One day Truth was so excited, he’d discovered a way to help people live life, and live it to the fullest, that he went out into the busy streets to tell everyone the good news.
Truth walked proudly down the street trying to get people to listen to him, but as he approached a person to tell them the truth, they'd scream and run away. Others would cover their faces and quickly bolt down the street. Still others would look in shock at Truth as he made his way through the busy streets. And yet, others would completely ignore him.
Saddened by the way the people were treating him, Truth’s head fell onto his chest. Broken-hearted and defeated that no one would stop and listen to what he had to say, he turned into an old dark alley to hide.
Parable, who watched from a distance, saw Truth slump into the alley. He followed him into the alley and called out to him. Truth, hearing his voice, turned to see Parable standing before him. Parable was elegant to look at in all his fine clothes.
Parable asked Truth why he was so downcast. To this, Truth busted out in a broken, hurt voice, as tears trickled down his face, that no one wanted to listen to him. All they'd do was run away and ignore him.
“I have the good news they need,” blurted out Truth. “If only they'd listen, it would give them life and life to the fullest. Why will they not stop and listen to me, for their life depends on the truth I have?” asked Truth amid sobs.
“Why,” said Parable, “Look at yourself! You're as naked as a jaybird. You have no clothes on and your blunt nakedness is scaring people away.“
“I once was like you,” replied Parable.
“But one day a wise man came to me when I, too, was hurt and broken-hearted, and he helped me to become acceptable to the people I wanted to help. He helped me to dress up, to cover up the blunt truth I had, and now, wherever I go, people accept me and listen to the truth that I have for them.”
“You see!" said Parable. "I too, am Truth, dressed up!”
Tim Kirby is the Sundre Royal Canadian Legion #223's comrade chaplain.
