I got a call yesterday from a Very Nice Lady at my church, the lady who schedules the children’s sermons. “Oh, Nikki! Could you help me out? The person who had signed up to do the children’s sermon this Sunday can’t make it. Can you fill in?”

I said sure, and asked what the Scripture would be. The Very Nice Lady hemmed and hawed, so I assured her that I could look it up, and not to worry. I had it covered. Come on, I did this for a living for years. How hard could it be?

I looked up the passage this morning. Mark 6:14-29.

For those of you who don’t have your Bibles memorized, that would be the bit about the beheading of John the Baptist.

Yep, that’s what I’m supposed to talk to the kids about tomorrow.

Of course, I’ll need props. I was thinking a melon, a wig, and a big silver platter would do it. Maybe a machete, too? No, no. That would be taking it too far.

I now know why the person who originally signed up called in sick. I think I’m starting to feel a little ill myself.

Pray for me. Pray for us all.