Sign, sign, everywhere a sign!

Opinion

Related Photos

Discussion

December 9, 2009

Dwain Walden The Moultrie Observer Wed Dec 09, 2009, 10:57 PM EST

Once again, a holy sign is perceived on an earthly form. With all due respect while wearing rubber-soled shoes, I will call it “Holy Cow!”

Farmer Brad Davis in Sterling, Conn., reported that a calf has the marking of a cross on its forehead. He thinks it’s a “sign from above.”

It’s not uncommon for people to see “from-above signs” on various things. Remember the image of The Virgin Mary that a man perceived on a piece of half-eaten toast? He sold it for thousands of dollars on the internet.

I’ve read or heard of several other obscure visions or sightings recently and I’m wondering if they parallel the downturn in the economy. What I mean is, in tough times we may look harder for signs while seeking some comfort.

Now I’m not going to say what this man sees on his calf should not be perceived as a “sign from above.” If he wants to believe that and if other people want to believe that, then it’s their right. There are some folks who would look at the calf, sign or no sign, and say that the calf alone is a sign from above. It represents the miracle of life. Perhaps we should look at the entire plant and animal spectrum in this vein.

Yet I don’t know just how deep our philosophies will wax when we throw fire ants and mosquitoes into that mix. Maybe we just conclude that God has a sense of humor. Or maybe we realize there is no statute of limitations on that forbidden fruit thing.

I have never seen one of these markings on anything that I specifically thought was a sign “from above.” Now it could be that one was there, and I just didn’t stare at it long enough. That’s not to say that I haven’t seen shapes that reminded me of something or someone, just not a sign from God.

For instance, there is a rest room I have visited on more than one occasion where a portion of the plaster is peeling on the wall. And I can see the likeness there of Yasser Arafat.

I’ve often seen shapes in clouds and tree trunks that appeared rather artistic. I just didn’t get a message. In other words, just because Arafat is right there above the urinal does not suggest that I should respond with any obtuse political expression. Nor that I should start wearing a towel on my head to commemorate the long-suffering of Mideastern people.

So now will people come out to see this calf? Will it be auctioned on the internet? Will it inspire other people to start looking for “signs.” Will it be kept for broodstock? Will it become a mascot or featured in “Eat More Chicken” commercials? Will its milk sell for a premium price? Will it become “blessed hamburger”?

While we are talking about “signs from above,” I often have questions about my religion. And they are not all deep questions — just stuff that will pop into my head. Lots of people probably have them but fear being sacrilegious to ask them. Personally, I think God wants us to wonder about stuff. And so one night while I was admiring the beauty of a full moon, I wondered why Jesus didn’t just tell the people back then that the world was round. But with time probably being irrelevant to God, He may have thought that waiting another 1500 years or so on this issue was no big deal.

Anyway, my stomach is growling. I take that as a sign.

(E-mail: dwain.walden@gaflnews.com)

Text Only

Opinion

More data on the Battle of the Bulge
May 9, 2012 1 Photo
Life is a matter of perspectives; think about it
My friend, a city boy, was yelling for help. We were fishing on a river, and he had ventured over to another spot.
“Someone help! I’m cornered!” he yelled.

May 26, 2012 1 Photo
We better wake up
Dear editor:
Have our GOP representatives gone to sleep or are they refusing to act for the people they are supposed to represent? The Obama administration has contracted a Spanish company called SCYTAL, to tabulate the 2012 November presidential election.

May 25, 2012
Rant and Rave for 5/26/12
May 25, 2012
Rant and Rave for 5/25/12
May 24, 2012
May God bless my Uncle Henry
My uncle once noted on his return from a fishing trip that he caught so many fish he couldn’t put them all in one pile.
That’s how I feel trying to keep up with all the causes and organizations that either require support groups or else they comprise support groups.

May 23, 2012 1 Photo
A kind humanity
Dear editor:
Humanity. One word. That word can translate into many other words. Some would say humanity is dark, greedy and bent on world domination. Others may say humanity is sweet, kind and caring. I myself witnessed a small part of a loving, caring humanity the other day.

May 23, 2012
Rant and Rave for 5/24/12
May 23, 2012
Why it's a bad tax
Dear editor:
In regards to the Transportation TSplost Tax: The statement, “Economic development suffers if we don’t pass this tax” is not a valid statement, because Georgia has always been behind the 8 ball in regards to transportation, but yet look at the growth we have experienced; being behind in transportation didn't hinder economic growth. Georgia now ranks 11th in the country as of 2010 and this occurred mostly since 1995. The economic vitality of Georgia is alive and well considering the slump the country is in.

May 22, 2012
Rant and Rave for 5/23/12
May 22, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

If the vote were held today, would you support the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax?

Opinion

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign!

If the vote were held today, would you support the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax?

Site Map

Contact Us