PROMISES, PROMISES    Listen To Sample

Theme: The folly of making promises you can't keep.
Episode Number: 007
Writer: Phil Lollar
Scripture: Romans 3:23
Album: Welcome to Odyssey
Album: Gold Audio #01: The Adventure Begins
Last Air Date: 07/28/2005
Original Air Date: 1/2/88
Summary:
Odyssey's most recent resident, Connie Kendall, writes about her new home in a letter to her friend Marcy back in California. Connie describes various places and people in Odyssey: Whit's End, an ice cream parlor and discovery emporium; Tom Riley, a retired farmer and city council member; Officer David Harley, "whose brain takes an occasional vacation"; and most of all, an amazing fellow named John Avery Whittaker.
Connie describes Whit: businessman, writer, and all-around storehouse of information. Connie also tells Marcy about Whit's devotion to God. His devotion guides everything he does, even how he looks at world events-which, Connie explains, is what got her into a bit of trouble.
In a flashback, Connie and Whit listen to a news report on the radio about wars. Connie laments the world's violence. She remarks that if people would just get to know each other, they'd see how much they have in common, and all wars would end. Whit feels this is a noble idea, but not very realistic. Connie believes Whit is wrong. She says that peace would be possible if everyone simply promised to treat one another with kindness, gentleness, and patience.
To prove her idea is realistic, Connie makes that promise herself, on paper. She will try to be patient for four weeks. Everything goes well-for the first few days. Connie puts up with impatient customers and other irritations with grace and ease. But later, when the kids fail to figure out a simple riddle Whit tells them, Connie becomes so impatient she explodes. She belittles the kids and completely embarrasses herself. Whit explains to her that no matter how much we may want to conquer our sinful nature, we can't. It's too strong. That's why we need Jesus. Only He can transform us-and only He can change the world.

Discussion Questions:

• Why did Connie fail to keep her promise?
• Connie said that "people are basically good." Why was she wrong?
• Read Matthew 5:33-37. What does Jesus say about making promises?

Officer Harley was a comical police officer who appeared in several of our early episodes-including this one. But his character was eliminated because we received some criticism for portraying a police officer as a buffoon.