John decided to preach about the story about Shem and Japheth. While the meaning is potent, and even applicable to those of us who do not imbibe, it can be tricky to present to children. Noah got drunk and lay naked in his tent, and his son Ham took the opportunity to blab to his two brothers. But they bent over backwards, literally, to lay a coat over their father to protect his dignity. 

 

John brought several images that represent truth to the chancel, including a rock, a sword, a glass of cool water, and a terrycloth robe. He also had a quilt, which if you do a word search in the bible does not appear, but he went with the idea of a comforter. 

 

The message was about how different ways truth can show up. It can be a foundation, like for the building we were sitting in. Or it can be a means for protecting people we love. In other scenarios it can quench our thirst for answers, which is the backdrop for many of the comments I respond to each morning on Off the Left Eye. Or truth can offer comfort, when the winds of shame and fear blow against us. 

 

John  mentioned the story of the woman taken in adultery, and how people wanted to throw stones at her. He asked if that was how we should use truth. Benjamin's voice was loud, at least in the pew where I was sitting. 

 

"No!"

 

I love the passage John read in church. It is one of a handful that I can find without help. 

 

 

"But those who have charity hardly notice the evil in another person, but instead notice all the goods and truths that are his or hers; and on their evils and falsities they place a good interpretation. Of such a nature are all angels, it being something they have from the Lord, who bends everything evil into good." Secrets of Heaven 1079, Emanuel Swedenborg