From time to time I am reminded why we ride. And from time to time also reminded why I ride what I do. We all have a heritage of sorts, even though there are times in our lives that it embarrasses us, and we deny it. But usually we can make it work for us-truth bending it is called, and the world won't call it a lie, they do it all the time-professionally, just bending the truth to meet the situation. Bikers call it bench racing, and the better the racer the better the tales. And when mixed with truth, they truly are better. But sadly it is only the 150mph Sportster, or the 7 second 1/4 mile Ducati, or some other impossibility that piques our interest. And by the time the story is repeated, the Sporty went 175mph, and the Duke is in the fives. And each teller knows someone who knows someone who knew the guy who was a friend of the mechanic who put air in the tires, of a friend who once bought a bike at the shop. Under previous owners. But the connection is still there, and the bench racer still has the rights to tell the story-based on that relationship.
But consider the audience, and how it is more important to the story sometimes than the teller. And as I watched two men I have known for years, talking Triumphs on FOX 69 in San Diego, it was evident they knew their bikes, but not the audience. But I would really lay the fault at the feet, or mike of the interviewer, they only answered the questions he asked, but really on the camera man. While talking Daytona, he was shooting the Thunderbird. Two different bikes. And when talking Bonnevilles, seemed more interested in the Daytona. And if you weren't a rider, you wouldn't know the difference. Because non-riders see us as all the same. Just another loud motorcycle. And while the announcer kept calling the Daytona, I happen to have one in my garage right now, a 675R, a trouble bike-it seems anything with two wheels would get him in trouble. Frankly, him walking across the lot and not being prepared got him in trouble. But with live TV , you get what you get. Remember the turkey drop live on WKRP? At least no bikes were damaged during the interview.
But you were left with Lance revving the motor on a Street Triple-with stock pipes. Quiet, yet that great triple sound. And the last impression to viewers was just another loud motorcycle-loud being I can't hear my cell phone when driving! How about hanging up and drive-law breaker?
And although these guys did a good job, I wouldn't want to base my whole motorcycling experience on this one episode. Yet when the world looks at Christians, that is how they judge us. They think all we do is ask for money. We give-you cannot take an offering. Never realizing all the giving churches and ministries provide. Samaritan's Purse was in Haiti way before any one else, including the UN. No politics involved, only love. When volunteers are needed, you only need to look to the church-and they are there. In fact, only bikers come close to this when a need arises. You see, it is always easier to look on the bad side, and judge. If you think a pastor only works Sunday mornings, spend a few days with him. Calls at 3am, families in crisis, spending 20+ hours for a 60 minute message. Having to deal with all types of people, and yet keep his church running like a business. A profitable business. Churches haven overhead too. And just like those who think all bikes and bikers are crude, he doesn't get much help from the media. If only they worked his hours, they would have a different outlook.
Pray for pastors today. And start a habit of it everyday. They will be judged harsher by God, a tough criteria for anyone thinking they should be a pastor, and even stop by and attend their church. See what really is going on. For like bench racing, the truth is in there somewhere. Except it comes out in love, and not an edited sound byte response. For there is something about THE truth that sets us free, and Jesus is THE truth. And it is times when I see men saved, and joy enter into hurting families that I remember the greatness of being a Christian. And who I represent.
So it is when I ride, and why we each ride the brand we do. We represent them the minute we throw a leg over the saddle. A wise reminder to both Christians and bikers. But really to those that aren't either. Until you have sat in our seats-don't judge us. The view from behind the handlebars is much different than from your car. And the view from the seats in church is much different, also.
Just call it a heavenly perspective. Don't just ask the man who is one, sit with him and enjoy. And be really cool-ride your motorcycle to church! Daytona to Bonneville-any bike beats even the coolest car! And only Jesus is the way! And He is really cool!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com