Think                                            

Midrash, parable, allegory, myth, illustration, urban legend. They all refer to the same literary style.

 They are stories that clarify truths and ideas. They vary with the discipline and era in which they are told. They are also timeless. For example: the parables of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan as reportedly told by Jesus.

 The most recent type is the “urban legend.” “It entered the popular lexicon in the early 1980’s.” Jan Harold Brunvand, the folklorist, coined the phrase.

 It is important to note that none of the categories are to be considered as being historical. They are conveyors of truth.

 Thalidomide is a sedative that was in use fifty to sixty years ago for pregnant women. It often caused severe abnormalities in the limbs or features of the fetus. It has since been discontinued.

 A few years ago I was told about such an incident. An expectant mother was given thalidomide and when her baby boy was born, he was born without ears. Only two small holes on the sides of his head.

 As he grew up he was often the object of ridicule. Boys were unmerciful in making fun of him. Girls avoided him because of his appearance. He was unhappy and depressed. However, he became an excellent student.

 Then, in his early teens a life changing event happened. Someone donated two ears for a transplant. Overnight his life was changed.

 He graduated from high school with honors and attended Harvard, graduating with honors. He received a PhD and became a professor at Harvard.

 Happily married with two children, word came one day that his mother had died. He returned to his home to attend the funeral.

 At the wake, he stood by the casket mourning his beloved mother. Tenderly he brushed back his mother’s lovely hair and to his utter amazement, she did not have ears.

 She had been the donor of his ears many years before-without him knowing about it.

 The message is pretty clear. It’s one of unlimited love without regard for personal convenience. A mother’s love. It’s the closest emotion to the love God has for each of us.

 Jim Sims, local Highland resident, shared with me an urban legend that has appeal to anyone who has a seeing problem-like Jim and I both have.

 There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, “If I could only see the world, I will marry you.”

 One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend.

 He asked her, “Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?” The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn’t expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him.

 Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: “Take good care of your eyes, my dear; for before they were yours, they were mine.”

 This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

 The originator of this legend contributed several truths applicable to the story. Before whining about the distance you drive-Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

 And when you are tired and complain about your job-Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

 But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another-Remember that not one of us is without sin.

 And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down-Put a smile on your face and think: you’re alive and still around.

 Today before you say an unkind word-Think of someone who can’t speak.

 Before you complain about the taste of your food-Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

 Before you complain about your husband or wife-Think of someone who’s crying out to GOD for a companion.

 Today before you complain about life-Think of someone who died too early on this earth.

 Before you complain about your children-Think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.

 Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn’t clean or sweep-Think of the people who are living in the streets.

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.