Author: john metz

young billy graham

young billy graham in black and white
shouting what would jesus do?
quickly telling bible stories
comparing then to now
proclaiming the end
is near. Speaking

out against military power.
jeremiah warned the people
and told them to repent of their sins
and jesus asked the disciples
who do you say that I am? and peter said
the messiah, the son of the living god.

if you’ve seen him before, you know
where this is going. billy graham is
introducing you to jesus.

when jesus was working in the carpentry shop
and cut his finger he bled warm blood,
just like you. no matter what you experience,
death, he’s been there. he fell asleep on a boat.

but jesus was more than man; he was god.

he quotes scripture and current events.
shouting i wrestled with that question for days!
he was a deceiver, a maniac, or the son of god.
he said love instead of hate, turn the other cheek,
forgive 7 times 70 times.

he healed on the sabbath day.
he’s a living savior; he’s alive today.
billy graham testifies: if I found out jesus never
lived it wouldn’t affect my faith because i’ve experienced it!
it goes on and on. billy graham covers it all:

it’s a matter of faith.

whether you like it or not, you’re going to make a decision today.
he lays it out. everything. neglect can become rejection. you can miss the plane. you’re hardening your heart. he’s saying why you might reject or receive him; he’s saying it might be too late; he’s preparing you for, talking you through, the decision. he says there’s NO MUTUAL GROUND. billy graham has done everything a man can do to bring you to this point:

like it or not, you have a decision to make.

he tells you, based on his experience, the experience of millions of others, and the bible, that your life can change, today, right now. he says you’ll still have problems. billy graham doesn’t sugarcoat it. but jesus will be with you. night after night,

billy graham
brings people
to this decision.

1/12/09

Sunny Reformer

Sunny Reformer —
our building looked like
an old man’s pant leg
we lived in the knee
your hand grew a flower
& the other grew a stick
your legs turned into
snow skis at the bottom
& a possum floats by a man
who is squatting
in the shower.

This is an excerpt from my
autobiography, Notes from
Spy School. The chapter is
called “Failing My First
Decoding Test.”

Last Meal Day

Please help spread the word about this new holiday I am trying to create: Last Meal Day!

Celebrated every August 15 from now on, Last Meal Day (LMD) is the newest American (and International) holiday. On LMD, each American will choose, eat, and celebrate his or her last meal—the way a person on death row about to be executed might.

For example, currently my last meal is as follows (in order):

  • two pieces of pumpkin pie
  • two sixteen ounce Yuenglings
  • ten wings
  • a Bob’s roast beef sub, from Bob’s Subs in Slippery Rock, PA
  • Ara Yes Kabob Halobi from the Beirut Restaurant in Toledo, OH
  • a small (only because I’m having so much else) pepperoni pizza from Gino’s Pizza in Toledo, OH
  • ten jumble jubilee cookies (actually called Jubilee Jumbles, I think)
  • a block Hershey bar with almonds
  • a Diet Pepsi

The only clear guidelines about LMD are the date, August 15, and that each person participating chooses and eats his or her “last meal.” The date has been selected because there’s room for a holiday here—in the middle of the month and between two other holidays—the Fourth of July and Labor Day. The late summer date is better than a winter one since many Americans will already be carrying extra weight in the winter. LMD could occur any day, but this date has been chosen.

LMD should quickly become one of the top American holidays. It will be good for business. Food suppliers and preparers will do a good business. And, people like to eat, so most Americans will really enjoy it. My meal, above, is quite large. I’m sure to be stuffed and feel sick. Others will approach it differently, taking a more Spartan approach.

Some will eat their last meal alone; others in groups. Some will eat at home; others will go out to eat. Some will take a solemn approach while others will be more festive. Some will be solemn and festive.

Since the “last meal” concept derives from a condemned prisoner’s last meal before execution, participants are invited to contemplate their own mortality, although this is not required. It is encouraged though. Some will plan and eat their last meal with quiet and serious deliberation; others may just pig out and party.

Of course many traditions will develop, as they do with all holidays.

I invite you to begin planning your last meal. It will in ways be a reflection of who you are and over the years of how you change.