The estimates by some are 500,000 dead. Some have said 100,000. Perhaps it is less or even more, but whatever the death toll is, Haiti, the western hemisphere’s poorest nation, will never be the same since the devastating earthquake of 7.3 magnitude hit, literally flattening is capital city, which is home to about 2 million people. Since then the world has responded with supplies, water, medical assistance, search and rescue crews and more. Our own military has been mobilized and soon our boots will be on the ground fighting an entirely different enemy.
Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by this tragedy. Tragedy, however, is not unknown to Haitians. Their land is prone to flooding, hurricanes, violent storms, mudslides, crushing poverty, poor government, illiteracy and poor building standards. They, for the longest time, have been literally steeped in poverty.
As I read the accounts of this horrible mélange of death and despair, my heart was torn for these people, as the salt was now being heaped upon their wounds of tragedies past. And I think I have problems? My computer runs slow or that person in front of me cut me off or my lunch was late or I have a toothache and must go to the dentist?
In this day let us stop, get on bended knee and offer our heartfelt prayer to God not just for the rescue, recovery and rebuilding of Haiti, but for our own abounding blessings that we are reminded of in stark contrast to their lives. God bless you all.
Ed

We sometimes call them a “penguin suits,” because of the black and white coloring and perhaps the way they make us look, but the tuxedo actually takes its name from another animal. Have you ever heard that saying, “Speak of the devil and he appears?” Well, in some ancient (and not so ancient) cultures this saying was believed as simple fact. If you say the name of something “evil” or “destructive” then, sure enough, it would appear to do horrible things.
Such a belief existed among certain Native American tribes that once inhabited the land that we now call home. While much about their cultures was rich and deeply spiritual, infused into their belief systems was a great deal of superstition. They believed, for instance, that if you spoke the name for what we would call a wolf, then the wolf would appear, wreaking havoc. Since the wolf was greatly feared they refused to speak his name, but instead called him “p’tuksit,” or “one with rounded paw.”
It is from this word that we get our word “tuxedo,” which was first applied to a new type of dinner jacket being worn by socialites of the late 1800’s, who lived in the wealthy community named Tuxedo Park because it grew up around Tuxedo lake about 40 miles from New York City.* Thus, when we put on the tuxedo, rather than putting on the “penguin suit” we are donning the wolf’s clothing. No doubt this is more accurate in some cases. Those young socialite bachelors gathered for the hunting of a mate, wearing clothing that would attract and yet hide any unsightliness, seems to fit. They were, as we might say, “On the prowl.”
The Bible never uses the word tuxedo, but does employ the phrase “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” to demonstrate the same idea of appearing to be one thing, while actually being another for the sake of the hunt. The wolf, you see, even in spiritual terms, is a dangerous creature that needs to hide his appearance, his fangs, and his thirst for destruction. He thus comes in the harmless garb of sheep. Ever heard of anyone being mauled or mutilated by sheep? I doubt it.
Most often it is spoken of false teachers or prophets in the New Testament. Notice what Peter says about them. “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep” (2Pe 2:1-3).
It is very important to know why we believe what we believe. It is important to determine whether we are following God or some wolf who has assumed some garment of godliness just waiting to wreak spiritual havoc in our lives, home and church.
In this day, don’t simply be a follower, be a follower of God and His word, testing all things. Anyone can be a wolf. Trust the Lord.
Ed

*Wilfred Funk. Word Origins, p. 293.