A Word From Andy
"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies." - Proverbs 12:17
Television is not always a waste of time. Notice this little gem of wisdom from "The Andy Griffith Show:"
As Andy, Aunt Bee, and Barney sat around the dinner table, eight-year-old Opie amused them with stories about a new friend, a magical man by the name of Mr. McBeevee. He had a shiny metal hat and made a jingling sound as he walked in the treetops. At first they laughed at Opie's imaginary friend, but his Pa became concerned as the stories grew a bit too outlandish. After yet another evening of McBeevee stories, Andy decided it was time to put an end to the nonsense. Andy demanded that Opie admit he had been making up the adventures. But even under the threat of a whippin', the boy would not recant. "I ain't lyin', Pa. Promise." Opie told his father. Andy retreated downstairs and stared into space.
"Did you punish him?" Aunt Bee asks.
"No," Andy quietly said.
Barney was shocked at Andy's failure to act. "Don't tell me you believe in Mr. McBeevee!"
"No," Andy replied, "but I do believe in Opie."
Andy's trust in Opie was rewarded the next day when he meets Mr. McBeevee, who turns out to be a hard-hatted telephone lineman with a belt full of jingling tools. Sometimes when you deal with your children, it's a good idea to ignore logic and let their hearts declare the truth.
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7 Comments
It's a balance. Investigation is necessary. When the child is lying denyal does no one any good. I liked the show, Andy was so smart and Opie was so good.
Perhaps that episode should be required watching. - Hal
Good message. One thing I have learned in life, and unfortunately the hard way alot of time, is that don't assume things. No matter how crazy or outlandish it sounds to your ears. All too often this happens with rumors or circulated e mails and people just believe what they hear. Look into it on your own and make your own decisions. - Matthew
Judy, Judy, Judy, Judy. Sorry, I just couldn't resist. - dean
There is a difference between the way an adult sees something and the way a child sees something. Because of the harsh lessons that we adults have learned from life's experiences, we automatically do not believe there is good in anything untill it is proven to be there. Yet a child has not been made hard in their heart yet, so they can see good in anything. My comment may not be worded the best way but I hope you can see what I am trying to convey with my point. Sometimes I wish I could look thru the eyes of a child again and not be sadden by the reality of the shape our world today. I long for the time when the Lord comes to gather his children up and takes us home with him, what a glorious day that is going to be. God bless all and I pray you have a good day. - Jerry
many people have an imaginary friend... hey, who said that ? - david
Trust and Obey...we have a wonderful 17 year old son...the things he has to face are unbelieveable...I just pray that God grant me the wisdom to always "Believe in " my son even when the stories seem a little "McBeeveeish"... Trust and Obey... - Ruthie
Those were the good old days, when you got fairly clear messages of right and wrong, and actually saw the characters go to church, and, oh my, they even sang hymns on TV. Yep, I miss that. Glad there are reruns. You know what I think I'm gonna do? I'm gonna go home, have me a little nap and go over to Thelma Lou's and watch a little TV. Yeah, I believe that's what I'll do: go home... have a nap.... - RickY