"I don't think it is enough appreciated how much an outdoor book the Bible is. It is a hypaethral book, such as Thoreau talked about -- a book open to the sky. It is best read and understood outdoors, and the farther outdoors the better." ~ Wendell Berry

The past week has brought sad news of passing: Dolly Parton, then Tim Curry, today Wendell Berry.

My family loves the movie Clue. We delight at the end, with inept rushing mayhem and multiple solves. Phoebe took the dvd to Dogwood Elementary for movie day. Her teacher trusted us, so without a preview, she started the movie for the class. Soon the French maid appeared, innuendo ensued, and the movie was quickly shut off. I suspect the teacher started to wonder about our church going family…

One of Meg and my first dates after coming to Chandler was the musical 9-5 at Starlight. Another delight (which might also be turned off at an elementary), but also a prophetic word in our society of hierarchy. Sometimes injustice needs to be tied up!

Of course many of you do not know Wendell Berry – a prophetic Christian environmentalist. His voice challenged our rush and excess, his wisdom revealed the consequences to our souls. He stood as an individual against a mindless society’s march. For instance, he refused to buy a computer. Handwriting essays and books. His wife typing (editing, improving) on a 1956 Royal typewriter.

What could this tiny defiance do to the energy giants and tech moguls? What did it change? As I type on a computer, googling Berry’s typewriter brand… you might answer nothing has changed. But that is not quite right, because my heart has hope.

And this is a clue for a life well lived. A life to emulate is steadfast against the impossible. It is a light of defiance. It shows the way for others to find hope!

In Wendell’s honor, take your bible outside. Let the wind flip the pages and force your reading to stop – take that moment to look up and listen. Pray. Give praise for Hope.

** Or maybe in Dolly’s honor, tie up your boss. But please don’t go searching for a french maid…