THE COUNTRY PARSON

Frank A. Clark, of Elkhart, Iowa, ministered to tens of thousands of people in a unique way - via his popular newspaper cartoon: "The Country Parson."

In 1963, at the height of the cartoon's popularity, it was published in 79 American newspapers, although during its lifetime it was carried by over 200.

Mr. Clark took weighty ideas, treated them with gentle humor, and lightly poked fun at human foibles and weaknesses.

Each cartoon featured a single panel with an illustration, usually of the kindly parson himself (as drawn by Denny Neal), and an aphorism to make his readers think.

Decades later, these "mini-sermons" still speak to our hearts, minds, and souls.

Here are a few of my favorites:

A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it.

Criticism like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man's growth without destroying his roots.

There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child.

If you haven't time to help youngsters find the right way in life, somebody with more time will help them find the wrong way.

The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them.

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't.

Sins are kinda like rabbits - turn a couple of 'em loose and the first thing you know there's a whole bunch of new ones.

A Bible that's falling apart usually belongs to a person who isn't.

Modern man is frantically trying to earn enough to buy things he's too busy to enjoy.

Why not upset the apple cart? If you don't, the apples will rot anyway.

A man's conscience, like a warning line on the highway, tells him what he shouldn't do / but it does not keep him from doing it.

I'd rather see folks doubt what's true than accept what isn't.

We're all generous, but with different things, like time, money, talent - criticism.

Which ones speak to YOUR heart, mind, and soul?

What are YOU going to do about it?