Question: What is the difference between smart, clever, intelligent, and wise?
Answer: You’d better know if you truly want to be happy.
Being smart helps you answer difficult questions; clever people know how to think outside the box and come up with interesting solutions to problems; intelligence basically adds figures and remembers dates and other important life skills. Wisdom, however, is what allows the human person to access everything they need to get to Heaven. Huge difference. “We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.”
There is a very interesting detail in the Gospel today about the lanterns/torches that the prescribed wise and foolish virgins are sporting. You see, they were supposed to greet the bridegroom when he emerged with his bridal group of friends and family: “The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise.”
Since this event normally took place on the bleakest of nights, there was a huge precaution: to ensure that there would be no looters or dangerous thieves to crash the procession, the bridesmaids had to be holding fire in the lamps to distinguish them from non-participants of the wedding banquet. The faces of the wise bridesmaids were recognizable. They were adequately prepared for the big moment and had plenty of oil. The wise among us are equally so. They are ready, waiting, and prepared for Jesus to come again. But what about the foolish ones? They were clearly unprepared and ran out and had to leave the post to buy some more. What do they look like?
Five Types of Fools:
1. The juvenile fool opens the mind to any passing thought and lacks discernment
2. The senseless often says ridiculous things, gets caught, is challenged then is angry
3. The lustful fool makes choices based mostly on pleasure while becoming unreasonable
4. The angry fool creates his/her own truth and hates anyone who challenges it.
5. The incurable fool thinks they are fooling everyone else and wants to drag as many fools down with him/her.
What’s in your lantern?
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”