Dr. Clark Offner's "Timely Words"

Messages of other months can be read by clicking HERE.

June (10/06/01)

Change (10/06/23)

June (10/06/01)

This sixth month of the year, according to the present Gregorian calendar, is called June. There are various theories regarding the meaning or origin of this name. If the name of the previous month is derived from a word meaning “elders,” in reference to the older generation, then the name of this month is probably related to “juniors,” the younger generation. According to another theory, the name is derived from Juno, the name of the sister and wife of Jupiter, the chief of the gods in Roman mythology. Since Juno was considered the guardian of women and the protectress of marriage, June marriages were considered lucky: “Good to the man and happy to the maid.” In Japan, June is the beginning of the rainy season, so it is not an appropriate time for celebrations, but Roman women considered June the most favorable month for marrying and in countries where the school year begins in the fall season, June is the appropriate time for graduation and other ceremonies. The English poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, referred to June as “a leafy month,” and James Russell Lowell wrote the following words: “What is so rare as a day in June? Then, if ever, come perfect days; Then Heaven tries the earth if it be in tune, and over it softly her warm ear lays.” It was in June, 61 years ago that my wife got married. The minister who officiated at the ceremony was the university Bible professor we both majored under who agreed to come to her church 100 miles away to do so. I sometimes jokingly tell people that “Dr. Bob Smith married my wife.” (Of course “marry” has different definitions and Dr. Bob married me also on that day in June 1949.) (1306)

Change (10/06/23)

Anyone involved in translating from one language to another is very much aware of the subtle differences in the meanings of words. Many words are difficult to define precisely because of the different perceptions and experiences of the speaker or writer. As we grow older and more mature, as our experiences deepen and broaden, our definitions will continue to change. Our view of the world, of our homeland, of its social, economic, political and religious state and our interpretation of it will continue to change if we continue to think. The world about us is continuing to change also along with our understanding of it. Since our birth, our physical bodies have continued to change over the decades, so change should be recognized as normal rather than irregular. As Ralph L. Wood has written: “There are no permanent changes because change itself is permanent.” And Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the U.S.A., who served during the Depression, wrote: “There is nothing rigid or immutable in human affairs. History is a story of growth, decay and change. If no provision, no allowance is made for change by peaceful means, it will come anyway—and with violence.” Long time readers of these “Daily Word” and “Timely Words” messages may have recognized that their character has also changed over the years and will continue to do so even as their address has been changed. I hope that healthy change will continue. Change in the viewpoint and writings of the Biblical writers are also recognized, but the last writing in the Old Testament includes the statement that God does not change (Malachi 3:6). Some of us find a changeless base both encouraging and stimulating. (1308)

Colored Seas/Rivers/People (10/06/28)

Although in Japan, I am considered a “white man,” I have often used a white sheet of paper to illustrate the fact that my skin is not white. Likewise, there are no truly yellow, black or red skinned people, so colors, which often have subtle implications, should not be used to identify people. As we view nature, we should be thankful for the great variety of colors we see, but in the natural world also, names of colors cannot be accepted literally. The largest national park in the United States of America is the Yellowstone National Park, which includes many hot springs and geysers. Recently, when a friend mentioned having gone there, I asked if he saw any “yellow stones.” Of course, he had not, but my question stimulated my interest in the many bodies of water in the world that have a color in their name. The Black Sea, for example, is a large inland sea (over 413 square kilometers in area) between Asia and Europe. There are also Black Rivers, one of which flows for over 800 kilometers from China to the Red River in Vietnam. Another one in the U. S. A. flows for 485 kilometers from Montana to Arkansas; a third one flows for 195 kilometers in New York State. The 1333-kilometer long Red Sea, which lies between northeast Africa and Arabia, was crossed by the Israelites in their escape from Egypt and entering the Promised Land (see Hebrews 10:29). There are two different Red Rivers in the central area of the U. S. A. and two Green Rivers. There is a White Sea in northwestern Russia, a couple of White Rivers in the U. S. A. and an Orange River in South Africa. As we look at the natural world around us and see all the different colors, we should be thankful for the beauty the variety provides. We should also recognize the beauty resulting from the variety of human beings and not seek to make all people the same color. There are not “good colors” and “bad colors,” but all colors should blend in with each other to manifest the beauty of the variety. (1309)