The Ultimate Box

I know, I know. You're all thinking, "Ben! When are you gonna let go of this BOX thing?" Well, I think this'll be the last post.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about. I've posted a couple of times before about whether or not there should be a proverbial box around our thoughts and beliefs. To read those rantings click here and then here.

But in relation to my last post, I just had to offer this picture as The Ultimate Box. It's a shadow box, to be exact, found at the front door of one of my friend's neighbors here in Malta. A shadow box, for those of you who may have skipped that craft class at your church's last family retreat, has a glass front for displaying little trinkets, models, or memorabilia for hanging on the wall. This one happens to display a bust of Jesus wearing a bloody crown of thorns and carrying a cross accompanied by a couple of birdies.

Some people have put God in that proverbial box, but these folks have put him in a literal one.

Keepin' It Real

Since the day we arrived in Malta, Jessica and I have been amazed at the abundance of Christian phrases and quotes and symbols to be found all over the island. People don't just name their houses after saints, they've got bumper stickers too saying "My heart belongs to Jesus" or "No Jesus. No Peace. Know Jesus. Know Peace." or "John 3:16."

Lots of times, it sounds like something distinctly Protestant, "Jesus is the only way." But that sticker is on every other car, and there's hardly that number of dynamic believers in the country. It's more just a matter of culture. Tradition. A social obligation.

And it's kinda frustrating sometimes, feeling like people are stealing my passion, or cheapening the sticker I might have on my car, or just tricking me into hoping that driver might actually be a kindred spirit. But in the end, more than anything, it makes me stop and think what a bumper sticker's really for. Why do I wear my "christian" t-shirt? Does my WWJD bracelet really remind me to always ask what Jesus would do? Here it is in the words of one of the best ever Christian musicans, Steven Curtis Chapman:

Well I got myself a T-shirt that says what I believe
I got letters on my bracelet to serve as my ID
I got the necklace and the key chain
And almost everything a good Christian needs

I got the little Bible magnets on my refrigerator door
And a welcome mat to bless you before you walk across my floor
I got a Jesus bumper sticker
And the outline of a fish stuck on my car
And even though this stuff's all well and good
I cannot help but ask myself--

What about the change
What about the difference
What about the grace
What about forgiveness
What about a life that's showing
I'm undergoing the change

So, what christian symbols do you wear, stick, or keep around you? Whatever it is, make sure it really means something. Or one of my favorite lines from a Michael W. Smith song with a similar theme: Are you holding the key or are you intending to pick the lock of heaven's gates?

That Puzzle

A puzzle from English class (but not for your typical ESL student).

The following sentence is, in fact, grammatically correct, but punctuation is needed to make sense of it. I sure couldn't do it and neither could my students. Can you add the necessary punctuation (, . ? ; : ' " etc.) and give me an explanation? Leave a comment with your answer, or email me. 10 points will be awarded to the person who has the most fun trying to solve it :) I'll post the answer next week. Here is is:

He said that that that that that man said was correct.

Now it's next week. The answer is below. No more points can be awarded.