|
The Story Behind Opo: Awake Series,
Part 26
What would you prefer: Knowledge or love? Take your time before
deciding, because the decision you make can affect your life for
eternity.
And while you think about this, let me tell you a true story.
In the spring of 1955, an insignificant dolphin appeared in the bay
of Opononi, in the Northern island of New Zealand. At first nobody
paid any attention to her. She was just a dolphin, after all! But
she, who was later called Opo, cautiously approached the beach, near
the wharf.
With her playful spirit and love for children, it wasn't long before
her presence in the bay attracted attention. Especially since she
loved to juggle balls and empty beer bottles on her snout!
Before anyone knew it, Opo had made world news. Multitudes traveled
over dusty, unpaved roads, crowding into tiny Opononi to see that
special dolphin. She became an overnight sensation, and as if she
sensed how special she was, she went out of her way to show the
people love and to make everyone around her feel special.
But not everybody welcomed Opo's presence in the bay. There was a
group of fishermen who were quite upset by her presence. You see,
they knew that dolphins feed on fish, and that to stay alive, they
require a huge amount of fish each day. They worried that the waters
of Opononi bay would soon be depleted of the fish that they,
themselves, needed for their livelihood. They did everything they
knew to discourage the young dolphin, even jabbing her with oars.
And how did Opo respond? She just kept on loving the people of
Opononi!
On the evening of March 8, 1956, the local municipality made law
that it was an offense to molest dolphins in the Hokianga Harbour.
The very next day, Opo was found dead, jammed in a crevice between
two rocks.
The people of Opononi mourned their loss. No one had shown them such
love and acceptance, even amidst hostility. Accusations flew wide,
but it was never discovered how she arrived at her untimely death.
I wonder if we, too, tend to be hostile towards others at time,
because of what we think we know about them. If our goal is not to
build up those around us, then either directly or indirectly, our
actions will tear them down. It's all a question of love.
"Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." (1 Cor 8:1 NIV)
So, what have you decided: knowledge or love?
Rob Chaffart |
|
Announcements: |
| |
|
Do you enjoy reading Chicken Soup for the Soul? Wait until you
visit The Sermon Illustrator
http://www.sermonillustrator.org
and read its thousands of inspirational stories. A real faith
lifter! Come on over my friend. In His love,
Rob Chaffart
add@PROTECTED |
| |
To subscribe or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.answers2prayer.org/illustrator.html
Or send an email to:
add@PROTECTED
and write as subject "subscribe".
Be aware that you will receive a confirmation message.
Once you receive it, please click on the link mentioned
in the email. |
| Provided by Answers2Prayer
http://www.answers2prayer.org |
|
