Yesterday while in church, we were prompted by one of the pastors to greet our neighbours, so I turned around to the person behind me and shook her hands and expressed greetings. Immediately I noticed that she froze. She started saying something and pulled her hand away. I was flabbergasted that someone could be so impolite, but I said nothing at that time. I just sat there steaming. My son who was sitting next to me asked "Are you ok mom?" I smiled faintly and said "Not sure son, but I'm about to find out."

I turned to the woman who was so rude, I was in church so I had to be discreet. I didn't want to cause an uproar in church; it is a place of worship and so I must be respectful. I beckoned to her and in a low whisper asked "Is something wrong?"

She whispered, "I'm afraid of lizards."

Immediately I understood. I was wearing a diamond and gold gecko brooch on my jacket.

"But it is a beautiful lizard" I whispered lamely to her.

Maybe I should have removed it since it was offensive to her, but I did not. I like my lizard. I suppose while her phobia is valid, she could have shown some restraint and not acted so rude. As a matter of fact, I have a fear of snakes, but would not refrain from shaking someone's hand because they were wearing a necklace with a cobra on it.

This incident got me thinking about what the lizard represent. I have done some research online and made the following discoveries about lizards:

Lizards are reptiles, which means they are cold-blooded, lay eggs, and covered by scales instead of feathers or fur. Different types of lizards might live in trees, underground, on the banks of rivers, or in the desert. Some varieties eat insects, others fruit, and still others prey on small mamals. They come in all colors and sizes, equipped with innovative methods of defense, reproduction, and predation. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-lizards.htm

Some types of lizards: Geckos are lizards in the family Gekkonidae. There are over 300 known species of geckos found distributed in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Seen in televisoin commercials for Insurance Company and telecommunication companies.

Skinks are a lesser-known type of lizard. They are often mistaken for a kind of snake because they have tiny, smooth scales on a long, cylindrical body.

Iguanas are a popular type of lizard because they make friendly pets. In the wild, some species of iguana can grow quite large while they roam through arid and temperate climates. They're entirely vegetarian, snacking on leaves and sweet fruits. Green varieties stay up in trees while brown iguanas stick to the ground, digging burrow. An acquaintance had a pet iguana.

Gila monsters live predominantly in the Southwestern United States where they burrow under the hot desert ground. Their bright colors warn other animals that they are venomous.

The Collared Lizards can change colors in seconds to match their surroundings, like the Chameleon.

A Flying Dragon Lizard avoids danger by opening two large, winglike flaps of skin and gliding from tree to tree. The lizard steers with its tail.

Go to http://www.factzoo.com/reptiles/types-of-lizards.html to discover other types of lizards.

We have seen the television commercials with lizards. They are so cute and beautifully coloured. Have you seen this one?