John 3:17

So often and so quoted is the disciple John, that t-shirts, bumper stickers, even tattoos display Jesus' most famous words: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

But the words I reflect on tonight are the words that follow.  Like in a set of waves, the first beautiful glassy wave is followed by a more silent, mysterious, yet equally powerful and ride-able one.  John 3:17 says:
"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
God's own actions were pure love. Man had lost faith in God. Man had sunken deeper into sin and hatred.  Yet our Lord, instead of condemning us, saves us through his own son. Sacrifices his own son so that humankind can live on.

Perhaps we can lead our own lives in this way. Things that don't go our way, people we don't agree with, or anger, hate, or frustration comes upon us. Those things laden with negative energy, smothered with the juices of evil, can be fought with love. See what happens if you are wronged by someone, but you turn around and love them back.  It is a hard task filled with forgiveness, release and humility.  But to walk the path of Christ, put aside the pride and trust that through God all things are possible.

God bless.

Movies of Faith

Movies, television, music, radio and books.  Media takes on a whole new image when looked at and heard through a mother's eyes and ears.  I hear the songs on the '80s radio station and can hardly believe that my parents let me listen to that junk.  I carefully screen movies that my 6 year old begs me to watch. I wonder if it's possible for my children to grow up without being influenced so heavily by what they see on television.

But all is not lost.  My son loves listening to the Christian radio station in the morning on the way to school.  It's reassuring to hear him sing the songs of Jesus.  Slumber party night, when 2 of the kids get to camp out in the living room with mommy and daddy and watch a movie, has been blessed with Chronicles of Narnia series.  (I'm interested to study more about C.S. Lewis' biblical inferences in his writings.)

Though I can not protect my children from the evils of the world, I know that I can expose them to entertainment that is safe and positive.  As a parent, I must continue to find and show my children these less traveled, but safer paths through life. They will see the other paths all around them. But it is our job to guide them and teach them the lessons from all of the paths available to them. As they grow, I anticipate some resistance as they reach those tween/teen years, but in their hearts they will know what is right and what is wrong. I continue to pray that on the day they make their own choice, that little voice inside their head will help them choose the right path. I pray that they also know that if they do choose the wrong path, Mom and Dad will be right there to guide them back and the Lord will accept their return with open arms.

It is my hope that this less traveled stream of positive media grows to become a much larger entity. The world needs more positive influences.

God bless.