The Lee Family.

Son-Andrew gave me a polo shirt for Father’s day – generously, unexpectedly. I wore it yesterday. It has the brand name ‘Lee’ written on it… but my name isn’t Lee!

But then I had an epiphany. I shall create ‘The Lee Family’. The Mr Men have names that describe their characteristics… Mr Greedy, Mr Happy, Mr Nosey… The Spice Girls had names that described them – Sporty Spice, Scary Spice, Posh Spice…

The Lee Family? I’ve already mentioned two potential characters – Generous Lee, who considers the needs of others, and Unexpected Lee who’s totally unpredictable.

At church yesterday Pastor-Lou introduced another Lee Family member when quoting priest and author Brennan Manning: ‘The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.’

Simple Lee’s life is straightforward, predictable, uncomplicated… In this case he expects Christians’ beliefs to be consistent with their lifestyle.

Later we were discussing the recent Indian aeroplane crash where 241 of the 242 passengers were killed. The only survivor, Vishwashkumar Ramesh was in seat 11A… At the time King Charles said, ‘Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident…’

Sadly, Appalling Lee is part of the Lee Family too. He’s present in war, disaster, death, injustice – in the UK and around the world. Despite his bad reputation the BBC report on him most days.

When I read my Bible, Sure Lee is one of my favourite characters. He’s always confident of what will happen.

This morning I read, ‘Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.’ (Isaiah 57:2). Upright Lee is good and honourable. He has integrity. Sadly he’s not always popular.

My mind is racing with the possibilities… Sincere Lee, Courageous Lee, Thoughtful Lee, Speedy Lee, Grateful Lee, Unconscious Lee… I may revisit the Lee Family!