I have never liked the word "beware." It always seems to be written in intimidating block letters which suggest life-threatening consequences. The word brings to mind an experience I had as a 12-year-old paperboy. Entering a customer's yard I encountered a collie which, without provocation, charged me with fangs bared, knocking off my glasses and hurling me to the ground. I still remember its moist, rancid breath in my face. Hearing my screams, neighbors came and rescued me. That event not only changed my attitude toward dogs, it changed my life, forever.

That experience surfaced one day when I was on my way to visit prospective members, a delightful couple whom I had met earlier in church. As I approached their yard, the sign "Beware Of Dog" sped adrenalin through my system and nearly dr…