“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21, NIV).

     I have a dear friend who is now a retired United Methodist pastor. Before he became a pastor, Russ was a commander for a Marine combat unit. Russ served in Vietnam during the most heated years of battle. While on patrol one evening, Russ’ platoon came under heavy fire. For hours, Russ’ men fought valiantly. During the battle, a North Vietnamese combatant was injured. He was taken captive by American forces. As a U.S. military officer, Russ was directed by the Geneva Convention to offer this enemy soldier first aid and food. A medical helicopter was brought in to airlift the wounded out. Russ was standing near the enemy soldier as he was being carried on a gurney. Just before being transported, the soldier spoke the following words in Vietnamese: người mỹ tốt, which means, “Americans are good.”

“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’” (Luke 15:20-21,MSG).

     People are interesting. The National Parks Service recently issued a warning to refrain from licking the Sonoran Desert Toad. Apparently, some tourists have been licking the toxins emitted behind the toad’s eyes for its powerful psychedelic effects. The toad’s secretions reportedly cause euphoria and strong auditory hallucinations.