ATOP THE BEANSTALK

by CHARLES ROBEY
(MOODY AL USA)

PROLOGUE

As a child, my favorite childhood story was that of Jack and the Beanstalk. Do you remember its narrative plot? If not, let me refresh your memory. As the story is depicted on the internet: "Jack, a poor country boy, trades the family cow for a handful of magic beans, which grow into a massive, towering beanstalk reaching up into the clouds. Jack climbs the beanstalk and finds himself in the castle of an unfriendly giant. The giant senses Jack's presence and cries,

'Fee-fi-fo-fum!
I smell the blood of an Englishman.
Be he alive, or be he dead,
I'll grind his bones to make my bread.'

"Outwitting the giant, Jack is able to retrieve many goods once stolen from his family, including a bag of gold, an enchanted goose that lays golden eggs and a magic golden harp that plays and sings by itself. Jack then escapes by chopping down the beanstalk. The giant, who is pursuing him, falls to his death, and Jack and his family prosper.”

What does this childhood tale have to do with today’s living? We live in a progressive culture of a 'me, myself, and I’ mindset. Let’s assume, for example, the giant represents today’s progressive, socialist political culture, and Jack represents our free American republic’s heritage.

We may characterize the giant as an overbearing, powerful politically motivated individual, whose size, super ego, and arrogant will-power took advantage of the little people of the kingdom. And Jack is seen as a patriot, taking advantage of the giant’s weak points. In this way he saves his people, especially his family, from ruin.

Come now, and we shall see the aftereffects of a far land beyond time and a long-ago civilization caught up in today’s progressive modern-day politics. How will it progress, how will it end? Stay tuned for another fictional parable, an earthly story with a heavenly meaning, entitled “Atop the Beanstalk.”

(Ecclesiastes5:8) “If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.”

It was a miserable evening of sorts. The constant pitter-patter of rain against the windows played its all-familiar tune, with the help of a constant wind blowing in the pines. The little outdoor creatures were hidden away in their dens. No birds were singing in the trees. This atmosphere invited our character to snuggle up to a good book, with the help of a cheery fireplace, a good hot cup of coffee and a few of Mom’s home-baked chocolate chip cookies.

How quickly things can change, however, when there are young ones around. "Papaw will you read me a bedtime story? Please tuck me into bed. I’m scared of this weather. Please read me Jack and the Beanstalk."

Pulling a storybook off the shelf, I began to read. As usual, I didn’t make it past the first chapter. Our young one was out like a light, all safe and securely snuggled beneath the covers.

That’s when it all happened, beyond my control as usual. I too had turned in for the night, comfortably in bed, covers pulled up tight. How I managed to be outside in all the coldest of weather was beyond me. Dreams are always strange bedfellows.

I found myself standing just outside my window and peering upwards into the clouds at a most unusual scene. It was a giant beanstalk. Dreams being what they are, I started to climb. It seemed like an eternity before I reached the top.

Standing there, as if waiting to greet me, was a giant. He must have been at least ten feet tall, and firmly built to match. I could tell from the very outset of our meeting that our characters would not mix. He was all decked out in blue, and I was wearing red. Draped around his neck was a big rainbow-colored scarf, as if to convey a certain political message.

He was not a very friendly man at all, but one of a most unusual character, outmatching all the other subjects of the kingdom, as if they were slaves to his power.

Silently, the giant jerked me up off the beanstalk and gripping me by the arm, he set off to parts unknown.

Nestled in the clouds was a quaint, though bustling, medieval city. It was the most incredible setting, resting on a grass-covered hillside surrounded by many small cottages, their red and blue roofs gleaming in the morning sunlight.

In the middle of it all, the scene's focal point was an elaborate castle with protective moat and drawbridge that was the kingdom’s most recognized tourist attraction. This ornate castle however, appeared different: it was completely over-run by people.

Many countrymen were on the moat, on the bridge, and on its grounds. 'Where did all these people come from? What is the special occasion?' I pondered.

There was no time for an answer, however, because the big gruff giant had quickly dragged me into the inner sanctum of the castle, far above the king's throne room, into the visitor chamber. There I saw many citizens patiently sitting, as if awaiting some sort of big announcement. Upon seeing the giant, a hush quickly came over the crowded room.

Down below, a man entered the throne room. He was dressed every bit the part of a medieval nobleman. Motioning for silence, he began to speak. I found his old English speech haunting. 'I’ll finally get to see this newly elected king,' I thought.

“My fellow countrymen, we are here today to celebrate the King’s Court's newly approved Respect for Marriage Decree. This law is designed to codify same-sex and interracial unity. No longer will you, our fellow countrymen, and prisoners be ashamed, or guilty of one's actions, characteristics, or associations. No longer will you, our fellow countrymen, and prisoners, experience undue persecution by me, the newly appointed reigning King of this great nation for engaging in this progressive culture.

“We of the King’s Court realize the labeling of this all-important decree is somewhat misleading on its surface. But the Court thought its title to be necessary to keep down any controversy among the kingdom’s subjects.

He was handed a large, ornate scroll, and he began to read. "Now, in the name of the Crown, I present the Respect for Marriage Decree. Let it be done on this day of our King. You are dismissed."

Turning around, I found my new-found giant friend loudly shouting, waving his scarf, and clapping such that the entire room began to shake. A few others joined in with him, but the majority sat frustrated and silent.

I dared not say a word, I surmised. Together, the giant and I left the King's palace, to the amazement of those outside. There must have been hundreds, perhaps thousands, of loyal protestors against the new Respect for Marriage Decree. All were carrying protest signs and shouting at the tops of their voices.

Some signs also had biblical references and biblical orientations against the Kings Respect for Marriage Decree. (Genesis 1:26-27) (Genesis 1:28) (Genesis 2:24) (Proverbs 18:22) (Matthew 19:4) (I Corinthians 7:2)

I turned around to see my giant friend’s reaction, but he was gone. No longer was he there, nor was I. I was back home snugged up tight in my bed. The storm had ended and there was no outside beanstalk. The morning sun had begun to peep through the clouds.

So, how did the story end? Whose philosophy won out, the good or the evil? Well, ask my little one. She knows its plot and its ending by heart.

“Dear, are you awake yet?" came the usual morning cry from the kitchen. My nose was awakened to the joyful aromas of breakfast cooking.

“Yes Dear! Is breakfast ready? I’m coming,” was my reply.

EPILOGUE

I trust you enjoyed this little bit of fiction musing.

I seem to recall reading somewhere a new version of Jack and the Beanstalk. In this story, Jack realizes how he has wronged the giant and seeks to right that wrong. He works out a deal with the giant in which he has visitation rights with the harp. In return, the giant gives Jack gold coins in order to help Jack and his mother survive. The new version of "Jack and the Beanstalk" leads me to conclude this life lesson: When everyone works together, more is accomplished.

There are many true-to-life stories where elected officials, and others of America’s populace have started out poor, and through hard work have made it big in life.

Yes, in spite of all the political whoop-de-doo, America is still the Land of the free, home of the brave. So, we can give a big shout out of “God Bless America!”

As a follow up to this blog, please read (Romans 1:18-32) Thanks, and God Bless.

Please Note: The U.S. Senate is suspected to reify the "Respect for Mariage" Act, that was passed by the U'S. Congress. Please check it out.