The Ballestero Blog

Trike Riding!!

Back in the older days of the AMF, especially in our imaginary “Section 19“, there was phrase coined some of us have never forgotten. “He’s Riding His Tricycle“. This was said about those that:

• Would go “off” on a tangent at a fellowship meeting when they got up.
• Talked a long time. Some times it was much ado about nothing.
• Added box cars to the end of a sermon.
• Got intoxicated with the sound of their own voice.
• Always had to put their 2 cents worth in.
• Tried to “get something going by bringing up a controversial issue. Just to start a fight.

We would say stuff like:

1. He’s Polishing his Trike.

2. That Trike has long antennas with coon-tails on them.

3. His Trike is so old, it even has an “I LIKE IKE” bumper sticker on it.

With that in mind, I see on various sites, what my generation called Trike Riding. I also see that the “Trike Salesman” don’t just sell to Older guys anymore. He is selling a lot of them to the younger men as well. He sells digital ones now to those with computers too.

Every opportunity some get to be in a Trike Parade, they join right in. Flashing their paint job. Squeezing on their blue bulbed horns. Putting Old Maid cards in the spokes to make extra noise.

Men that don’t pastor, never have, maybe never will, feel comfortable Riding Their Trikes in front of proven ministries and pastors of great churches. Treating them just like they were all in the same club. They’re Not. Attempting to display their skill while unbeknown to them, they are displaying a negative image of themselves.

Maybe they even went to “Trike U” and learned how to ride. It’s still not enough. Honor and respect is earned. It is not bought with many words. Especially many words that gender strife.

The feeling may be to some, that everyone’s opinion on the internet is equal. It’s not. I have seen men on Forums, Facebook and Blogs who are respected around Pentecost, deluged with comments and arguments, often disrespected or nearly scoffed.

That is the kind of stuff young men in our churches would have been set down for. (or maybe run off)

It makes old timers want to ask. Who was their pastor? Because if they had come up under a good one, they would know enough to behave differently. You may think this format to be a place where the playing field is level. It’s Not!

Maybe some are trying to win a trophy riding their Trike. If so, I hope they win it soon because my tired is starting to hurt. I’ve watch professionals ride Trikes. I know GOOD Trike riding when I see it!

You would have been impressed too. In those days, All of us younger men, found our place, kept it, and learned with our mouth shut and our ears opened. And just said. AMEN. With no back talk.

Well, I guess it’s time to go put my Trike up. Thanks for watching me ride.