‘Clown’s to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you.’
Gerry Rafferty wrote this song 50 years ago to describe powerful men in the music industry. Today we hear similar sentiments expressed about powerful people who are supposed to be wise – in politics, business, sport, the church… We’re surrounded by fools, jokers and clowns.
Where’s the clown? All around us!
‘A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats.’
The highly influential Charles Spurgeon, known as the ‘Prince of Preachers’ in the 19th century, warned that those who should be responsible carers may actually be care-less, self-focused entertainers.
Where’s the clown? Beware! Look behind the costume and makeup!
A man says to his doctor: ‘I’m completely depressed. My life’s harsh, cruel, full of uncertainty. I don’t know what to do, I don’t know who to talk to. I feel all alone.’
The doctor says: ‘The treatment’s simple. The great clown, Pagliacci, is in town. He has a show tonight. He makes everyone laugh. He’ll make you feel better.
The man burst into tears. The doctor says: ‘What’s wrong?’ The man says: ‘Doctor, I am Pagliacci.’
Where’s the clown? It might be me!
The real Patch Adams said: ’The role of a clown and a physician are the same – it’s to elevate the possible and to relieve suffering.’
Robin Williams, playing Patch Adams, said: ‘You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter what the outcome.’
Where’s the clown? It’s me – elevating the possible, relieving suffering, treating people.
St Paul said: ‘God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.’
Where’s the clown?… Shakespeare’s fool was often the wisest person on stage… Be a wise clown… Seek out the wisdom of clowns; avoid the clowning of fools.
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