THE FUSE

A Fuse is a length of material along which a small flame moves to explode a bomb or firework, meanwhile allowing time for those who light it to move to a safe distance. (Online Dictionary)

The same idea is used metaphorically to describe things that are about to explode… though not a literal bomb or firework… yet an explosion is expected. Without leaning into conspiracy theory or panic eschatology it does seem that some things need to be checked to see: how long is the fuse?

I was wondering about the plastic flotsam in our oceans that is twice the size of the state of Texas, forest fires that burn like never before, bug trees in our forests, the issue of lowered water tables that cover over half the United States if not more… whoa! Whoa! I am just thinking about a few ecological fuses that are burning.

How long are the fuses for racism, cultural exclusivity, confusion with self identity, tattoo mania, hatred of ‘the other side’ in our national division on everything, the shrinking of faith and the elevation of atheism, political silliness, the dramatic increase of suicide and hopelessness, military fanaticism, economic instability and false relationships through social media and other artificial means (texting)…

How long is the fuse? We can determine the length in many cases.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Jesus