Thursday, October 18, 2007

Is Reform Possible?


As the population of South FL has increased over the past several years, we have been forced to deal with the issue of gators and humans co-existing in harmony. We have been told that the reason the gators are so aggressive is because they associate humans with food. It's not that they really want to eat us, they are just so anxious to get the treat that we are holding out to them. The fact that we lose an arm just for trying to be kind is our fault. This year the hunters were allowed to kill an alarming number of gators in order to provide a safer environment for the humans. Here in HS we are opting for a softer approach. We have started the Gator Social Reform Society. Our main goal is to socialize these gators to the point where they are able to function normally in our society. The dear lady you see pictured here is our pilot project. When we found her she would snap at anything that came near, it was a real job to get her to put some clothes on. We would have gone for something a little less dated, but you should see the figure we had to work with. The hair was added to soften her appearance, I thought a lovely chestnut brown would have been very becoming, but after seeing Ethan there was no convincing her that red was not her color. She has only tried to eat me once, I was running late and Winn-Dixie had already given away the outdated meat we had been feeding her. We really are not sure what to do about her skin issues, we may try Lubriderm. We have taken her to church a few times but people tend to shy away from her. Maybe a manicure would help to ease every one's nerves during the shaking hands part of the service. Voice lessons have gone over big with her, I mean this girl can sing. The problem is that it is a bit disconcerting to watch her. Overall the project is going as well as expected. If anyone is interested in becoming a part of our organization, just let me know. One day we may be maimed heroes.

19 comments:

Liz said...

All I can say is you are crazy! I laughed from start to finish! "You ah killin me dall"(she says with N'awlins accent)Great post as always!

Kimberly said...

You are a nut!
I think all Christians should believe in the power of God's transforming change...for all of society...even alligators (i guess). Amen and amen.

Twila G. said...

Hysterical! Love your sense of humor!

A Moment in the Life of a Mother said...

I'm not sure that Katie wants to marry someone with such a "crazy" Momma!! Patricia has commented on that alligator woman many times... Your next post needs to be about her "twin" standing on the other side. Great post...lol

Tara said...

You're a strange, twisted little woman.
Guess that's why we love ya! :)

Julia said...

I'm not sure why everyone thinks this is funny. I think that it is beautiful that you are investing your life (quite literally) into this lovely gatoress. You will never know the impact you are having in your community for Jesus until you get to heaven.(which may be sooner than you think.) God bless your efforts. I would love to join in on your ministry, however Illinois is not known for it's gator population. I could try a ministry for Daddy Long Leg Spiders. Providing shoes could get pretty expensive though.

Anonymous said...

I am deeply touched with your willingness to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to your ministry. I wish you all the best.

Just one question. Just what is she standing on? Surely her little back legs couldn't support her like that. Is she balancing on her tail? If so, you may have a ready made way to earn money to support the ministry.

Unknown said...

We may have met when I was at Hobe Sound--I am a lurker on your blog--I read on the Hobe Sound list but I had to click over here and take a look! I'm so glad I did. The picture of your boys is SO cute.

Funny post!

Chris & Amy said...

How in the world do you have time for creative writing with 4 little boys? Kudos to you!

The Dickinsons said...

Oh, Kayla, you are hilarious! Loved the pic and the post! =)

AND I LOVE THE PIC OF YOUR BOYS ON THE BEACH UP TOP OF YOUR BLOG!!! ADORABLE!!!


Baby and I haven't felt like blog hopping to much here recently, but hopefully we'll get to feeling better soon and can catch up on everyone's lives. =)


Love, Heather =)

carla said...

Kayla, Kayla, Loved the post!! I have seen that horrendous alliagtor person over and over and not once did it ever occur to me that I should invite it to church. Good luck!!!

Queen Essie said...

Kayla,
Remember, your rewards will be given in heaven for God's work done here. When others question your actions or find it hard to understand, remind them of the famous question, "What would Jesus do?"
I think we all can learn a lesson from your unselfishness in witnessing to even the seemingly unreachable. Even risking life or limb, you are willing to show God's love in a whole new light!
Thank you for sharing your example of the Fruit of the Spirit! I feel very humble to be your friend.

kayla said...

Just a little update here. We have named the gatoress Wilma Nell in honor of Jerry Clower. She is doing quite well in her anger management classes.
Sonja; She is actually standing on her own two feet. We are still working hard to get her to glide gracefully, but we figured that to fit in our culture she would have to walk upright. It can really throw people off guard to see a gator crawling towards them, it is much less threatening if they just walk up to you.
Well I better go. I just heard the sceech of another cat under my carport. Anybody have any suggestions of how to break her from chasing cats?

Eileen said...

Kayla enjoyed your blog. I pray all goes well with that gator. You have a blessed day!
Love & Prayers, Eileen

Mary Ellen said...

OK - I live in same town as you and have never seen this "woman!" Where does she stand exactly!?!

I'll be happy to join your society, just let me grab my gun...er Bible...and I'll be right over...

Anonymous said...

i passed her the other day and was thinking how nice it was that the cowboy er cowman or whatever exactly "he" is finally had company. he always looked so lonely. has harold invited him to church? anyway, i just wanted to say i enjoy your blogs. you are a very funny lady. have a WONDERFUL week!

Misty said...

You are too funny!! I have noticed her many of times, but must confess my heart was not pulled into ministry as yours is....May God give me more grace! Uh, is the food good there?

Florida Bozone Bunch said...

Kayla, you have been working too hard. I have been thinking about your post, and I think I bring a different perspective to the discussion. I have seen a similar alligator in Stuart. This one had a grass skirt on. Now really, have you ever seen an alligator in a grass skirt? The only one she wants to wear is the one hanging out of her mouth after she has devoured a hula dancer. In light on this observation, lets take another look at the gal in your photo. She is modestly dressed. I think it is a cover up to get into our church to eliminate us. This has helped clear up some questions for me. I thought that some of the people from Hobe Sound Bible Church left our congregation to join those of different persuasion. I must have been mistaken. They were probably eaten my a friendly reptile. I am not opposed to you helping the down and outer, but when you reach out your hand, be ready to run quick.. Please don't leave your boys unattended with this beast. Remember she is not been converted-she still has a reptile heart. Oh, by the way, if you need human companionship, I just live on the next canal.

kayla said...

Mary Ellen: She stands in front of Ausin's BBQ. I am glad to know that you are watching the road when you drive and not everything on the sides unlike me and some other people I know.
Misty: I have never tasted their food. I think Harold got some take out before. CW's still rules for the best BBQ in town.
Sherilyn; I am now paranoid. I hope that my zeal hasn't cost me any dear friends. I guess I'll have to just keep trusting that her heart is in the right place.