We Could Use Some Help Down Here



September 17th, 2008, a Wednesday

I wonder if God knows what's going on down here?  I mean it is likely that he has lots of other worlds and planets and universes to oversee.  You didn't really think that the only thing God is responsible for is earth?  That would be pretty arrogant of us.  We should at least assume his world is bigger than that.  (I never know whether to capitalize the pronoun "his" as it relates to God.  Somehow it just seems to make the writer seem more religious, in the organized way.  And I'm not, so I won't for now.) 

If we think of God as a CEO, or even Chairman of the Board, depending on how big his empire is, it could be that he has delegated too much and has grown out of touch with the people in his kingdom.  I know, I know.  There is a difference between a company run by a CEO, an empire with an emperor, and a kindgom with a king.  But what difference does it really make?  He's God, for God's sake.  I'm just trying to make a point.  Bear with me.  (I always love saying that.)

God gave us the smarts to invent things.  It seems like as his confidence has grown, he has given us even more smarts to work with.  That is why we have the internet (thanks to Al Gore) and the Blackberry (we didn't know til yesterday that we have John McCain to thank for that).  But I'm wondering if he really envisioned, even in all his infinite wisdom, what can of worms the internet would open up.  I mean yesterday they said that on-line porn is down 10% because people are using "social sites" such as Facebook more.  So you're telling me that Facebook is replacing on-line porn?  And kids are socializing on-line instead of in person?  See, that's what I am talking about.  In God's world, that could be a small detail, and I'm wondering if he even knows. 

It is possible that God has seen fit to delegate some things.  I mean he's had this job for a long time from what I hear and every good leader has to retire or "work himself out of a job" at some point.  And what do we really know about these guys (girls?) that he delegates to?  What are their qualifications?  Were they vetted?  How much supervision and training are they getting from God?  If any?  Are they themselves "Gods in training"?  Does he have that much faith in them?  Do we?  (I mean look what happened when God delegated the Catholic Church to the priests and bishops?  That really came back to bite him.) 

Don't get me wrong.  I wouldn't dare to criticize how God runs things.  I like to believe he has a reason for everything.  But my understanding is that your performace is judged by results.  And frankly, God's ratings may be a little down right now.  Our presidential campaign has deteriorated into a pit of lies and deception which isn't bad enough but even after the lies are exposed, they don't care and just keep doing it.  This is a much bigger problem than the lying itself.  How many of God's rules are being broken right there?  One in four girls are sexually abused and one in seven boys.  Global disease and poverty are rampant.  War seems commonplace, not even something that horrifies us anymore.  You get the picture.  No need to keep listing all the stuff.  It would take too long.

I am thinking of this as an open letter from a client to the big boss asking, no pleading, for personal attention.  I know you're tired.  So are we all.  But with great gifts comes great responsibility.  And your gifts are unsurpassed in the history of.....well, everything.  So please think about us if you have time and see what you can do to help us get back on the right track.  Think retro.  The 50's.  Heck, even the 60's seem tame at this point.  Well, hey God, you know what to do. 

Hopefully yours,

GR