Camping season is here! Well, not the sleeping bag and tent camping. The Harold Camping, 89-year-old Christian fundamentalist who falsely claimed the world would end this past Saturday, season.
Last week you couldn't read or watch a news story without hearing his name and grim prediction—and a week later we are still talking about him. Even me, here on my blog! Thousands of his followers and believers have had their lives ruined by Camping. Many gave up their worldly goods and emptied bank accounts to donate to his cause. Untold numbers of people were frightened by his prophecy. When his message first became the huge topic of discussion, I laughed, for I know despite the disasters of this realm, Mother Earth still has a lot of stamina left!
I began to take the impact of Mr. Camping's message more seriously as phone calls and e-mails started to arrive from those frightened by his words. Many of those calls came from parents whose children heard the rumors from classmates and via the Internet. Last Saturday, as I watched the clock with baited breath for the 6:10 p.m. designated hour (not for the world's end mind you, but for the start of the Preakness horse race) I thought of Harold Camping, and how embarrassed he was about to be. By Saturday evening, the news reported Camping was holed up, curtains drawn, at his home with family nearby.
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"Ah, finally he is silenced," I sighed.
But not so—this guy is getting more press after his false prediction than before! This time he's saying God basically cut us some slack, and the doomsday date has been pushed back to Oct. 21. How is it people still believe this fella?
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We have witnessed devastation: earth quakes, tsunamis and the like, and the images of the suffering in Joplin, MO are still fresh in our minds. These events have many wondering if indeed Camping is truly on to something. But just remember: man has experienced occurrences like these since time began. And as dreadful as these types of events are, Mother Earth still has a lot of life in her and has no plans on ending anytime soon. Perhaps these natural disasters and extreme weather patterns are Her way of screaming out to humankind to show respect and value the planet we call home by being more environmentally conscious. Maybe our Higher Power is sending messages about living a kinder , more peaceful existence. We can all do our part, even with a task as simple as recycling and showing acts of kindness to one and other.
That is my message to Harold Camping! Now, just for the sake of interest and fun... is there something on your bucket list you would like to do?
Until next time, remember: magic happens.
