Richard Franz

There is an old adage that states “many a true word is said in jest.” This phrase literally means that the truth is often found in comic utterances. This expression has been around longer than we appreciate; it is also painfully true.

When this idiom first appeared in English it was likely used in “The Cook’s Tale,” written by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1390. Writing in the medieval dialect of Middle English, Chaucer stated: “But yet I pray thee be not wroth for game; [don’t be angry with my jesting] A man may say full sooth [the truth] in game and play.”

Loyalty, devotion, and dedication—are these traits still character qualities we strive to establish in our walk through life? Is “commitment” an old-fashioned notion or an idea long past its expiration date?

Consider when English Prime Minister Winston Churchill stood alone in the world against the evil aggressive powers of the Nazi regime. His commitment to stand against the oppressive and malicious intentions of Adolph Hitler earned him worldwide respect, and he is now regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century.

I remember fondly an old children's story called The Blind Men and the Elephant. This profound yet simple story is a great illustration of the limitations of human perception.

One version of the story describes six blind men living in a village. One day, a caravan of travelers came bringing an elephant. The blind men had no idea what an elephant was, and together they went to "see" it for themselves! Each of them unknowingly inspected by touch only part of the elephant and then reported his conclusion to the other men.

One of the most serious crimes of global proportions is human trafficking, which in the 21st century is second only to drug trafficking in terms of magnitude. The term “human trafficking” in a broad sense is often defined as the illegal trade of humans for the purpose of sexual and labor exploitation.

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with green—green clothing, green food, green hair and even green beer. But there is so much more behind the history of Christianity in Ireland—history that shows Patrick, the English-born fifth-century missionary, to be a “Johnny Come Lately” at best.