THE SMELL OF CARDBOARD

Introudction, part 2

I suppose I need to explain this “smell of cardboard” business before we begin. The phrase, “the smell of cardboard” came from a discussion I was having with a couple of friends in an IM conference. We were talking about “out of the box” thinking, and I believe so in regards to the “church”. Basically, we were ranting about the way things are and dreaming about the way things could be (should be?).

I told them that people in the box concerning “church” love the “smell of cardboard”. They are in the box so long that what was once so alluring and strong has all but become extinct, but to take it away or change it would bring full realization of obsession and addiction.

People are addicted to “church”.

I don’t care what church you go to. For me, it’s always been Baptist churches. And not just any old Baptist church – but the really good kind…

Independent

Fundamental

King James

Bible Believing

Baptists

We’re not accustom to change, unless it’s the kind we put in the offering plate when it comes around. We truly represent the punch line to the joke, “How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb?”

“CHANGE!?”

Now, the smell of cardboard doesn’t just apply to the above, but really it’s my way of describing anyone who is addicted to their way of seeing things or doing things. It’s my way of describing people who are in a box and don’t want to come out (or don’t even realize they are in there, or worse, can’t realize it). It’s my way of describing people who would rather be defined than to define themselves. It’s my way of describing people who would rather be defined than undefined (yes I know “undefined is still defined).

If you’re interested in change. This book is for you.

If you’re not but you want to know how people like me think. This book is for you.

If you’re turned off by the cardboard feel, the black pages and white font, and think, “this isn’t a book, a book is supposed to be…” This book is about you.

Only…it’s about me. Because for a decade or so I was you.

But I’m coming out of the box.

I’m going back home…

…back to the undefined.