"Bear Roping"

I’ve heard some cowboys did it,

They ran and roped a bear,

And I gladly admit it,

I never joined them there.

There’s few bears in our country,

So that’s a good excuse,

And I’ll say it bluntly,

That’s one I can use.

Besides that if the horse I ride,

Would even put me close,

My mare might bolt and try to hide,

And come untrained the most.

And then there is my roping skill,

That’s never been that strong,

Don’t know which, the head or heel,

‘Cause both just might go wrong.

And then there is the question,

That we can’t forget to ask,

When we end the roping session,

There is just one task,

Just who would take the rope off,

When we finally got him caught,

Braver hands might then scoff,

That job was never taught.

So these are all the reasons,

Why bear roping ain’t my thing,

So I’ll end this breezin’,

And next time you fling,

Your twine at that old bruin,

I’ll come and take a pic,

And pray that you don’t ruin,

What gives us all a kick.

“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25, NAS)

Telling tall tales may be part of the cowboy culture, but we are called to speak the truth. Bear roping stories may be fun to hear, but this was a rare occurrence at best. Why is truth-telling so imperative? It’s the only way we can grow spiritually, and the best avenue for gaining the trust of others. Our lives are all about the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help us God. With a world full of spin and deception, speaking and living the truth will make an impact indeed!

Lord, help us live and speak the truth, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Charles Russell. By permission.