December 25, 1972
JoJo was thankful for another wonderful Christmas. He also had reason to celebrate being released from Dan and Alice's Local Prison Ward, which they called Being on Restriction. It was not all bad. JoJo really enjoyed reading Proverbs. He couldn't believe the Bible talked about an "immoral woman." Wow! What was really cool was learning stuff God wanted him to know, and he liked it.
He really liked one set of memory verses: Proverbs 2:12-13. They read, Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. These men turn from the right way to walk down dark paths. At first, he associated those words with Sammy Smart Mouth. Later, he realized these words described some of his actions over the last "weird" year. Somehow, it lit a fire under JoJo to not be that evil man, but to stand for right.
Back to his wonderful Christmas, he loved his presents! His nerf-ball gun with 3 nerf balls had been shot about 100 times already. Man, than Evil Knievel Stunt Cycle was the envy of the neighborhood! (As far as JoJo was concerned, Christmas was all about getting the best gifts.) His favorite present was a call from Janie. She wanted to know what presents he got, and he asked her the same question. The best part was her inquiry about his Being on Restriction status.
JoJo said, "Oh, I'm off."
"Great, are you going to Pizza Hut tomorrow night?" (That was the local hangout for Jr. High kids.)
"Are you going?"
"I might..."
"I think I'll be there."
"OK! See ya tomorrow night!"
JoJo thought to himself, I really don't get girls' thinking.
That afternoon--after JoJo was free from all family functions, he took off for Tommy's house. Several kids were already there, and had begun to play football.
"Game's locked until someone else comes to make the teams fair, JoJo," Butch the Bully called out.
"Whatever, Butch." JoJo really didn't like that punk.
In about 3 minutes, Dallas (You got it...a boy who moved to Smallville from Dallas) showed up.
"Unlock the gate, fellas!" (That meant that JoJo and Dallas could get in the game.)
Butch immediately yelled out, "We want Dallas!"
JoJo mock Butch, "We want Dallas"
Butch fired back, "Watch it, JoJo. I will squash you."
JoJo...now an All-Pro Smart Mouth said, "Who uses the word: Squash?" "Wait, I know Chumps Are Us...Shawhawa!" JoJo had his daddy's silly laugh.
Butch ran up to JoJo and tackled him! "Game is DEFINITELY Unlocked."
JoJo's big mouth was not as big as Butch. He felt like a truck hit him.
The other guys were falling over laughing, even Tommy.
JoJo's mind is racing. What do I do? If I try to fight that punk, he will kill me. However, I do know words that will bust his butt. Suddenly JoJo remember a message from Proverbs...He didn't remember the exact location. (It was Proverbs 3:7-8.) However, the words washed over him.
Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
JoJo bounced up and surprised everyone, including himself, by saying: "Nice hit Butchie Boy! I am ready to play some ball, now."
"Well alright Joey Boy, let's do it!"
JoJo had no idea what just happened, except the Bible had just helped him to not have broken bones!!
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