Once upon a time, back in the 1980s, there was trick-or-treating.
Most Halloweens, I dressed up as either a ghost or a clown. Those were my go-to costumes because we had a sheet and a red wig. We weren't exactly working with a Hollywood costume budget.
My dad would load my sister and me into his 1965 Ford truck, and we'd visit pretty much the same houses every year. We lived in a rural, sparsely populated area, and porch lights were few and far between. Trick-or-treating required some driving, a little patience, and knowing the right people. My favorite stop was always Aunt Mae's.
She lived in a green trailer and was one of the sweetest souls you'd ever meet. She greeted us with a smile, plenty of love, and candy bars. Not those little bite-sized disappointments, either.
Full-size candy bars. The real deal. The good stuff.
I'd leave Aunt Mae's with a full bag and a full heart. From there, we'd head out in search of more Southern hospitality, hoping to stumble upon a few more cornucopias of confection. One Halloween, it rained us out. But that's not this story.
The Gorilla of Hogjaw
On one particular Halloween night, we made our way to the west side of Hogjaw. My dad knew some folks over there, and when we pulled up, there was a large cage in the yard. Inside that cage, as I remember it some 40 years later, was a full-grown gorilla.
Now, I was young, but I wasn't stupid. I knew enough to stay in the truck. My dad, however, had other plans. He talked me into getting out and walking closer to the cage. I trusted him. After all, he was my dad. Surely, he wouldn't lead me into danger.
Then, to my absolute horror, the gorilla opened the cage. And started chasing me.
I don't remember how fast I ran, but I'm fairly certain I broke some kind of land-speed record getting back to that Ford. I dove into the truck, slammed the door, and locked it.
Every door. Including my dad's.
The gorilla, of course, was just a man in a costume. But at that moment, I was convinced I'd narrowly escaped being eaten alive in Hogjaw, Alabama. After a lengthy negotiation, my dad finally convinced me to unlock the door and let him back inside.
I'm sure everybody thought it was hilarious.
Everybody except me.
Recently, when I shared this story, someone said, "That sounds exactly like something you'd do today." Unfortunately, they're probably right.
The Lesson Behind the Mask
That Halloween stuck with me. Once the tears dried and I realized what had happened, I got mad. My own dad had talked me into walking toward a gorilla! Looking back, though, I think that prank taught me something valuable.
Things aren't always what they seem, and just because somebody you trust tells you something is safe doesn't mean you shouldn't look a little closer.
I started learning to pay attention, ask questions, and look for clues about what was really going on. Forty years later, I think those lessons are more important than ever.
Two Pieces of Halloween Advice
First, be hospitable.
I still remember Aunt Mae's green trailer and those full-size candy bars. But what I remember most is how she made us feel. Wanted. Welcomed. Loved.
The candy wasn't what made Aunt Mae special. It was simply an expression of who she was. I wonder how many of us have forgotten that hospitality doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes it's a smile, a kind word, an open door, or a candy bar.
Halloween can be a strange and even controversial time for some Christians. But I believe we can stand firm in our faith while still showing love and hospitality to our neighbors. You don't have to celebrate everything to love everybody.
Second, don't believe everything you're shown.
We live in a world of algorithms, headlines, social media feeds, and carefully packaged narratives. Whether you realize it or not, somebody is constantly deciding what you're most likely to see next.
And sometimes, just like that gorilla in Hogjaw, things aren't quite what they appear to be. Ask questions. Think critically. Look beyond the headlines. Don't automatically accept something as true just because it came from somebody you trust.
Seek the truth, even when it challenges what you already believe. And when something doesn't look right, pay attention to your instincts.
Be like Aunt Mae when it comes to people. Be like that terrified little boy when it comes to what you're being sold.
Open your heart. Question the disguise.
And if necessary, rip off the mask and lock the doors.
Happy Halloween!