by Jay Heavner
“Okay. Hope to see you and Sarah again soon. Bye.”
Tom took the Cokes back to Sarah. “Thanks. I was wondering if you were gonna make it back before it started. Have a seat. The music’s about to begin.”
The people began to sit down, and two long-haired young men with guitars walked to the front of the room. “Hi,” one said with a British accent. “We’re glad to be here today. Pastor Shawn asked us to come today. I’m Colm, and this is Allen.”
He pointed to the other man who nodded. “We’re, as you may have guessed from our accents, a long way from home. We’ll be at Pastor Shawn’s church tomorrow with special music. We hope you can make it. We’re going to do some praise music to our Lord today, and then the Mountaineer’s Assistant Coach Bubba Bowdein is going to speak to you for a short while. He got us tickets to a football game, though he tells us, American football is a little different from the football we play back home. So let’s get started.”
Tom listened as they sang contemporary Christian music. He’d heard of it, but this was his first exposure, and he liked it. It was beautiful. Sarah sang along, and he tried to mouth the unfamiliar words. Some raised their hands as they sang. Tom found this curious but not threatening. It was a lot better than getting shot at on a battlefield in Vietnam.
After ten minutes of singing, they stopped, took their guitars with them, and sat over on the one side. From the back room came a big man. Tom could tell right off that he was a good old boy. He stood in the front of the crowd, smiled, and said with a heavy, deep southern drawl, “For those of you that don’t know me, I’m Bubba Bowdein, assistant coach of the Mountaineer Football team. I hope you all come out after this and cheer on your team. They’re gonna need it. Them Nittany Lions are tough stuff, but I didn’t come here today to talk with you all about football, as important to me as it is.
“As you can tell from the way I talk, I was born and raised down south in the hills of northern Georgia where they do fun things like noodlin’, and crawdads ain’t only for bait, but supper, too. You’d never know it from lookin’ at me now, but I was sick a lot when I was young. One time the doctors weren’t sure I’d survive, but I got better and went to UGA, that’s the University of Georgia to anyone who don’t know, and became a downright good football player, and not the kind our English friends here are used to. I just missed out on being in WWII but lost an older brother in that war.
“I married my high school sweetheart, who’s the mother of my three kids. She’s also the one who led me to the Lord. I was one wild and crazy young man, and the crowd I hung out with was a crowd that could be rough at times. One night, after some heavy drinkin’, I totaled the old car I had. Passed out and run it smack into an oak tree. People said it was a miracle I survived. It was. I got this scar on my head that will always remind me of that night. Why I survived and others who did less than I did, didn’t, I don’t know, but this I do know. There is a God up above who sent His one and only Son into this ole world to save us from our sins.
“We all are sinners. I think we all know that.” He paused for a moment and looked at the gathering. “I met a man last week who said he’d never sinned in his life. Well, I looked him square in the eye and told him I knew he was a sinner. He asked why. I told him he was a liar because he was lyin’ about never havin’ sinned. Everybody has, and he was lyin’ by tellin’ me he never had. He got mad at me and stormed off. Listen, truth is still truth even if society don’t wanna hear it, cause it ain’t politically correct in some people’s minds.”
“I ain’t got much more to say. If you would like to give your life to the Lord, have your sins forgiven, and have Jesus in your heart, I want you to come forward while Colm and Allen sing. Would you do that? Come; give your life to Jesus today.”
Colm and Allen got up, went to the front of the room, and stood next to Bubba. They began to sing,
“Got myself some wisdom from a leatherback book
Got myself a Savior when I took a second look
I opened up the pages and what did I find
A black and white portrait of a King who’s a Friend of mine
Funny how when you think you’re right, everybody else must be wrong
Till someone with fool’s wisdom somehow comes along
His voice was strange and the words He said I didn’t quite understand
Yet I knew that He was speaking right by the leather-backed book in his hand
Hey, hey, what a day! Fool’s Wisdom
Hey, hey, what a day! Fool’s Wisdom
Got myself some wisdom from a leather-backed book
Got myself a Savior when I took a second look, Fool’s Wisdom.”
Tom felt like that ole coach could see right through him. He knew he was a sinner in need of a savior. Any fool would know that, but his feet felt like lead, and he did not move nor did any others.
Bubba spoke, “I know that some of you all here today wanted to come forward and didn’t. Don’t put it off. Give your life to Him today. You won’t regret it.”
Bubba raised his hand, lowered his head, and prayed, “May the Lord bless and keep you all, may He shine His ever lovin’ grace on you all, and may His face always look upon you all and give you peace. Amen. And one last thang, Go Mountaineers, Whooo!!”
Everyone cheered at this last thing the coach had said, everyone but Tom. He was thinking about what the coach had said. Tom looked at Sarah and said, “I need to talk with the coach.”
“Better catch him quick. He has to get to the stadium for the game.”
Coach Bubba Bowdein was turning away as Tom caught his big arm. He turned around, looked at Tom, and said, “Boy, you want somethin’? Make it fast. I got to get to the stadium.”
Tom said, “Coach, I heard what you said today. So much of what you said hit me right in the bullseye. I thought you’d known me since I was little. Can God forgive anyone, no matter their sin?”
“Yes, He not only can but will when you ask for His free gift of salvation. His Son paid the price with His redeeming blood on a cruel, Roman cross two thousand years ago, and that gift of forgiveness of sins is still available for all.”
“Coach, I was a soldier in Vietnam, and I hurt and killed a lot of men. Can He forgive that, too?”
The coach’s face was full of compassion, and he spoke, “War’s a little bit different ball game. The important thing is you want to be forgiven, right?”
“Yes.”
Bubba looked around, saw Pastor Shawn, and called him over to them. “Pastor Shawn,” said the coach, “this young man wants to give his life to Christ today. Ain’t that so?”
“It is,” said Tom. “I have no reservations. I want Him to forgive my sin and make me His.”
Tom felt a hand on his arm. It was Sarah. “Oh, Tom. How I’ve prayed for this moment. I was standing behind you two listening. I’m so happy.”
Pastor Shawn put his hand on Tom’s and Bubba’s shoulders. Sarah completed the four-sided square. Pastor Shawn spoke, “Almighty God, You just heard what this young man said. He wants forgiveness for sins and to be Yours. Forgive him now and fill him with Your Spirit, now and forever. Amen.”
The other three echoed, “Amen.”
“Welcome to the family of God, Tom,” said Pastor Shawn, and he gave Tom a big hug.
“Yeah, welcome Tom,” said Bubba. “God loves you, and I’m gonna try to do the same.” Tom had never been hugged by a big man like this before, but somehow, it seemed right.
“Tom,” Sarah said, “you’ve made me so happy,” and she gave him a big bear hug. She squeezed so hard thatTom thought she was going to break something.
“I feel different,” said Tom.
“You are different,” said the pastor. “You’re a new creation through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Tom, this may seem a little weird to you. It still does when the Lord speaks to me, but He told me, He had His hand on you even before you knew Him, and He has something special for you.”
A look of surprise came on Tom’s face. “Me
? Why would He do that?”
“God has His reasons,” said the pastor. “As you learn more, He will reveal more when He wants to let you know. Trust Him.”
“I can do that,” said Tom.
“And I’ll help him,” said Sarah.
“Good,” added the pastor. “Now, I need to get this place cleaned up, and you two need to get to the football game.”
“Okay,” Tom and Sarah said together. They looked at each other and smiled.
“Do you need any help?” asked Tom.
“No, thanks. Looks like the others pretty much put everything away while we were praying,” said the pastor.
Tom looked around and saw it was so. “Okay,” he said. “We’ll go to the game, and thanks for all you did for me today.”
“Not I,” said Pastor Shawn. He pointed to the sky, “Him.” He paused. “Get to the game. I’ll be in touch.”
Tom said, “Thank you, and bye.”
As they walked down the hallway arm-in-arm, Sarah spoke, “Things are going to be different, Tom,” and she smiled.
They walked out of the building, and Tom looked around. It was like he had never really seen the world before. Things were going to be different.
The Mountaineers lost that day even with the capacity hometown crowd cheering them on, but it didn’t dampen Tom’s spirit a bit. He’s been made new. He’d crossed his Rubicon, and there was no turning back.
Epilogue
September 5, 1997, Late Afternoon
“Stop it Joann! I said, ‘Stop it!’ Cut it out!”
Tom Kenney pushed away from the slobbering kisses. His face was covered. He raised up from his sleeping position and saw his three-legged dog, Tripod, standing four feet away, giving him a big doggy smile. Then, he gave a big and friendly, “Wolf.”
“Tripod, it’s you!” Tom said in an accusing voice. He looked at the little mutt. His body and tail shook back-and-forth wildly. “Tripod, are you wagging your tail, or is it wagging you?”
Tripod gave an even bigger doggy grin and let out another, “Wolf.”
Tom shook his head and looked at his watch. He’d been asleep for a long time. What crazy dreams. It felt like it was real and I was reliving it again. It seemed so real.
“Tripod, you’d never believe the crazy dream I had,” said Tom. “And I think I’d better not tell Joann I thought your licks were her kisses. Can that be our secret and ours alone?”
“Wolf,” Tripod barked and then made a friendly sound, kind of a half gargle, half growl, in his throat.
“I believe that was a yes. I’ll make sure you get extra doggy treats when we eventually get home.”
Tripod walked a short way down the path that lead home. He turned his head back to look at Tom and let out another, “Wolf.”
“Okay, Tripod. I get the drift. Joann sent you to find me, it’s supper time, and you’re hungry. Okay, give me a moment, and I will be with you.”
Somehow, Tripod understood. He turned around toward Tom, yawned, and sat down, never taking his eyes off Tom.
“Okay, I get the picture. You’re not leaving till you have me safely home. It will be just a minute.” The little dog lay down, still watching Tom, who closed his eyes and began to pray. Dear Lord, thank You for all You’ve done for me. I thank You for the Psalms and the stories of Your servant David. When I read about his trials, challenges, successes, and failures recorded in the Bible, I know I’m not the only one who feels like I sometimes do. I’m glad there’re stories about David. I’d much rather everyone over the millennia read about the ups and downs of David and not me. I’m glad there’s no Book of Tom.
Just like David, I can say, “I love you, Lord,” because You’re our fortress, my rock in time of troubles, and deliverer. You are my shield, salvation, and stronghold. You’ve kept me through the trials. Surely, You’ve placed people in my life who gave help and comfort. Lord, just like David, You hear my prayers and my cries. No matter how bad conditions are, I can always call out to You because You’re there. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but I know You’ll be there when I need You. I can find peace and joy in my relationship with You, the One and only true and living God.
I thank You for Your promise never to leave us. Though I may feel alone, You haven’t gone anywhere. You’re right here. You said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Never will I leave you, and never will I forsake you.” Your promises are true. Lord, help me recognize Your power and plan for my life. I yield my life to You and trust You’ll act in Your time and way. Teach me to trust You as much as Job did when he said, “Though You slay me, yet I will trust in You.” Thank You for all YI ou have done in my life. Amen.
Tom let out a deep sigh and said, “Okay, Tripod. Let’s go. Dog food and treats for you. I hope Jo isn’t mad at me for being up here so long. I may be getting the same thing to eat.” Tom paused and said, “If she is really mad, I may need a place to stay. Okay if I bunk with you tonight if I need to?”
Tripod looked up at Tom and gave a “wolf” that sounded like a positive affirmation to Tom. “That’s great. It’s no wonder a dog’s man’s best friend.” The dog stopped and let Tom pet him. Tom wasn’t sure who got the most enjoyment from it. “Okay, Tripod. Let’s get moving, or she’ll be mad at you, too.”
The dog let out a little “wolf,”’ and they headed down the old, rocky road that led down the mountain to home.
***
On a mountain nearby
“Papa, is he finally asleep?”
“Sí, Mama, he is.”
The Hispanic man reached down and took the empty Jack Daniels bottle away. “He’s drinking more and more all the time. It’s not good for him. It will kill him.”
“Sí, Papa. I fear for him. He has all the money and power any man could want, but he is not satisfied. This one thing has escaped him, but you and I both know it will not bring fulfillment. There is an empty place inside him that he cannot fill.” She looked at the monitor screen and saw the man praying with a little, three-legged dog next to him. She reached over and turned it off. “His love for the lost gold of Braddock has become an obsession. Even if he gets it, his pleasure in having it will be short, and then he will be wanting again.”
”
“Sí, Rosa, but I think it’s more than that. He is very good at hiding his desires and feeling, but yes, something long dead in him is stirring. His cold heart is starting to beat again. His frozen heart is slowly thawing.”
“I see it, too, Jairo. I worry, and I hope for him.” The small, senior woman paused and added, “He needs us.”
“You are right, Mama. Years ago, when we left Nicaragua for America, he was a godsend. We needed him.”
“And now, he needs us.”
“Sí.”
The woman placed a blanket over the drunk, sleeping man.
“God sent him when we needed him, and now God has us here at this time because he needs us.”
The old man nodded. “Sí, he needs us, more than he can even imagine. He needs us now.”
The End
For God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise; He has chosen the weak things of this world to confound the mighty. 1 Corinthians 1:27
Why Fool’s Wisdom?
Many people would think the words fool and wisdom do not go together. It’s an oxymoron. Usually, the terms don’t, but a “fool” can be the wisest of people. A fool or court jester was the only one able to make fun of the king and tell him truths he may not want to hear without fear of being imprisoned or even executed. Some fools have discovered eternal truths the world sees as foolishness. It may be the innocent child whose parents have not converted to “proper” behavior yet, or it may be the person labeled as a fool because those in charge don’t want others to see the truths the “fool” does.
Some people the world calls fools because they have an entirely different perspective than what is considered normal. Socrates claimed he was wise because he knew nothing at al
l. Others like Charlie Chaplin and Harpo Marx became wealthy and famous by being foolish, and Forrest Gump showed even a fool could be successful. The Bible often speaks of fools that are known by their foolish deeds, but it also speaks of the wise fool. Proverbs 1:7 tells us, “The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction,” and 1Corintians 3:18 tells us, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool so he may become wise.”
I hope you enjoyed Fool’s Wisdom, and it made you step back and think of what true wisdom and truths really are and where they originate.
Jay Heavner
WANT TO READ MORE?
Braddock’s Gold Mystery Series
Braddock’s Gold
Hunter’s Moon
Fool’s Wisdom
Killing Darkness
Florida Murder Mystery Series
Death at Windover
Murder at the Canaveral Diner
Murder at the Indian River
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