an earlier age than children who are not raised in that culture.  When a family's livelihood depends upon the successful breeding of the flock, it is natural for kids to be exposed to, well, natural processes.

Because of this, I believe that children 3,000 years ago were exposed to much more realistic life events than children today.  This is especially true if we have raised our children in a sheltered bubble.

Anyway, if your child wants to read or listen to Jabez: Conceived in Pain, Delivered in Victory, I would suggest that you make it a family activity.  Read the book along with your child, or set aside some time to listen to the podcasts together.

Besides being a great way to spend time together, you will be able to help your child understand the cultural setting of the book.  You can explore ancient Biblical times with your child, and answer any questions that might arise.

Peace.

Bob