WWJD? What Would Jesus Drive.

One thought has been parading around in my head nearly all day and I find that I have to explore it. With the economy tough and times hard for most of us, people are making conscientious choices about more and more things. I see generic brands selling more than name brands, more families cooking at home versus dining out and people choosing to buy used versus new cars to save economically. All of this made me wonder, if Jesus were physically living in America today, what kind of car would He drive?

I pondered this as I was driving down I-85 this morning and as I passed all kinds of makes, models and colors of vehicles I considered each a prospect. Being that I don't know all of Jesus' personal preferences, I figured I had better generalize as to a particular type of car. After that, the choice was easy... Jesus would drive a pickup-truck.

What?? I know I just shocked half of the people that will read this. The King of Kings riding in an old heap? Well not necessarily, but a truck none the less. First of all, think of the practical aspect of it. We all know the stories of how Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead and performed miracles, but we don't completely delve into Jesus' total life package. By trade, Jesus was a carpenter. He had to make a living somehow. Just as now, carpenters back then needed tools and a way to transport them, but today I don't think a donkey and a wagon would do it. Since He needed tool storage, I think Jesus would have a toolbox. He may even have a ladder rack... all of that is too much to guess, but a truck certainly fits in there for His vocation.

Next, He would have a truck because they are handy when you want to help people. If He was hauling trash for the widow down the street, collecting cans for the needy, or even carrying goods to those displaced by disaster, the truck is the way to go. There's plenty of room to store the stuff, and with the 4-door models, plenty of room for a disciple or two to hop in and go along for the ride. There's so many things He could do for people with His truck that there isn't enough paper to write it down.

About the time all of this came through my head, a Mercedes came flying by me on the left, breaking the sound barrier, and was show-room new. Now, this was a nice car that I'm sure cost more than I will make before 2999. Many people live their lives dreaming of owning one, but they just aren't in Jesus' style. He could have had worldly riches, but he didn't aspire to that. His purpose in life wasn't to impress His neighbors, but to bring Salvation. That ruled the fancy car out for me.

Shortly after thinking this story up, I met a friend, who is a Methodist preacher. As I was talking to him I shared my opinion of what Jesus would drive. He agreed (I think partly because he drives a truck too.) Whether or not He would have leather seats, heated mirrors or choose diesel over gasoline I have no clue. I don't know if it would be red, white, silver, black or blue. And I certainly don't know if it would be a Chevy, Ford or Dodge.... but without a doubt, in my mind, Jesus would be riding in His pickup truck.

I will have to get back to you about the carpentry business magnets for the doors.

Sinko de Marcho

It seems that more time has passed and I haven't had a chance to BLOG in a while. Well, I want to say first of all that since December, most of my time has been spent finishing up my CD and getting that out on the street. I am happy to say that we launched it February 28th, and the reviews I have gotten thus far have been very good. Of course, most of them are from friends who wouldn't want to tell me anything bad, but I am still happy with it.
Secondly, in the midst of our power outage, my female Bulldog goes into her second heat. Since we aren't ready to breed her, this presents a problem in that my male (who is 5 years old) has taken a new interest in her. Thankfully the power is on and I have the separated. If this is like last time, the separation will last three weeks, then life can return to normal with the two of them. Since they are inseparable, this makes it difficult for them, but we have them separated so that nothing can happen, but they can still see each other. That makes things a little easier.
I've been thinking more and more about the time-frame of my life and when I want to have things accomplished. I will be 30 in July, which I guess is partly why I am thinking about this, but I really think it's good to have some things planned out. The one thing that I can't seem to get anyone to agree with me on is how I want things handled when I leave this world. My wife would love for me to go to the mortuary, get stuffed, laid in a box and buried. Forget the astronomical bill, but I would still "be there." I on the other hand want to go the way the cigar did... in ashes. I figure for less than $800 I am outta here and the life insurance money can go for something she can really use.
My dad passed away back in 2007, and the most hideous thing I remember having to spend was $3,000 on a grave marker. We didn't get the expensive model, and just chose the basic 2-name marker. But three grand for something is going to lay in the dirt, that we will rarely see and definitely get no practical use out of? That offended me worse than a room full of dirty socks. I mean I was certain my dad wanted these things, but for me... I don't. Instead of paying for a hearse, they can stick me in the back of my Dodge truck and haul me wherever. I mean, I already paid for that... give it a final use. Plus, I think if I am going to pay a couple grand for a fancy box, I had much rather have a nice Craftsman toolbox that I could brag about and show my friends than a satin lined casket that I bury in an over-priced piece of ground under an over-priced headstone. For the total package, I could fill the box with tools too. Heck, even further, I could get a pool installed. My wife would have much more fun in a pool on a hot summer day than she would staring at her husband's headstone. Plus, if we got the pool and I was cremated, she could take the urn out there and I could enjoy it too.
Enough about that, but I do have one more thing I want to say. Everything is going to be moving to DwayneStrickland.com very shortly, including the blog. If you read it here, it will be there and here, so you won't be missing anything. Also, music information including any bookings, request for booking, CD's, etc can be found there. Tell your friends, when you get some!