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The Metaphor of the Crab and How It Exemplifies Us
Little do we realize that subtle forces are directing our lives and our willingness to become like crustaceans in the sea of life.
Crabs come in many shapes, colors, and sizes, but most of us will still recognize one when it comes across our path. The crab is a cautious creature, mostly, except in the Caribbean when it runs across the road to hide under a car. But when it's in its element, the waters of the oceans, it is quick to swim away from danger and hide itself so that it cannot be perceived. Why do I mention a crab here? The reason is that we are in a situation in the world where we are, unwittingly, being treated as crabs. Crabs? Yes, let me explain further.
As I said, the crab usually understands when it's in danger and escapes quickly, but not always. I learned this lesson early in life as a young girl crabbing with my family. Because I was the youngest and couldn't quite handle a heavy crab trap, my family gave me a dropline, which is made of heavy string attached to a wire ring containing bait.
You drop the bait ring over the side of the boat and then wait patiently until you feel a small tug on the line. Then you know you have a crab, and you must slowly, half an inch by half an inch, pull the line toward you. Once the crab is in view but still under the water, someone with a scoop net reaches…
