I grew up in Sylacauga, Alabama and life was simple. We didn�t worry about locking doors, I could ride my bike in the third grade to Main Avenue School (and later Pinecrest), during the summer go to Martin Theater on Tuesdays and watch movies and cartoons while drinking an RC Cola and eating Milk Duds, we played outside until the utility lights came on and sometimes longer.
I also played Rec sports - baseball and basketball. My baseball career began in Minor League (we didn't have T-ball in that day) and played for the Dodgers. My dad, Charles Ledbetter and Curtis Bentley were my coaches. We played our games at the field now located at Pinecrest Elementary.
The Ump Called Me Out!
I wasn't the greatest player but when I got to first base, home was my target. I'd steal second, then third. Then I learned to time the catcher's throwback to the pitcher and take off, sliding in home, ripping the knee out of my uniform and sport a scab for several days as my badge of honor.
One game I had stolen home at least two times and was on third timing my third attempt. I waited, I ran, I slid but to my surprise the ump called me out! I was furious, not because he called me out but because he couldn't see that while the catcher had the ball he had not tagged me.
I know for a child time can embellish stories but I clearly saw the threads of the ball in the catcher's mitt and they were a good three-four inches above my leg. Never close.
The ump's perception however - I was out!
I cried, was pulled from the game, and disappointed my dad because he thought I was being a bad sport. Some things never leave your memory. They're seared into your conscience and can even fashion your outlook on life, even core values.
Me? Speeding?
Fast-forward a couple of decades. I'm in my 30s and driving towards Birmingham on Interstate 59. At that time I was considerate of the speed limit (how many remember the energy savings plan to save gas by traveling 55 on interstates?) and just calmly traveling. A car was traveling about the same speed, 55, when I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw some transfer-trucks (you know, 18-wheelers) coming quickly upon me.
So, I accelerated to about 60 to pass the other car and as I accelerated I saw a State Trooper across on the other side going towards Gadsden. He slowed, crossed a wide median, and eventually entered the interstate in the same direction I was traveling. I'm thinking, "Maybe it's near the end of the shift and he's headed back to the headquarters."
To my surprise he pulls behind me with lights flashing so I pulled over. In those days you could do what I did: I got out of the car, walked to the passenger side of the trooper's car, he let me in, I sat down and asked, "What's wrong officer?"
He pointed to his radar device which read I was traveling 88. I said, "I don't know who you were clocking but it wasn't me!" My Ford Granada speedometer only registered 85 and I'd never traveled nearly that fast in all my days. In fact, I received a letter from Governor George Wallace in response to my complaint as a 16-year old about all the speeders whizzing by as we traveled down I-65.
He gave me a ticket, told me the court date, I got in my car, drove a mile farther, pulled over and was so angry I cried as I poured my complaint out to God. It was a $58 dollar fine I didn't deserve and with two growing boys at home $58 was a lot!!!
The radar gun was wrong but the officer perceived I was speeding - excessively speeding. I ended up paying a fine but resenting it for several years. I couldn't travel down that stretch of road without thinking how wrong it was to give me a ticket. I felt helpless. But, perception is reality even if it's not the truth.
An Axiom to Live By
Fast-forward and I�m in my 50s and receiving Chaplain Training and as taught by Dr. Jake Popejoy we were taught the following axiom:
| Quote: | | Perception is reality even if it's not the truth. |
This means that even though an umpire perceived me as out doesn't mean its true. Even though the evidence indicates I was speeding it wasn't necessarily true.
This means one's perception of what they saw or heard is what they base their conclusion and subsequent actions upon. Unfortunately, their perception may not reflect the truth and this only compounds the issue and drives anyone who accepts the wrong perception farther from the truth.
Truth can be covered with layers of misperceptions and these misperceptions become the basis for trying individuals unjustly in the court of public opinion.
Also, misguided people will use these misperceptions to stir the pot of animosity and enflame the emotions to a point of senselessness. Once seduced by the lies those believing the misperceptions are exploited by evil men who have a devilish agenda.
We have certainly seen this principle played out across America in recent years resulting in senseless destruction and devastation, and even tragically, the death of innocent people. We see it in the vicious mud raking we call campaigning.
These episodes help explain why I defend the truth, even when defending it goes against the tide of popular opinion.
This explains why I rarely take anything anyone tells me, especially in anger, at face value.
This is why I look people in the eye, try to read their body language, and hear what they are saying and not what they want me to hear.
This is why it takes me a while to form an opinion or accept something as true. I have to process it and consider other possibilities or versions of what I�ve heard.
Human misperception has been the root of much bitterness and misunderstanding.
We need to head the words of the Apostle James:
| Quote: | | "But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. (1:19-20). |
But, sometimes I just hold my peace, shake my head, and go eat some chocolate.
_________________
God-Honoring
Christ-Centered
Bible-Based
Spirit-Led
(This is how I want to be) |
Golf Cart Mafia Associate
Posts: 2109
10/15/16 11:26 pm
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
The Ump Called Me Out!
+ 
