HEADS UP!
Are you troubled by the pressures and demands of our complex society? Did you know that ancient man had the answers to these problems? Peace and happiness can be yours. Read on to find out what the ancients called..."Perfect Peace" - Trepan Clinic.
What do you think? Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Who isn't "troubled by the pressures and demands" of our fast-paced world? Some days just don't get any more "complex". Actually, some days GIVE ME a complex! Most anyone in their right mind would jump at the chance to trade in their problems for some peace, especially when the advertised peace is "perfect".
But, before you jump on this "Peace Train", let's make sure you're on the right track. What is this "Perfect Peace" from ages past? Is it a philosophy? Nope! Is it a religion? No-Sir-Re-Bob! Is it a meditation technique, or some other mind, or body discipline? Sorry! Then, it must be some ancient pharmaceutical, right? None of the above. The "Perfect Peace" is a hole in your head! Literally! Still interested?
The practice is called Trephination, which is the ancient practice of drilling a hole in the skull and permanently removing a small piece of bone. I imagine by now you're either laughing or clicking on the first link out of here, but trust me, I'm not pulling your leg.
Now, just in case someone is wondering whether I am for, or agin' the practice, let me just say that I DO NOT support the practice of drilling holes in your head. I realize I'm taking a controversial stand, but so be it. No Black N Decker Brain Busting for moi! I'm not cracking open my cranium for anyone! I absolutely dread the thought of a hole in my head. 'Nough said!
I bet you're wondering why I even mentioned this headache of a topic in the first place, right? Well, my thirst for knowledge led me to last week's edition of ABC's 20/20 Downtown. One of the stories was about the present day practice of Trephination.
The story followed a group of people who decided it was a good idea to embark upon this "heady" experience. Now, if that isn't creepy enough for you, just ponder this--In order to escape the obvious legalities, it was necessary for everyone to agree to self-inflicted surgery. Yep, it's a do-it yourselfers' dream! "Hey, Martha, break out the chainsaw, we's gonna play doctor! "
Actually, it wasn't like that at all. These people were intelligent, articulate, and aware. Some were thrill-seekers looking for another way to "feel alive", others were desperate in their quest to find happiness. One mother even accompanied her daughter and encouraged her to do the drilling because her daughter had been so unhappy. Imagine being that desperate, that despondent, that distraught!
The 20/20 story showed one woman drilling with the supplied surgical instrument and just as she was half way to "holeness", there were a few complications and she had to stop. Later on, we are told that she finished the act. True she went too deep and lost some brain fluid, but everything turned out okay. At least she didn't die. But somehow I doubt that she is going to find "Perfect Peace"
Why have I shared this story with you today? Well, let me ask you a question: How desperate to find peace does one have to be, if they are willing to take a cutting tool and open their skull?
Folks, there are hopeless people out there in need of some real peace. Maybe you're one of them. If you are, please realize that Jesus Himself "is our peace" (Eph 2:14). Jesus came so that we might have the peace "which transcends all understanding"(Phil 4:7) . If you have any questions; if you're looking for answers; click on my name at the bottom of this page and I'll try to answer them for you! If you already know this peace, then please live it and give it! People are so very much in need.
An advocate of Trephination wrote, "Remember, only your brain stands in your way of your happiness." This statement is true, but certainly not in the context it was given! Our brain gets in the way when temptation leads us into sin and selfishness and pride. Our brain gets in the way when we refuse to seriously look at Jesus and what He has offered us — at least before rejecting Him as our avenue to peace. No disrespect intended, but you gotta have holes in your head, if you've rejected Jesus without taking an honest look at who He is and what He has promised. Isn't it time to consider another kind of open-mindedness?
"He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near."(Eph. 2:17)
