The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!” Prov 22:13
For several days, there have multiple reports circulating on social media about the sighting of a wounded lion in a neighborhood in Lome. Naturally the authorities deny it …
Togo: authorities deny rumor about the presence of a lion in a commune in Lomé
In Togo, is there a lion on rambling in a commune of Lomé? This is the rumor that has been circulating for several days and that has panicked social networks. Nothing attests to this at this stage, the Togolese authorities replied. In a joint statement issued Tuesday, May 19, by two ministries, they say that the investigations conducted have not yet established a convincing element. They call on the population to calm down and try to find out where it started what seems to be an infox.
Of course, as Americans, we are now doubly cautious since we know a official denial is the same thing as an unimpeachable witness. Despite the photo and video being obviously very poor AI generations, we must conclude that this widely circulating rumor must be true – why else would they deny it?!
Josh discovered killer bees in his office. When we went outside to investigate the roof line and potential entry points into the attic, we heard the loud buzzing of a considerable number of bees. We then saw a significant swarm circulating just above the roof. I’ve rarely seen such a large swarm.
When we stepped out of the airport, we were greeted by an oppressive, humid heat. Though reminiscent of returning home to Florida after being in New England for several days, after a day in Lome, I determined it was considerably more humid (probably 50% more humid than our standard 100% humidity). It reminds me of the post Katrina trip to Louisiana in July. Much more Louisiana bayou than Florida Gulf Coast.
To be honest, it doesn’t matter where you are, there are always local “dangers”. In Florida, we like to terrorize the tourists with stories of sharks, flesh eating bacteria, alligators and hurricanes. Here it is lions, killer bees, Muslim insurgents and malaria. Though I have never experienced a shark attach, flesh eating bacteria or an alligator attack (or personally know anyone who personally knows anyone who has (although I do know someone bitten by a barracuda in the Keys (a very painful place to be bitten ; p)), it is fun to see the terror in the eyes of the unsuspecting tourist from Canada, Ohio or where ever.
It is easy to miss out on what is going on because of any number of real or imagined dangers. Let’s face it. Fear is an American obsession. Our identity is tied to our fears … or the fears of our tribe.
Fortunately for us, “perfect love casts out fear”. Besides, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me” (okay not really in context, but you get it). In the classic and immortal words of Bob the Tomato, “God is bigger than the Boogey Man”!
Sorry, folks. Nothing to see here. Just another average day in the average life of an average man expecting above average results by the Grace of God.