Dipsy Divers and Bottom Bouncers
By Terry Brown of Pigeon, MI, USA
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the Lord.
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it.
Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy —Psalm 98:4–8 NRSV, adapted
I love hearing different languages and exotic sounds. People can put words together in ways that entrance me.
In the thumb of Michigan where I live, there are not many different languages spoken. But one of my rituals is listening to the fishing reports on the local radio station. I especially like the names of the lures used to entice fish to bite. Dipsy divers, bottom bouncers, spinning rigs, hot and tots, dodgers, body baits, spin and glows, and crank harnesses are just a few mentioned. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—chartreuse, pumpernickel, spotted, red-headed, silver, and gold.
Even though I fish occasionally, I would have difficulty identifying most of these by sight. It is the same with scripture. The language is beautiful and exotic. Just as the fishing report teaches people how to fish effectively, scripture teaches us how to invite people to Christ and how to live fully.
Perhaps it is time to go a little deeper in our reading. We can explore whether fish are biting on blue thunders, black Nancys, white screwballs, yellow tails, or blue thunders.
Prayer for Peace
Creator God, who knows and nourishes creatures in the most inhospitable depths of the ocean, grant us peace. With your light and life-giving Word, reach us in the most impenetrable regions of our body, minds, and souls.
Spiritual Practice Suggested by the Author
Look quietly into a still glass of ice water. Watch as bubbles form and rise to the top. Notice the condensation that forms on the outside the glass. Grasp that elements are seeking release to be transformed into something new. Where are the cold and lonely places in your soul that long for release and transformation?
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will seek living waters where I can become a fisher of people.
