Fish in a Box

Lunch with A.M. resulted in many learnings but most interesting involved the Ichthus symbol.  Modernized to include the word Jesus inside the fish, it has also created an satire for those willing to risk lightening - namely the Darwin fish.

I liked the thought behind not infringing on the branding (fish facing left), the addition of the feet (showing real evolution), the dark solid background (and there was no light) and there is probably a hidden message in the font (maybe Times Roman).

But my research trail lead naturally to Wikipedia Ichthys and the Greek word -I CH TH U S.

Jesus, Christ, God, Son, Savior     ΙΧΘΥΣ 

Or even more intellectually pleasing the 4th century visual of the five letters superimposed into an eight-spoked wheel.  But wait..... not to be undone -  there is the Darwin Gunmetal 12 Spoked Wheel.

Now I could launch into the mathematics of two intersecting arc's with the cusp and the fact that the arcs imply two circles joining twice.   But I will leave that to the quants out there.  Maybe the proper Darwinian variation for this illustration is intersecting squares.

That would "box us" into the Creation argument.  Hmmmmm -  I'll leave that to a different blogger.

 

Vetting Allegiance

At the heart of the immigration issue it the question of allegiance.  Presumably those individuals desiring to immigrate to the United States of America have a goal of becoming a United States Citizen.  If safety is their only concern, then a risk (and associated danger) of non-allegiance will always exist.

Safety and Security come with responsibility and obligations that are clearly identified in the Oath of Allegiance in the Naturalization process for Citizenship.  “….That I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic”

How much easier could it be to have immigrants read and recite this oath as their intention and first desire before entering our country?  It would set expectations for what they will learn and publically declare should they become naturalized Citizens.  Or even more simple, just as the majority of school children do, recite the Pledge of Allegiance (if the under God is objectionable - they can use the pre 1954 version).

 

 

Vetting based on religion, color, or any other discriminatory attribute is in direct conflict with the values and principles outlined in the Constitution.  U.S Citizens safety and security is what we are trying to achieve by vetting refugees and immigrants.  Common allegiance to each other and to the Country is the solution.  Extreme Vetting complicates the essence of the beauty and simplicity of our Constitutional values – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We are a nation of risk takers and freedom fanatics willing to defend each other “so help me God”.  I’m willing to take the risk for those who stand with me and pledge their allegiance.  That’s the kind of “Vet” I want by my side – born here or not.      

Outback Cincinnati

Today marks the 13th Outback America in Cincinnati.  Susan, Ellen and I will take our experience at J.H. Ranch and build upon it by volunteering at the local version of this ministry in Cincinnati.  It will be our first Outback experience and from the experience we have had preparing for the event, I know it will be transformative also.


Wednesday the Men constructed "Tent City" and prepared the "Big Top" for the weekend.

We are blessed to have five couples visiting from Romania as they explore bringing the Outback International into their country.

So what exactly is Outback America?   It's about building, restoring and strengthening relationships (Parent/Child and Husband/Wife). 

For me it's another chance at a glimpse of Heaven.