In only 6 minutes we must use the image below to inspire a story.
Son: ” Dad, we’re doing a new unit about ‘serial killers’ at school. I was surprised that Ted Bundy didn’t look at all like a ‘monster’.”
Dad: “That’s the same revelation that I had when I first saw him in the news. That observation opened my eyes to ‘how evil works’ in our world. It, more often than not, appeals to people’s ‘better natures’ and cons them into doing its bidding. Far more harm and destruction has come from people convinced that they were doing something ‘noble’ and ‘good’ than ugly barbarians. An interruption to common sense and logic comes ‘gift wrapped’ in a pretty promise that people may have an opportunity to ‘show off’ their virtuousness. Bundy was good looking and likeable, so he wasn’t easily suspected of “evil” which gave him more opportunities to use it.
Son: OMG…That sounds like the same way people pick which politicians they vote for!
https://christinebialczak.com/2023/03/07/simply-6-minutes-welcome-to-the-challenge-03-07-2023/
Sillyfrog's Blog 
Very clever, very apt 👏👏
Some stories write themselves. 😉 ❤
This made me chuckle 😂 On another note, aren’t all virtues vices dressed in robes. I think Augustine said something along those lines. Don’t remember the exact quote.
I’m not familiar with that. I would say, “Virtues should be thoughtful, guiding, and felt, rather than ‘flaunted before’ or ‘imposed on’ anyone, otherwise, I guess they are “vices in robes”. 🙂
I’ll look that up. Thanks.
I don’t know if it was Augustine. The context was that there are no such things as virtues in a normal, unsaved person. It alluded to the doctrine of total depravity. And whatever passes for virtues is self-righteousness. Having said that your definition of a virtue being something sincere and not an embellishment of sorts makes perfect sense.
Excellent! reminds me of this quote from C. S. Lewis…
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.
Brilliant man was Mr. Lewis! I enjoy (and seek out) his wisdom frequently. Thanks so very much for adding this, John!
Love the ending! Hahaha, red vs. blue! Both can be very nice colors!
Thanks. I don’t remember mentioning colors. 🤔😊
That was in reference to the political spin!
Oh… It was about virtue signaling and voting with feelings instead of thought. I guess the ‘voting’ part IS political. LOL
I guess that is why poetry and writing can be vague and perceived in so many different ways. This is the beauty of it though. I enjoy hearing comments about my writing especially when something comes up that I hadn’t even thought of!
So true. Sometimes it says a lot about where people’s ‘heads’are too. Thanks!
Reblogged this on Stine Writing and commented:
Susan has given us a way to see serial killers through the picture of a rotting rose!
2 Corinthians 11:12-15 New American Standard Bible
12 But what I am doing I will also continue to do, so that I may eliminate the opportunity from those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.
👍🙏❤
Very nice & interested story. I like.
Thank-you for reading and commenting. 😀
You are most welcome 🌷!