Shark Bait?  by Shauna V. Brown        There is a popular television show that I enjoy watching. It’s called Shark Tank . It features business pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs to a panel of potential investors. The series has become very popular averaging 7 million viewers an episode.  It now holds the title as the most watched program on Friday nights for those 18-49.     I have observed some creative gimmicks, unique products, simple ideas, obvious passions, and dreams that have hooked the “sharks” into investing thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars.  It’s interesting to listen to the sales pitches and see the excitement for those presenting the products. The ultimate hope is to make millions, not only for the sponsored ideas, but greater wealth for those sharks who invested.   Sharks.     I find it interesting as my mind explores the vast opportunity many have that seek for wealth, seek for more, and to have it all.     Not too long ago a couple we know well listened as a good friend and highly sought after therapist shared that he had been offered millions of dollars to profess that pornography has little effect on the family.       Imagine it!  Because of his background, influence, notoriety, knowledge, he was in a position that was valued.   If he would put his name to a few statements, simply validate, signoff, he could become a wealthy man, over night.        “What ever you want, why you can write your own check. Simply fill the amount in. Have what you  have always dreamed of, ” he was encouraged.            Thankfully he couldn’t do it. The enticement and hook of money had little influence on his integrity and the truth concerning pornography. He then said, “Sadly, I know that once he left my office he would  find someone else, someone willing to perpetuate a lie.”           None of us would eagerly jump in and swim in a shark infested water. We understand some of the risks involved, even the ultimate cost of life. Yet, it seems that many today are lured and enticed by the louder voices, the stronger causes, money,  new scientific data, the letters behind the name, research and books written.      Whether we choose to see them, there are sharks swimming so very close.        Brigham Young warned, “It is your duty to study ... We should not only study good, and its effects upon our race, but also evil, and its consequences.”      It’s the consequences and hooks that I am concerned with. Sadly, it is a fact of time:  there have always been deceivers, people who appear confident, all knowing, well educated, who enjoy dangling hooks in deep waters of deception.  They seek to persuade, invite, entertain and seduce  many - even unto the peril of  lured distraction.  Seldom are they around to witness the rippled currents of  fear, distrust, and questioning. While some others enjoy watching the dog-paddling moments of another’s despaired.   In all reality - they have become bait - hooked by deception.       I take heart, as I continue to trust that I can follow the invitation for all. I believe there is no ‘bait and switch” here: “Learn of me, listen to my words, walk in the meekness of my spirit, and ye shall have peace in me. “  It’s a promise and a guide for each of us.   I am ever grateful that Jesus Christ shows the way. In all things He seeks to lead, guide and stand beside us, until we have finished our work.           Jonah had to learn a lesson the hard way. I can’t imagine how it must have been to realize he was sucked into a whales gut.  I can almost hear Jonah yelling aloud, “gird up your loins.”        Let’s pray we  don’t get hooked on things that don’t matter in the eternal perspective of life.    Enjoy the Sabbath Love to All  Shauna