By Ainslie Heilich
Tuscola #316 and Heart in Hand co-founder
Who doesn’t love The Blues Brothers? In the 1980 film, the Brothers are sent “on a mission from God” to raise the funds necessary to save the orphanage that they grew up in. They concoct a scheme to get their old band back together and then hold a blowout fundraiser concert that brings in just enough to save the orphanage and save the day.
Of course these Brothers pull a few scams and lead the largest filmed car chase in history in the process and eventually land their butts in Joliet Prison, their hearts are in the right place. The crux of the lesson is that they are internally battling against their selfish, lying, cheating, stealing ways to do what is right. While I don’t suggest any of their tactics to any Odd Fellow, I do see them as inspiration because they thought outside the box of traditional means (which for them may have been as simple as robbing a bank) to do something much more grassroots and fulfilling for everyone involved.
Ignoring their law breaking antics, here is how their tale mirrors what we as Odd Fellows should aspire to.
We’re on a mission from God. Remembering our Commands and Obligations as Odd Fellows by allowing ourselves to be inspired by an important cause, event one that isn’t necessarily a fun one.We’re getting the band back together. Assembling and motivating a group of members that can all work together to get the job well done even when under a strict deadline.What do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?Using the resources and skills we have in a creative, outside the box way to bring positive attention to our Lodge and Order.I hate Illinois Nazis. Learn and practice all of the lessons of the Odd Fellows. Not just Friendship, Love, and Truth…..but also the Golden Rule, Universal Justice and Tolerance to overcome ignorance and bigotry.
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Heart in Hand 
“But the real harvest comes in our lives when we plant seed by doing the right thing.” Joyce Mayers
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