Ever had a "Root Canal"? I've had plenty, and what a blessing they were! They were a bit uncomfortable sometimes, but nothing like the pain that they relieved. Also, The Incredible Dr. Pol, (when he takes a break from birthing a calf) is usually lancing an abscess on some poor animal. And as the pressure is relieved, the pain subsides. Then, as the Dr. Pol states, relief is almost instantaneous. I confess I do, at times, envy Dentists and Vets for their gifted ability to quickly relieve pain. As a Pastor (and as a friend), helping to alleviate someone's pain is a much more daunting enterprise. It's not often easy or smooth, and it is often becomes a very lengthy road to travel. Hey, I'm a guy. We like to fix things as quickly and efficiently as possible. But a measure of maturity seems to come over us when we realize that there are times and situations in this life that are simply not microwaveable. Now when Jesus wields His sword of truth, a sword that is NOT meant to kill, but to cleanse and to renew, - the laceration that it administers releases an outward flow of all that we would cover up and fear, - all that we've sweep under the rug. And then all these crippling masses that have built up inside of us, - they are now discharged, giving off an offending aroma that is often enough to blow one into the next county. Rotting lies, arrogant pride, unfounded fears, crippling anxieties, and hollow prejudices all come pouring out, as the soul is then freed and allowed to breath once again. Ah! Clean air! And then laid out before us the welcoming arms of Peace, along with perhaps a "meet and greet" with Joy. My effort in these pages then, is a directed attempt to "lift up the rug" and see what's been swept under there, - what's swept out of sight by both you and by me individually, and by the Church in general. And then to use a kind of "Celestial Dyson" to suck it all out of there (like a Doctor would remove a tumor), then running these malignancies through a good cleansing in a sort of spiritual bath of 'baking soda, vinegar, and bleach". This all seems like a huge and humbling challenge I know, but that's my bold attempt here anyway. And as I learned from experience many, many years ago, "You don't know what you can do till you try." So bring it on! Let's have at it!