When I was much younger - my brothers and I - read "MAD Magazine" - originally a comic book - turned into a legitimate magazine - that poked fun at the world and many things that adults took too seriously - often making fun and openly ridiculing politicians and popular opinion. As a magazine targeted to younger people - it appealed and set the stage for future imitators - who also dared to ridicule the institutions that most adults blindly followed - to the delight of youth. It helped to form young people - who refused to be blindly led by government - who learned to think for themselves - who learned that you voted for the individual and not the party - who were to become the thinkers - shakers - movers of the 20th century. The mascot for the magazine was Alfred E. Neuman - who's constant mantra was - "What me worry?". MAD magazine is often credited with filling a vital gap in political satire from the 1950s to 1970s, when Cold War paranoia and a general culture of censorship prevailed in the United States, especially in literature for teens. Instead of being fearful of the world - teens and young adults looked forward to a world in which they could and would make a difference.
Fifty years later - the world is once again in need of those who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to go against the public opinion to say and speak the truth - even when not popular or politically correct. Jesus had to cope with the same issue in His day - speaking about injustice and wrongs - in spite of criticism by the pharisees - in spite of the temple priests. Doing and saying what is right - more important - than being popular - more important than winning votes - for words that will not heal or help. We are called - each of us - to be doers and healers - to proclaim the Words of God - to be confident - that God is with us constantly - to profess with His Holy Spirit - "What me worry?" - Jesus is Lord!
Deacon Dale
Fifty years later - the world is once again in need of those who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to go against the public opinion to say and speak the truth - even when not popular or politically correct. Jesus had to cope with the same issue in His day - speaking about injustice and wrongs - in spite of criticism by the pharisees - in spite of the temple priests. Doing and saying what is right - more important - than being popular - more important than winning votes - for words that will not heal or help. We are called - each of us - to be doers and healers - to proclaim the Words of God - to be confident - that God is with us constantly - to profess with His Holy Spirit - "What me worry?" - Jesus is Lord!
Deacon Dale
