The strange world of under-water communication

September 21, 2012

When we were kids we used to swim in water tanks. These were out in corals and pastures where cattle and horses could drink as they needed.  We would get in these tanks and have the greatest time. First we would have to skim off the moss, mosquitoes, cow pies, and other goodies; then, let the fun begin. The water was a nice warm brown and when one went under water vision was limited to the imagination. Talking on the other hand was fascinating. We crafted new versions of “Pig Latin” that would rival any language from “Spock.” Then we would talk from under water. Sometimes we would talk to each other while under water; then, at other times we would have one person above and one person in the “primal oooooze” talk to each other. We also did other things with air from our mouths and other body orifices which, as I recall made about as much sense as the conversations we shared while under water.

The porpoise, the whale, and many fishes have marvelous communication skills which they use to ward off enemies, identify friendly underwater associates, secure food, etc. Very much like our underwater friends, we rely on communication from and between others, with essentially the same goals in mind. We have dramatized our efforts a bit and extended the vocabulary to provide nuisances, unnecessary to any but humans. Meta-communications such as body language and alternate word meanings create much of the confusion and frustration in our lives today. Who do we believe? Where do we go for honest, up-front answers to questions that must inevitably dictate the very direction of our lives?

My wonderful nephew, Ford, and many others around the world have determined that since some of the some, if not all belief in God is inconsistent with science and history. They share things like the time-line of history extending millions of years before “God” enters the scene; the fact that many of the “stories in the new and old testament have virtually identical plots, or themes as those represented by cultures thousands of years older than Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament. They talk about “God” being a convenient crutch for the needy and a marvelous for the greedy and power-hungry.

Their conclusion, “There is no God.” To Ford, who so openly shared his new beliefs with me; I give my heartfelt appreciation. I challenged him to find something in which he could believe. This was his answer. Again, I have no desire, nor will I wander into this age-old debate. I will however, share my testimony. This discussion predates the twenty first century by at least six thousand years. In fact, I believe it predates anything we know about from science and history. Rene’ DeCartes said it best in Communications and Meta-Communications hundreds of years – short version, “I think, therefore I am”. For an excellent recitation of both sides of this argument, I refer you to the Old Testament for a treatise regarding the preexistence, and a much clearer presentation from scripture from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in which the Book of Moses shares with us clear understanding dealing with God, Jesus Christ (Jehovah), and the sun of the morning – Lucifer, the crafter of underwater communications and the author of evil. When was the “war in heaven?” I have no idea nor does anyone else on this earth. I can only tell you that God has told us that he has created “worlds without end and that they are numbered to him. He has done this throughout all eternity. This earthly realm represents a tiny sliver of the eternal realms. Are there other people in the universe? Certainly logic, science, common sense and scripture declare it. Could God and his angels and Lucifer and his minions been at war ten, twenty, fifty billion years ago? Could these stories about a flood, a savior, and others be those from other populations created by God?

When I was in my late teens just prior to leaving for service on the USS Hornet, CVS – 12, I would sit in Sacrament Meeting (Church) or Sunday school class and think or ask the questions Ford shared with me. I was very skeptical about things spiritual. I heard much from those using underwater communication. Once I began to listen more closely to those who had strayed from their belief in God, it was easy to think I was much smarter and certainly wiser than these old fools who kept me in bondage for their benefit.

It was during my first year in the Navy that I began to glimpse through a small knot-hole the blessing of the Holy Ghost. I was sent from the Hornet to a naval hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. I had been diagnosed with “back problems”. It was there that I met with some wonderful, Christian LDS people. They nourished my body and my soul, providing friendship, love and testimony of Jesus Christ. After several weeks, I was sent to Hokkaido, the northern-most island in Japan to await and re-board the hornet with new orders. During that time I was completely isolated from anyone, or anything I knew. I began to wander into places I had not been. I began drinking, smoking, and having great fantasy about a certain Japanese girl I had met in one of the bars.

It was then that I got my first solid punch from a ministering angel sent through the Holy Ghost. Essentially, I was told that I was not alone; that I needed to act like a Son of God and put my life in order so I could serve God in this mortal life. That was in the summer of 1962. I count that as fifty years ago and I testify to you that that conversation is as real today as it was then. Make no mistake. It was real! God is real – he is alive and at the helm. I have had the marvelous blessing of being tended by the Great Shepherd over these many years. I have had countless prayers answered and my life preserved because I have attempted to live a life worthy of these blessings. I am a mortal and I am a sinner. I make more mistakes and cause myself more grief than the average person. If I can live by the promptings and inspiration of the spirit, anyone can.

God bless each of you as you move forward in your lives serving others.

Duane Jacobs, Friend, grandfather, father, uncle, brother, cousin, and friend