Coonridge Digest: Who are you going to believe?

Greetin’s from the Ridge.

‘Tis the season when every major news magazine, TV news show, and newspaper starts listin’ the year’s most significant this and that. . . most important people, events, revolutions, plagues and mouthwash. Listed somewhere in this pithy amalgamation will be words that have changed the world.

Lord knows we’ve had more than our share of talkin’ heads in the past 12 months. It’s gotten so I’d listen to any head as long as it didn’t have an opinion. My Uncle Harris always said that if you keep quiet, you can fool people about your ignorance for a long time.

Still and all, we’ll be bombarded by bits from the quiveringly quotable this week, and try as they might, they’ll get it all wrong. And the way I see things, there’s always a more trustworthy rebuttal.

* According to the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, "We are approaching a Constitution Crisis of unprecedented proportions." (CNN)

* According to Isaiah 9:6, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

* According to Alan Greenspan, "The economy is robust but volatile. It can’t be predicted as easily as in past years. In the current market, nothing is forever. What we call market truth changes. It’s as simple as that."

* According to Psalm 100: 5, "For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

* According to Colin Powell, "We cannot be lulled into a peace mode. The world has never been a more dangerous place."

* According to Isaiah 9:7, "Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end."

* According to Jerry Falwell, "The Presidency…the world… may not recover from the Clinton administration."

* According to Isaiah 9:7, "He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding justice and righteousness from that time on and forever."

* According to Dan Rather, "The work of a handful of decision makers in Florida may very well determine the fate of the Free World."

* According to Proverbs 16:33, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord."

* According to Larry King, "Face it. Right now, the future of this country seems to be anybody’s guess."

* According to Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

* According to Tom Brokow, "There’s much to be concerned about when viewing the current crisis."

* According to Psalm 97:1, "The Lord reigneth. Let the earth rejoice!"

* According to Dick Cheny, "It’s going to take our best efforts… our reaching across party lines. It’s going to take the best efforts of good people to bring put the nation on its feet.

* According to Psalm 127: 1 "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it."

One of the troubles with 24 hours, instant Internet commentary, and a porch-bustin’ paper on your door every mornin’, is that news or no news, there’s space to be filled. Much of what we’ve heard this year has been just that – space filler. And despite the fact that any Bubba and his brother-in-law can get published and telecast (TIME magazine gave a full page to the poor fella who drove the Ryder truck full of ballots), we’re still under the misleading assumption that if it’s broadcast widely enough then it must be important.

There’ve been a passel of words spouted this year, but on this Christmas, as with those in the past, it’s that still small voice that continues to shake the heavens and set our course.

* According to Rolling Stone magazine, "There has never been a more confusing time to be alive!"

* According to John, 3:16, "For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever shall believe in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Who you gonna believe this Christmas?

You ever in Coonridge, stop by. We may not answer the door, but you’ll enjoy the trip.