When I was in school you weren't supposed to question a teacher....or a parent.....or a preacher....or anyone. Looking back I am not sure that was always best. Our former exchange student, Esben Pederson, had a birthday this last week. He and his Danish wife, Lene, live in California. He was a delight to have in our home almost a year. Never a problem....unless one is bothered by being questioned about things. Esben questioned his teachers at Taft. Some of them couldn't handle it. He was bright and often right! He questioned the pastor at the church he faithfully attended each Sunday morning. O, he didn't stand up during the sermon and ask something. It came when we were going home from church or eating our Sunday meal. I wasn't used to that! Here was a young man actually listening to my words. Not buying in to all or most I was saying....but listening. It was good for me. Kept me on my toes.
How many times have you heard, "Because I said so! That's why!". Why were we so afraid to accept a challenge to our words? Today, I am questioning what seems to be an over-reaction with the North American flu. I know it has danger and is highly contagious, but can we simply shut down schools and churches and businesses and travel at this point? Am I saying that I am right and the experts are wrong? I don't think so. I am simply asking a question and bringing a challenge for some answers. I question things I read and see. I don't do it to those who have written, or whatever, but I question in my own mind. Certainly we all must do that to read and watch programs and news responsibly. When we question we should be able to later say, if need be, I was wrong. That is hard for some to do. Any questions?
