An incongruent truth…

Generally speaking, I am proud to be from the great state of Tennessee. Many say this is God’s country, and come autumn when the leaves are in full bloom, it’s really hard to argue that point. The landscape of rolling hills with Smoky mountains in the distance is hard to beat. Add to that the fact that we’re a friendly state, a gracious Southern state, the Volunteer state, and, of course, the home place of our beloved, nearly worshipped University of Tennessee. We have four fairly distinct seasons, abundant lakes and rivers, beautiful mountains, and some great and notable cities. You have the country music capital and the Titans in the center of the state, Elvis and bar-b-que on the west end, and Davy Crockett and Cherokee on the east end. Plus, we’ve got aquariums, white-water rafting, a Lost Sea, art and history museums, a national park, a myriad of historical landmarks, and, hello, Dollywood is here. It’s a fine place to call home.

But, this week, we had the rare opportunity to spend some time in Pigeon Forge (one of the jewels of the state) where I caught a glimpse of what makes Tennessee so very special… so very complex. All the mystique was captured in this sign that we spotted:

Please note that above the phrase “Jesus Saves” you will see two large black bears standing posed to attack.

The Spouse and I had a lively discussion about what the owners of this shopping strip might be trying to communicate here. Clearly, Jesus saves. I believe it. They believe it. I hope you believe it. But, specifically, are they saying Jesus saves the black bears? Or, Jesus will save you if these bears try to attack. Or, just Jesus saves, and we like bears.

It’s all very confusing. And, so very incongruent. There’s this thing we do here in the South where we just like to mesh all our favorite things together into one neat little package and tie a big bow on it. We have a lot of interests and a lot to say; there’s just so little time to get it all in… which leads to things like black bears and “Jesus Saves” headlining one big sign at the center of a strip mall on one of the state’s busiest roadways.

So, is it just me, or do others find this very, very strange? Please tell me I’m not alone in my confusion.

Of course, I’m glad to be a Southerner… and specifically a Tennessean. (See all the above-mentioned reasons why). It’s just that when I have sightings like this I start to ponder their meaning…

In hopes of regaining some perspective and an appropriate appreciation for my birthplace, I’m going to listen to, and recommend, this special tribute to our state by one of its finest musicians.