During a coffee klatch, an acquaintance chided me for dwelling too much on subjects of a serious nature. A self-proclaimed agnostic, he said, “You Christians, especially you Protestants, take life far too seriously. Life is for enjoyment, which your serious, sober nature preempts.”
“Well, since you brought up religion … yes, I am a Christian, and I don’t believe there is a middle ground between believers and non-believers,” I replied.
“So, I’m an atheist, not an agnostic?”
Refraining from praising his perspicacity, I said, “In my opinion, an agnostic has no more idea what he is than a political moderate. These so-called mendacious mainstream masters of misdirection use that cowardly label to afford themselves the flexibility to side with whatever political party has the majority voice on a given issue. They admit as much by making ridiculous comments like, “I have friends on both sides of that issue, and I side with my friends.”
“There you go again with more dire, dreary, dull drivel,” he chuckled. “Answer me: Am I an agnostic or an atheist?”
“Whatever you are, ponder this: It’s best to believe there is a God, die, and find out there isn’t, than deny God — or be uncertain about His existence, as you profess to be — and die, only to discover there is.”
“Ugh,” he scowled. “No more of this sad, serious stuff for me — nor more coffee. Think I’ll consume libations of a more liberating nature. Care to join me?” I waved goodbye.
That night, I lay awake, evaluating the notion that taking life seriously is wrong. I consider it right. Life a precious gift, given to me by my Creator, and I must be serious about using that gift to the furtherance of His will.
My beloved mentor, Jaybird, would agree. In fractured figures of speech so familiar to Mississippi Delta folks, he would say, “Do whutchuh fear doin’ — that’ll be de death o’ fear.”
Having been raised in an America untainted by socialism, I adhere to the inalienable rights our forefathers fought to guarantee, among them freedom of speech.
Jaybird would remind me that speaking one’s mind is often daunting, especially when what one says rocks society’s boat, but if a person believes, as Jaybird did, that courage is the chief virtue and cowardice the worst of sins, he must affirm his beliefs when confronted by naysayers.
Folks who face life without seriousness may shrug and say, “Life is hard, then you die. Enjoy it while you’re here.” To which I say, “Life is hard, especially if you’re a coward, a label apropos to those who accept the gift of life with frivolity.”
General Douglas McArthur would agree. He said, “Only those are fit to live who are not afraid to die.” John Wayne would agree. He said, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”
Thanks, Jaybird, you wonderful old black man, for reminding me to be unafraid to stand up for what I believe is right. That is the death o’ fear.
Jimmy Reed——
Bio and Archives
Jimmy Reed is an Oxford, Mississippi resident, Ole Miss and Delta State University alumnus, Vietnam Era Army Veteran, former Mississippi Delta cotton farmer and ginner, author, and retired college teacher.
This story is a selection from Jimmy Reed’s latest book, entitled The Jaybird Tales.
Copies, including personalized autographs, can be reserved by notifying the author via email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
