Grisham's Lessons #23 Becoming a better you

In Legend of the Masks, Meg, a young lady that has just passed through some tough life experiences, is trying to find herself. Like everyone, she wants to feel of value and to be accepted yet having been discarded by a husband caught in the web of selfishness she struggles with her identity. A chance encounter with Mr. Grisham plants a seed of hope. Lyrics from some of her favorite music strike a chord deep within helping Meg deal with her situation. Meg determines to make more of her life. Meg will endear herself to you. In book 3, Legend of the Orcas we’ll see how Meg is holding up.

Grisham's Lessons #21 Authority & Experience

In the following account from Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry illustrates the relationship between authority and experience: The Island Gang leaves Raft Island intent on following clues to the location of Crystal Cove gleaned from their time in the burial ground at Dead Man’s Island. Though they have prepared in many ways, it is only the second time that they have taken the boat out on their own, it is dark, and they travel to a location they had never before visited. The outing is a disaster.

On a later occasion, and under nearly identical circumstances (same boat, similar preparation, same information, same course), they once again take their heading into Henderson Bay, but this time they have Mr. Grisham on board. As Mr. Grisham provides a lesson in sailing the kids quickly take note of his experience and fall in line as he takes charge. Having given Mr. Grisham the respect he deserves, they reach their destination successfully. When they run into problems in the cove they learn that Mr. Grisham has with him resources that provide an effective method of addressing the problem.

While the relationship between authority and experience is not an absolute, experience in a given discipline, when properly analyzed and applied, has the probability of making one somewhat of an authority in that discipline. That authority, when used with due consideration, enhances experience. To be effective, authority must be used with, and granted, respect.

Grisham's Lessons #20 The Nature of Light

In this lesson from the second book of The Island Gang series, Legend of the Masks, Larry draws a powerful parallel. In the opening scene of Legend of the Masks Gary is up early and on deck watching the sun come up. As the sun makes its way over the horizon, every ounce of darkness is chased into hiding. Sunlight penetrates into every ounce of the scene in front of him, exposing everything to his view. He is instantly reminded of the inscription left behind by the Skyanabo people, as recorded in Legend of Crystal Cove.

The Skyanabo were a light worshipping people that had once lived in the Pacific Northwest. The brightness in the shine of the crystals they left behind was a constant reminder of he who is the giver of light.

Witnessing this scene reminds Gary of the feelings he had when he first heard the translated message from the inscription. He knew at the moment the words were read that every individual could play a role in changing the world and making it a better place, even him. All he needed to do was to look for light, for in light all truth could be found.

To the contrary evil works were a product of darkness, but withered away when exposed to light. Knowing that evil works were taking place in the secluded mine, he felt an obligation to bring things to light so that the operation would be exposed and could be dealt with.

This principle holds true in our lives. If we will stand up for what is right, and do our part in exposing evil, we too can play an important part in fighting the flood of evil that is all around us. There is often risk in taking a stand for that which is good. Gary took a big risk to expose the drug traffickers, and in the shortfall the consequences appeared grim at best. However, in the long run good prevailed and bad was chased into hiding, just like light will prevail and darkness will be chased into hiding each time those in a position to do so stand up for right.

Grisham's Lessons #19 Lost Change

In keeping with his objective of reinforcing sound principles that have application in everyday life, Larry explains how Little Imp came to be renamed Lost Change.

In this scene from Legend of Crystal Cove, The Island Gang has just fought their way to shore near the lighthouse at the mouth of Gig Harbor. The previous twelve hours had been eventful; they snuck out near dark, pushed off from Raft Island Beach, rowed across Henderson Bay, pitched the boat tent offshore from the secluded cove, went adrift while sleeping, woke to learn of their predicament, made their way to a pier to get their bearings, discovered an abandoned mine, entered the mine, witnessed a drug operation, had a narrow escape, missed Hale Passage, tried their best to row into Gig Harbor, were denied by the exit tide, and finally made it to the beach at the lighthouse.

It is then that Gary come comes up with the idea for renaming their boat. His comment is this, “… we just spent a good part of the day lost, which means we’re going to have to change the way we go about this adventure thing.”

Their intentions had been good when they left Raft Island—discover Crystal Cove. However, in their excitement they took several shortcuts—sneaking out on the boat without permission was not the least of these.

Later, in Legend of the Masks, a teaching moment is taking place and Grisham teaches, “… anything worth doing is worthy of investigation.” Having already had the experience above, that brief instruction has greater meaning.

So it is in life, sometimes we get in a hurry and take shortcuts that lead us to undesirable conclusions—putting us in a situation where we have perhaps lost our way. Ultimately we must come to grips with the inappropriate actions and make changes. Without change the likelihood of our situation changing isn’t good. The definition of insanity comes to mind—doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.

Grisham's Lessons #18 Balanced Risk

As Larry describes a scene from Legend of Crystal Cove, you will see in The Island Gang reflections of two previous entries of Grisham’s Lessons; #16 Reckless Caution, and #14 Innocence Counts.

Having drifted to an unknown location, they are trying to determine their best course of action to get back home when their attention is sidetracked by a suspicious rail truck that has pulled into a secluded mine entrance. Curious to learn what the men are doing in the mine, Gary determines he is going to take a look. Justin and Curtis think he’s lost his mind, and while Travis and Wendy agree that it’s a crazy idea—they end up going in with him.

The kids don’t have enough experience to plan for not letting Gary go alone, and leaving half of the team outside of the mine, but innocence works in their favor and that is what happens. Inside the mine they learn that it is a marijuana growing operation, and realize that they have entered a dangerous situation. Having Shadow with them on the inside, they benefit, both from their combined knowledge and insight, and the instinct of man’s best friend—an intelligent malamute. With half of their team outside the mine there is someone to go for help should things not go as planned.

When they become temporarily trapped inside the mine, Shadow helps them find a way out. Those on the outside have worked on an alternative plan, but wait patiently hoping for a good ending. Innocent as it may be, they balance their risk and safely yet narrowly, escape what could have been a tragic situation.

The end result is greater depth of experience, and while they may not do things that much differently in the future, they will have a better plan for recovery in case things don’t go as planned. When entering territory where things can change rapidly, it is good to have experience on your side, and to balance the risk.

Grisham's Lessons #17 Keep Alert

In Grisham’s lessons Larry identifies excerpts or concepts from the books, drawing parallels between them and situations that play out in life. There are several times in Legend of Crystal Cove where the kids that make up The Island Gang enter a mine, cave or tunnel and find themselves in the pitch black. In one instance they have just tied their boat to a pier, crossed some railroad tracks, and entered into an abandoned mine, which they later learn is not all that abandoned. As they remain completely still there in the dark, smells previously unnoticed and sounds otherwise ignored become evident.

When we find ourselves in unusual or unfamiliar situations, it is wise to step out of ourselves for a moment, taking notice of things in our surroundings that may not be blatantly obvious. This practice causes other senses to kick in and will help us to make better decisions than if we ignore the practice.

There is much in life that is alluring. Pausing to consider our other senses as we become exposed to an alluring or enticing environment will help us to make wise choices. The light of Christ is given to all men to help them know right from wrong and good from evil. Crass music, lewd media and course language can drown out the sensation that this special light offers. Crass, lewd and course are not cool. It only takes a few minutes to research the path that those caught in these poor habits follow.

True happiness is born of virtue, loyalty, achievement, which are found along a path that is completely opposite of crass, lewd and course.

Grisham's Lessons #16 Reckless Caution

In creating The Island Gang, Larry has put together quite a team of personalities. In Legend of Crystal Cove, the kids push off from Raft Island Beach and head out into Henderson Bay following clues uncovered at Dead Man’s. Gary stands ready to strike out into the unknown with little or no care as to consequences. Curtis, though a follower and always right in the mix, will generally be found sounding the voice of warning. Wendy and Travis, initially stunned at some of Gary’s suggestions aren’t about to be left behind and don’t often let Gary out of their sight. Justin reasons through things perhaps better than the rest providing some balance and Tyler can be counted on for comic relief.

Whether in an Island Gang adventure, the school lunch bunch, or business, this is a good mix of personalities. If some risk isn’t taken the chances for real discovery are diminished. If no caution is applied, the chances of getting safely to the point of discovery are lessened. Add a couple of folks who are willing to support risky action with some applied caution, and a guy who consistently adds humor so that the team doesn’t take themselves too seriously, and you’re working on a recipe for success. This is what Larry refers to as reckless caution.

Grisham's Lessons #15 Going Adrift

In chapter 10 of Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry describes a scene where the kids set anchor just outside of what they believe to be Crystal Cove. Having come across good information while in Grisham’s shed, and solved a missing piece in the puzzle out at Dead Man’s, The Island Gang leaves Raft Island firmly committed to accomplishing a worthwhile goal. Anxiousness leads to distractions and rash decisions.

Reading the chapter one will find that a good amount of planning and preparation was put into the event, yet a small error was made. When dropping the anchor they neglect to remember that it is low tide, and don’t leave enough line to accommodate the changes that will take place through the night. The changing tide sends them drifting with the currents, and by morning they are far from their intended location.

This same phenomenon plays out in life. Something gains our interest so we do our homework, learn more about it, make some plans, and head out. Along the way it sometimes happens that we get distracted, and thinking that we are firmly anchored, we take a little detour, quite certain that we are well anchored and will wake up right where we left off and continue the journey; only to find that while were distracted we drift so far from our intended destination that nothing around us is even recognizable.

The lesson is to check and double check our heading monthly, weekly, daily … even hourly if need be. If we find that we are even the slightest off course, we must immediately make every effort required until course correction is achieved.

Grisham's Lessons #14 Innocence Counts

By Larry Johns:
In Legend of Crystal Cove Grisham teaches The Island Gang many life lessons, and he occasionally learns one from them. In the case of Dead Man’s Island, Grisham had spent several days at the burial ground searching high and low for clues to the location of Crystal Cove and came up empty handed. The kids leave Raft Island and spend one afternoon atop Dead Man’s, and come away with an otherwise hidden portion of the mystery.

There are times when experience makes the difference, and times when innocence holds the key to finding the missing piece of the puzzle. One would think that Grisham with his years of investigative experience would have been the one to find the clues Dead Man’s held, instead it was a young believing mind that heard the call in the wind and saw the dreamcatcher in the layout of the cemetery.

This lesson holds true in life. A lack of experience equates to a lack of preconceived ideas, which can prove to be beneficial. Much can be learned from watching youth interact, particularly young children; no bias, no fear, no worries. Innocence can be a very powerful tool.

Grisham's Lessons #13

In this excerpt from Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry highlights the gift of imagination. In keeping with his objectives, imagination is one of those powerful tools, that when used properly, can catapult us out of present circumstances into a new reality.

As a prelude, let us be reminded that Tyler is the autistic member of The Island Gang. And while the temptation here was to say that Tyler suffers from autism, in reality, Tyler doesn’t suffer all that much. In fact, I would venture to say that he may never suffer as much as the average person, since his limitations prevent his thoughts or actions from straying into areas that tend to create trouble. That said he does have the ability to live outside of reality, as this snippet from the chapter entitled, Maiden Voyage, depicts.

Tyler shouted, “We’re here—Land ho!”

Even though they had been in sight of land the entire 35 minutes, in Tyler’s mind they were in the middle of the ocean about to explore an uncharted island—with the very real chance of running across the Loch Ness monster. Tyler was the only person they knew who could explore exotic places without ever leaving his room. It must be cool to have an imagination like that.

In an earlier chapter Tyler has an experience with a bunch of trophy animals on display in Grisham’s shed. In the scene above he and the gang have set out on an adventure and he has no problem imagining that they might have experiences similar to what Grisham has had on his adventures.

Perhaps most youngsters can watch Hook the movie and see themselves in the script. For Tyler it’s a bit different. Having watched the movie so many times, when situations in the lives of The Island Gang take on any similarity to a scene from the movie, he instantly sees them in the scene from the movie, as opposed to seeing them in their actual surroundings (check out the scene in chapter entitled, Sedgwick, in Legend of Crystal Cove. Lines from Hook come to his mind and he adds some humor to an otherwise tense situation.

Larry believes that this level of imagination is healthy, even necessary for causing significant changes to one’s life. If you can’t see yourself as a college graduate, the chances of achieving it aren’t likely; if you can’t see yourself rising from poverty, the chances of accomplishing that aren’t likely; if you can’t see yourself as an accomplished pianist, the chances of every being one aren’t likely, etc.

Lesson being, to change your reality, first, cultivate a healthy imagination. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.