Sometime ago as I was recovering from a serious surgery I had something happen that at the time I thought was a tragedy but now as I look back all I can do is laugh. I was at home with my daughter who was visiting and my wife who had just retired for a few hours before she went into work the night shift. I was standing in the kitchen and my dog at the time Cilla, who by the way was a very energetic Doberman was outside on the patio. All of a sudden I heard the most terrifying scream come from outside. I made my way to the patio door as fast as I could and when I looked out there was Cilla holding a large skunk in her mouth. The skunk who didn’t know that Cilla just wanted to play was spraying her in the face and upper body. I was partially in shock at this sight and screamed out to Cilla drop the skunk. The tone of my voice let her know that this command was not up for discussion and she immediately dropped the skunk and ran into the house before I could shut the patio door. The stench of the skunk was overwhelming and all I could think of was that she was going to spread this terrible aroma throughout the entire house and on every piece of furniture she could find. All I could think of to do was to open the door to the garage and order her out where we could figure how to deal with this stinky situation. The dog was so overwhelmed by the smell and the tone of my voice that she darted by me like a F16 fighter jet. I slammed the door shut and tried to catch my breath before I passed out. My daughter, who I thank God was there to help immediately took over. I do not know what I would have done without her. I did not think I could love and appreciate her more than I already did but that day she rose above the charts.
To make a long story short, she was able to go on the internet and find out how to make a special concoction that we could use on Cilla to remove most of the stench. Unfortunately all the clothes that each of us wore that night ended up in the trash. For the stench clung to us like a magnet.
I have heard a grizzly bear is one of the toughest predators in the woods and is not afraid to fight a lion or bring down an elk, but it will not bother a skunk. They say that is because the victory he might achieve is not worth the stink that the bear would live with after his victory. I have heard it also said that there is only one thing worse than a fool, that’s the one who argues with a fool. For there is no reasoning with a fool.
Now I have to confess that there are certain things that really set my Irish on fire and one of them is a driver who is rude and uses hand signals to show the number of his IQ. It’s like setting a match to gasoline and I have to actually talk myself down when this happens. I have found that if I mess with a skunk I will get his stink on me. When you give back in situations or confrontations in like manner as you receive you become partaker with an attitude that leaves you feeling like you need a really long cleansing shower.
As Christ stood before the counsel that day of His crucifixion and bore the lies and insults that they threw at Him they marvelled that he would not defend himself or return comment for comment. They were baiting Him to act as they acted and bring Him down to their level of lies and deceit. Jesus looked beyond the walls of that room and He looked through time and saw those who one day would look to Him for an example. He spoke these words in the beatitudes.
Matthew 5:11-12 King James Version
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
My dear friend you may be facing a situation where you feel retaliation is in your best interest. You may have been accused falsely or betrayed by someone who knows better. However sometimes the best strategy is to turn it over to the God of all the earth and keep silent. Maintain your integrity and try to remember the cause you represent. The devil knows if he pokes the dog long enough he can get him to bite, and in our county they will put a dog down that shows himself unsafe.
As I look at Christ on the cross in my mind I see the masses of people who have gathered to ridicule Him and deride Him. There was very little compassion and understanding on that hill called Golgotha. Jesus however looked past the angry and selfish mob, and saw His disciples standing and with all the remaining strength he could gather he spoke these words and then died. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do”.
I believe that Jesus meant every word He said but I also believe that he spoke those words to us as an example. He had every right to call the armies of heaven down to wipe out these blasphemers. However He showed the world what the words undeserved mercy truly was.
Matthew 6:15 King James Version
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
So remember don’t fight with a skunk for even if you win you lose. For you will take on the stench of the problem you tried to eliminate. Not only will it affect you but you will spread it to everyone you come in contact with.
Oh by the way Happy Birthday Amy, I love you so much, your the queen of conquering stink!