Happy Columbus Day

October 14, 2019, Indiana State University

I carried a hand held sign which Sister Pat made for me which read, “HAPPY COLUMBUS DAY!” I announced to the students that in 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue and discovered American. I figured some would want to inform me that Columbus did not discover America. Sure enough; someone informed me about Leif Erickson. Let the dialogue begin!

None of them have been taught that Leif Erickson was a Christian. I did get a about an hour of mileage out of the Columbus issue, explaining how he paved the better way to the Cristianization of the “New World.” I compared the visionary and heroic life-giving faith of Columbus to the pagan way of death of the indigenous peoples with their false Gods.

Mental health as opposed to mental disorders was our main topic for the last hour. An overweight female claimed to have eating disorders. What is my solution? Start eating orderly. What about those suffering from depression? I answered chose the joyful life in Christ instead of the depressing life of unbelief and hopelessness. Terrible sufferings were inflicted by Jesus; yet he asked forgiveness of his enemies and he ended up a victor instead of a victim.

A high percentage of students claim to be afflicted with depression or some such mental disorder. One came out dressed with a black cone hat and multi-colored robe she claimed to have depression. I said, “No wonder you are depressed you admit to being a witch.” No wonder the students are depressed they lack vision and hope beyond this life, which is reflected in darkness and despair in this life.

I taught that we need to get over or overcome bad things that have happened to us in the past by keeping the proper perspective that we have ourselves wrong others. We need to be ready to forgive and not harbor bitterness nor blame God. I spoke of guilt which can rob of us peace of mind. They did not want or accept my simple life choice solutions. They have come to prefer their drugs or maybe the sympathy they gain for being a victim of past wrongs. The alternative to rejecting the joy of the Lord is accepting a life of gloom and ultimate doom.

Christopher Columbus faced a lot of hardships and rejection in his life; yet by faith he was more than a conqueror over his trials, tests and tribulations. On May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain, with his two brothers and two sons at his side, Columbus uttered his last words: “In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum (Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit).” Thus, he assured himself of eternal happiness.

I was planning on only spending an hour on campus, since I wanted to prepare for my Tuesday morning Bible Study and pack to go back out on the road after the study in the morning. I ended up being on campus for three hours. Cindy and Pat stayed home in preparation for going out of town.

Leave a Reply