May 16, 2005 12:00
Omar was shepherding in the brush when he came across an amazing sight: A bush on fire, yet the bush was not consumed.
A voice, seemingly from inside the bush called out, "Omar! Omar! It is you I have chosen you to lead my people, the Israelites, out of captivity."
Omar said, "If I don't put out that bush, there will be a brush fire!"
So Omar went to a stream with a bucket, and filled it with water and poured it all over the bush. He made several trips, continually soaking the bush.
The voice called out Omar's name several more times, trying to get his attention. Omar continued merrily pouring water on the bush, whistling happily.
The voice said, "Maybe I'll go with my secodn choice Moses; he is not quite as dense."
The bush disappeared. Omar made an altar of stones to commemorate this event, and he named it Only You Can Prevent Brush Fires.