Ah February, the month of love. I am reminded of the Song of Solomon 1:2, “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his month – for thy love is better than wine.” Who knew the Old Testament with burning bushes, plagues of frogs, and guys getting eaten by whales could be such a racey book!

At the end of December 2019, I had the honor and privilege of going to Israel, through the Israel Ministry of Tourism. No matter what your religious beliefs, a trip to the Holy Land will change your life. And the hot men of Tel Aviv will certainly be an added bonus!

I literally hit the ground and started with the Temple of Jerusalem. I saw modern day Judaism, the Wailing Wall, and the underground tunnels.

I got to stand at the place where Pontius Pilate held Jesus before the crowd and asked, “What should I do with this man?” And they shouted back, “Crucify him.” I stood in the Church of Condemnation that told the story of His being sentenced to death by crucifixion. In the tile of the floor were scratches by Roman soldiers who had been playing games. I sat in the church of the Flagellation that commemorated the crown of thorns that was put on His head.

I walked the Via Delorosa, the actual road that Jesus also walked while he carried the cross beam to the hill. It was filled with shops, people, and commerce, like it would have been at that time. And finally, I ended the day at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where the three crosses most likely stood and Jesus took his last breath.

I was not prepared for the emotional journey that day. I am still overwhelmed while writing this. I know many of us have been hurt by churches. But, actually going and seeing the place where “it” all began, was a day I will never forget. All of the stories I had heard, the pictures I had seen, and the years of church music I had played and accompanied for from the Christmas and Easter musicals, solos, and choral anthems – all seemed to fall into place. There, the pieces fit in a whole new way.

I also went to Tel Aviv. It’s an amazing city, but will write more on that later. So, if you get the chance, go see Israel. The trip and journey through history will change your life.

With that, I wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day. May happiness and love be abounding to you. If you have comments or just want to say hello, please contact me directly at OutClique@gmail.com.

Steven O. Evans, PhD

Publisher & Editor in Chief