PAGES Fall 2005
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MARP PAGES Fall 2005 |
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Editorial, Fall 2005 issue of PAGES:
"Looking Around Me"
I love story! True story! Almost-all-true story! Made-up story! And now
and then pull-out-all-the-stops story! Garrison Keillor spun this kind of
story for our enjoyment the other night at a benefit occasion for Penn
Foundation's 50th anniversary. Somehow by the end of the evening we
knew just how necessary this mental health ministry truly is to our
community. And likely the laughter stimulated some very helpful hormones.
In the midst of the humor, it remained clear that any of us could need such
services as we travel this vale of woe (be gone?) The tales told by this skilled
humorist brought into sharp focus a little place Keillor calls home, Lake
Wobegon, Minnesota.
We heard of "the Mennonite pastors traveling from Goshen, Indiana," who,
among other exotic stopping-off places, visited this little town. Why
"Mennonites"? Clearly, Keillor knew a good target when he got near one -
and clearly, it added extra laughter!
Detail piled on top of detail for each hilarious scene Keillor was concocting.
Did this tale teller have a clue how it was all going to end? Did it matter?
Actually it did. He skillfully pulled each string swiftly into place for a
hilarious and somehow satisfying finale.
And then on to the next tale. Along with belly laughs Keillor dispensed solid
wit along with "woe"ful affirmation for the work of Penn Foundation. There
had been "no help like this" when he needed it during his no-nonsense
child/teenhood. "I was told I should just try to be useful!" Quoting his own
whimsical, if maudlin, poetry he paid belated tribute to his many straitlaced,
stern and beguiling relatives.
Keillor had wondered aloud if "there really are Mennonites" in the audience
and then began to sing. Yes, harmony came easily as the large and certainly
mixed-denomination audience blended with his own rich bass voice in
singing Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow … Amazing Grace …
Softly and Tenderly … How Great Thou Art. As we returned to story, I
heard a loud "yes" in the row behind us as Keillor finally also lampooned
"the Lutherans." I am not claiming that Keillor did not offend anyone!
A time to laugh — quoting Proverbs.
And the very next evening "a time to mourn" as members of our
congregation joined others in silent vigil along Main Street. Lighting
candles, praying silently, holding signs remembering: "2000 dead American
soldiers and ???? Iraqis." And declaring, "'Love your enemies' means don't
kill them." And pleading, "Act for Peace, Work for Peace."
Did our candles say it clearly enough? Had anyone present made sure
that we all were on the same page theologically? No, we simply declared
together: We must end the killing. For me it was a time to stand against
the insanity of war as a follower of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
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