Judgment Day: Having a Baby

 

 

Judgment Day is coming -- Not a great time to be having a baby.

Terminator.

Kyle Reece, the Father of the baby is dead.

Sarah Connor is in the very worst way - soon to be a single parent.

Other Terminators will come to destroy her - her unborn and born child, John. 

But he will be the Savior of the Human Race.  The one who saves men, women, and children from Judgment Day when Terminators and Robots of their kind rule the world.

The name Jesus means "Savior" or "Salvation." Herod was willing to kill every baby in Judea to change the future - to change history. His plan was foiled, but a great price was paid.

John Connor was posed as a fictional savior or a fictional sci-fi world. Another time when - against all odds and better judgment - Hollywood chose LIFE.

There has only and ever been one true Savior born into human history - but many John Connors have populated our story.  They have written our books, solved our equations, grown and promoted our knowledge, spawned our inventions, found our cures, and built our societies.

Imagine all of the John and Joan Connors whose lives have been ended before they ever had a chance to bless us with their music, their dance. their art, their insight, and their innovation. 

Judgment Day is coming.

Is it a bad time and difficult circumstances into which to bring an innocent child?

Hollywood does not think so. And half a dozen sequels prove that. 

The Alienist: Stopping the Angel of Darkness at all Costs

 

The Second Season of The Alienist has just concluded on TNT:  The Angel of Darkness.

Eight episodes, starring Daniel Bruhl, Dakota Fanning, and Luke Evans. Ted Levine is excellent as the crooked Chief of Police.

In the late 1800's what was to evolve into the modern Psychiatrist began as an Alienist.  In this crime drama on TNT the protagonist (played by Bruhl) presents as a Forensic Pathologist or Criminologist.

The series is dark and surrounds the most horrid and gloomy subject matter - yet I am drawn to it.

The second season is about saving innocent babies from an insane serial killer.

Celebrities often take a political stand contrary to the preservation of innocence - but the scripts that they embrace and the parts that they play almost always Champion on the side of morality and the sanctity of human life.

The Dark Angel is a sociopathic woman who is kidnapping and killing newborn babies -- and she must be stopped at all costs. The death of an infant is cast as the most atrocious of crimes and the killer is viewed with no sympathy or compassion - in spite of the circumstances that created her and shaped her psychosis.

If a single-celled amoeba was discovered by a land rover on the surface of Mars - every paper, journal, and media avenue would proclaim that "LIFE" had been found on the Red Planet. Steps would be taken to protect and preserve that LIFE - and further exploration and colonization of the planet would be guided in careful recognition of and deference to this LIFE.

But a multi-celled, complex organism with a heartbeat, respiration, and dynamic brain activity that exists in a woman's womb in the fetal stage is not considered "LIFE."  This is scientific nonsense.

Infanticide IS a horrific act -- worthy of ANY crime or horror story presentation. But LIFE is LIFE, and the Angel of Darkness who preys on the born AND the unborn is a plague upon our society, our culture, and our humanity.

The poisoning of 5 or 6 children is fodder for a fantastic fictional crime story --- but the death of millions of innocents is hardly noticed.

 

Juno: Choosing Life

 

Juno:  A great little movie that you may have never seen.

A modern coming of age story about a 16 year old girl who decides to have sex to get it out of the way - and becomes pregnant.

2007. Starring Ellen Page in the title role. Michael Cera, Justin Bateman, and Jennifer Garner.  This move launched Ellen's theatrical career.

The movie received unexpected accolades and critical acclaim.  It even garnered decent box office receipts and has become a minor cult classic.

But -- ever since its success, the producers, directors, and actors involved in the film have been denying vociferously that this is a Pro-Life Movie.

There is only one great problem ("Methinks thou dost protest too much!") with their protests ---- THIS IS A GREAT PRO-LIFE MOVIE!!    

Juno has sex with her reluctant (though willing) boyfriend - one time (it happens all of the time in the movies!) and gets pregnant.  She wants to get the Virginity thing out of the way and get on to other growing up experiences.

Her pregnancy is a personal disaster.  It has the potential of ruining the rest of her life.

She actually goes to an abortion clinic - but while she is there, she changes her mind and decides to let the baby live.  She will find suitable parents and give the child to them for adoption.

Her decision is not an informed one springing from information or understanding. It is not a social decision or a religious or spiritual decision.  It is really not about the baby or about choosing life at all. There is no clear portrayal of her reasoning in the movie.  She just chooses to have the baby.

Lucky for the baby --- and lucky for everybody who was involved with this movie.  If they had ended the pregnancy early in this story it would have never found any success or viewers at all.  Hollywood always chooses the money --- and abortion does not entertain --- or sell product.

Alien Baby

What if you discovered that you had an alien baby growing inside of you?

Get RID of it! Right?

But what if that Baby would be born Jason White --- and one day everyone would know him as SUPERBOY?

In the movie Superman Returns the title character (an alien from the planet Krypton) has been out in space and away from Earth for over 7 years. (Superman is played by Brandon Routh and Lois Lane is played by Kate Bosworth). He returns to his adopted planet to learn that Lois has borne their child. He is a Father. His son's name is Jason and he is being raised by Lois and his Step-Father.

This is a fanciful and fictional story -- but once again Hollywood stands on the side of keeping the baby -- in the most horrific of circumstances.

What if the baby that you are carrying -- from an unplanned or unexpected pregnancy -- is Superboy?

Or Superman?

Or Marie Curie?

Or Albert Einstein?

Or Martin Luther King, Jr.

Or Mahatma Gandhi?

or Jonas Salk?

This may seem like a nonsensical comparison or thought to you - but I believe that stories about life and birth are the best kinds of stories -- even if they're just stories.

Maui: Thank you

 I know that Moana is just a children's story from Disney.

I have never been harmed or threatened by fictional or fantasy stories or even the beliefs of other people, other cultures, or religions different from my own.

I read them, I listen to them, I learn about them and I learn from them. This adventure of listening and learning has never lessened my own beliefs or faith, nor has it corrupted me in any way.  These things tell me about what is important to people.  What matters to them, what they hope in, what they believe in.

Often (though it is rare in the world today) when I have listened to others, they have, in turn, listened to me. They have allowed me to tell them about what I believe, and why it matters to me.

When Maui was at the very bottom of despair - he told Moana something that he had never told anyone.

He was not born a DemiGod - he was born to human parents. The main tattoo in the middle of his back is a picture of a woman, his mother, throwing him into the sea.

The gods found him, accepted him, turned him into Maui, and gave him magical powers and a magical hook.

But he went back to the humans - and spent his life trying to make them accept him, to appreciate him (You're Welcome), and to Love him.  He says to Moana, "It was never enough."

The story of Maui - in the story of Moana - is a story of redemption, acceptance, and love.

We don't know everyone's story - what they have faced or what they are searching for. But everyone deserves a chance at LIFE - It is the only chance we have to find LOVE.

We sometimes throw people away.

We have reasons for doing so.  The reasons sound rational and reasonable.  It sounds as if we have no other choice. No other way.

We must make a different choice.

We must find a different way.

Moana: Paddle or Sail?

I was mowing the grass yesterday and came into the house for a cool off and get-a-drink break.

I sat in front of the Television and turned it on to fill my head with something other than the roar of the mower engine.

The Disney movie, Moana, was running. Just about at the end of the story.

This little Disney offering has become one of my favorites. I was late to join the audience -- I heard my Granddaughter, Avery singing "The Water Song" at Church one day and became thrilled by her singing, and so, went home to get caught up!

But, as I rested yesterday, watching the now familiar clip before me, I saw something new.

I don't know if the writers or animators intended this message or not - but as you know - I'm always looking for God in the Movies. And I saw - and heard Him. 

The scene that was playing when I plopped down to wipe sweat and sip on some Kool Aid was where Maui had deserted her, she was alone (except for the Chicken), the little boat was in tatters, she had failed, she was defeated, and more than discouraged - she was filled with despair.

At that moment her Grand Mother's spirit made a special appearance to comfort and encourage her. She gave her Granddaughter permission to go Home.

I hope that my children know that they can always come home. They are always welcome - and they will always be welcomed.

But sometimes going home is not just a retreat - it is a surrender.

It is giving up - quitting.

With permission - Moana decided to go home.

This is what I saw:

Moana left her Grand Mother's loving embrace - picked up her paddle and headed to the stern of her boat. She raised the oar and was about to place it into the water for the first stroke that would begin to take her back - and she hesitated.

I don't know exactly what Moana was thinking at that moment, but this is what came to MY mind: "If you go BACK, you're going to have to PADDLE --- if you go FORWARD -- you can SAIL."

Now sailing is difficult, and we can sail into treacherous and dangerous waters, but sailing (it seems to me) is always more desirable than paddling! Going Forward is always better than going Backward.

The little Samoan girl chose to go forward. She put down her paddle, repaired her torn and tattered sails, sang "I Know Who I Am: I am Moana!" and went on to complete her quest.

At the Movies, God said to me - "Don't go backward - go forward: SAIL. My wind is with you. You can DO this." 

Moana and the Truth: I know Who You Are

 
"I am Moana of Motunui. You will board my boat, sail across the ocean, and restore the heart of Te Fiti."

This is the prepared speech that Moana intends to deliver with confidence and force to the demi-god, Maui. And she does. 

And she IS Moana . . . but at this point in the movie our little Heroine is admirable and inspiring, but she hasn't really figured out Who she is.

At the pinnacle of the film . . . all of her experiences and all that she has seen and learned sink in and add up.

After utter failure and complete defeat, she sings:

Who am I?
I am a girl who loves my island
I'm the girl who loves the sea
It calls me
I am the daughter of the village chief
We are descended from voyagers
Who found their way across the world
They call me
I've delivered us to where we are
I have journeyed farther
I am everything I've learned and more
Still it calls me
And the call isn't out there at all, it's inside me
It's like the tide; always falling and rising
I will carry you here in my heart you'll remind me
That come what may
I know the way
I am Moana! 

And she IS Moana. She has finally realized who she is. She has finally become who she is. And that knowledge will be the key to completing her Quest.

She courageously resumes her journey to restore the heart of Te Fiti so that her island and its people can be saved.

But first she must destroy the monstrous Guardian, Te Ka.

In the middle of a battle that she is losing, Moana see's through everything.

"I know who YOU ARE!"

*Spoiler Alert!!

Do not read further if you have not seen the movie!

Te Ka . . . is really Te Fiti.

When I find out Who I am . . . it can open the door that may enable me to know Who YOU ARE.

Maybe you are NOT my enemy.

Maybe we DON'T have to fight.

Maybe I don't have to destroy you, or you don't have to destroy me.

If someone is contrary to you or in opposition . . . maybe they are not just wicked, or evil, or cruel. Maybe something has happened to their heart, something of which you are unaware. Hurting people are often angry and violent people. And it may be that no one knows who they really are . . . they are misunderstood.

Now, there IS Evil and Wickedness in the World, but we probably seldom face it. More often than not we need not slay the dragon or violently quench the fires of Te Ka.

Withholding our blows long enough to find out who our foes really are . . . may be important. But we will never know until we first find out . . . Who WE ARE.

Moana and the TRUTH that makes you FREE

In John 8:32 (in the fourth Gospel of the New Testament) Jesus said that The Truth would make us FREE.

I don't believe that He meant that we would find ultimate Freedom and Liberation in information that is True, or facts that are True, or dogma and decrees that are True.

There ARE Truths in Doctrines, Teachings, Lessons, and Messages that can be inspirational and instructive. They can be life-changing and certainly liberating.

We are blessed if we discover words that are True in Advice, Counsel, and the Verbal Guidance of the Wise.

You might find Truth or principles of Life that are True in a Sermon, or a Song, in a Book, or a Movie. But you will not find the TRUTH that Jesus was talking about directly from those sources.

In the same Gospel Record (John 14:6), Jesus stated flatly that HE was the TRUTH.

You may not choose to believe it or accept it . . . but Christians believe that knowing Jesus is the only thing that brings ultimate, eternal FREEDOM . . . and salvation. We believe that because that is what He taught us.

The life that our Creator offers is not just for those who are most correct, those who adhere to the best knowledge, those who are the most Orthodox in their belief systems and Theologies. 

We would like to believe, and to be able to convince others that we are smarter than they are and that we alone have the real revealed information. We have insider information. We have feasted from the Tree of Knowledge and we have figured out all verity. The Facts. 

Let me tell you what I believe: It's not what you know - It's WHOM you know that matters.

When you finally get FREE from this world and you are to pass into the next - you will not be given an entrance exam to fill in the blanks correctly or check the right multiple choices. You will be asked for a password.

"Jesus sent me."

I think that is true . . . HE is The TRUTH . . . and you will never get HIM or a working substitute for HIM from a book, or a song, a message, or a movie.

I am Moana and the Truth

 

I recently got a glimpse of God in another unusual, unexpected place.

In a little Disney movie named after the title character - a small Polynesian Island girl named Moana.

I call it a little movie because it is dwarfed in scope and popularity by a film like Frozen. 

The story of the movie IS based on the cultural legends and stories of the Polynesian people . . . gods, demi-gods, magic, and mysticism. It has always been my belief that Christians need not fear a glimpse into the beliefs or lore of others. 

I argued openly many years ago in one of my seminary classes with one of my favorite professors: Dr. Reginald Barnard. He was a brilliant man who for some strange reason always chose to stand before his students and read from our textbook!

I know that he did this intentionally . . . and we figured out what he wanted us to do. He wanted us to interrupt him with a question or challenge him in a point of meaning or interpretation. If we didn't jump in and derail him . . . he would drone on . . . reading material that we had already read in preparation for the class.

Don't get me wrong . . . HE was the author of our textbook . . . and its teachings were profound. (On the first day of the course, he told us that he had asked his son to read it and give an opinion. "Excellent work! Rather dry . . . isn't it?"

But when Dr. Barnard went off script and spoke extemporaneously in response to our questions he took us on an intellectual journey!

It was my turn to sidetrack him on a particular day. (Does all of this seem disrespectful or manipulative? Believe me . . . he was a co-conspirator!) He read from the text, "Truth is not the truth wherever you find it."

"Doc, do you mean that if something is true . . . and the Mormons believe it . . . that it is not Truth?"

"Precisely. Truth is not the truth wherever you find it." 

It seemed to me that if some statement or element of thought or expression was genuinely true . . . it didn't matter what kind of philosophy, doctrine, or belief system you dropped it into . . . it would carry the quality of truth along with it.

He disagreed eloquently . . . and we talked for fifteen or twenty minutes. I'm certain that Dr. Barnard substantiated his case and proved his point . . . but he didn't change my mind.

The Truth that I found in Moana was - Know Who You ARE!

Know yourself, accept yourself . . . but strive to be a better, bigger, wiser version of yourself without changing who you are. You ARE whom God has created you to be, but He always wants us to become MORE than we were when we started out.  

In Philippians 1:6 (in the Bible), the Apostle Paul declares, "I know that HE . . . Who began a good work in you . . . is going to continue to work . . . ."

We are ALL a work in progress.

I like this placard:

You CAN be Batman, or Superman, or Spiderman, or Wonder Woman! Never settle for being just how you are right NOW.

Grow. Expand. Experience. Learn. Go. Love. Launch. Fall down and get up. Run, jump, climb, fly. 

But none of that is ever possible at all . . . until you come to an understanding of Who You Are at the beginning of the journey.

Then you must learn who you are becoming at each step of the journey. Stay in touch with your Creator, trace His map and feel the currents with your fingertips, and stay in touch with what He is recreating as you make yourself sail beyond the reef (a reference you can only understand if you have watched the movie). 

I believe that this is True . . . even though you might just find it in a children's film!

We're on a Mission from God

Everything in a Christian's life is relative to this:

"We're on a mission from God."

Divine leadership, protection, direction, success, health, healing, strength, comfort, peace, and answered prayers. None of these things are available to the Christian Pilgrim unless he is on the path, in the groove, on the beam, in His Will, in the palm of His hand, on target . . . on mission.

All of it is available as it empowers us to be on mission.

God has a plan . . . it is greater than me . . . and you. It is bigger than my plan, my plans, dreams, wishes, and desires. It is greater than any of us . . . it is greater than all of us.

God has invited us to be a part of what He is doing . . . to be a part of his plan . .  . He has a mission for us and THAT is all that matters. All of His Omnipotent power and Providence is at our disposal as long as we are on mission.

I can always rejoice (Philippians 4:4) when I am on mission-

I have unexplainable peace (Philippians 4:7) when I am on mission-

God will be with me (Philippians 4:9) if I am with Him, on mission-

I can only be content (Philippians 4:11) when I am on mission-

I can do all things (Philippians 4:13) when I am on mission-

I will always have all that I need (Philippians 4:19) when I am on mission-

When I am following my own plan, my own way, my own desires - when I am doing what I myself think is right, doing my own thing, seeking my own selfish goals and interests. When pleasing ME is my goal --- making ME happy --- arranging the world around me the way that I want it . . . . . . no Heavenly power or promotion is available to me. When I am on MY mission I walk apart from God, I walk away from God, I walk without God.

I'm on a mission from God . . . if Jake and Elwood see the value of that . . . then surely I can!

Happily Ever After

A little girl came home from school, bursting with excitement and enthusiasm over the day's story time.

"Mommy, today Teacher read us the story of Sleeping Beauty! It was wonderful! The Evil Queen placed the young Princess under a terrible sleeping spell! And she slept for ever and ever until a handsome Prince came and kissed her awake!"

"And Mommy, do you know what happened next?" the bubbling girl asked.

"They live happily ever after?" the Mother answered.

"No, Mommy," replied the daughter, "They got MARRIED!"

Well, I guess there are many ways to tell this story.

True Love's Kiss

Best scene in the move. A twist on the traditional solution.

The hero is the villain.

We seldom get the chance to revoke the curses that we have cast on others in our lives -- being kissed free from a curse cast on us by others is very, very rare -- love will do it where nothing else can.

Not magic -- reverse spells -- potions.

There is a strange and refreshing look at love in the Cinema these days. Maleficent places true love's kiss --- not the handsome Prince. Ana saves Elsa --- not the heroic fixer-upper. Romantic love is wonderful --- but we need so much more of all of us loving each other.

I love to see redemption. Salvation. Rescue. Revokation of wrong. Undoing (Ctrl-Z). Redoing. Unmaking. Remaking.

In me.

In you.

Hello, Beastie.

Revoking our curses

I thought that I had one more thought on Maleficent before departing (I've been rushing to True Love's Kiss and Happily Ever After, as everyone does!)

But, I keep coming back to another sad scene.

Maleficent magically tucks her Goddaughter into bed and is moved to revoke the terrible curse that she has placed upon her.

As I have mentioned . . . my eyes are adjusted for a Christian world view and I'm looking for spiritual truth and divine self-revelation everywhere I go (even in the movies).

Aurora's relationship (though at first in innocent ignorance) with the Evil Maleficent seems truly Christ-like. Jesus told His followers to bless those who curse them (Matthew 5:44). The young girl has certainly been a blessing to her malefactor. And that will be the key to unlocking this shackle in the end.

Can we revoke our own curses? Can we undo the wrongs that we have committed against others? Can we atone for our sins? Can we redeem ourselves?

It is very difficult in almost all cases, and certainly impossible in many. We can't turn back time, change the past, unring a bell, undo the action, or unsay the curse.

One of the reasons that the claims of the New Testament concerning Jesus hold such promise to me, and many others, is the hope of redemption -- from me and my curses.

 Galatians 3:13 records, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us:" The curse of the Law of God is in the fact that I have never obeyed it myself, and then I have cursed many who have not obeyed my laws or submitted to my wishes.

It's not magic. Magic doesn't work. It wasn't something magical, supernatural, or miraculous that Jesus did to purchase and pardon. He offered Himself in love for the cursed. And love . . . is the enemy of all curses.

Before happily ever after can be found, Maleficent must brokenheartedly discover that she cannot revoke her curse, she cannot negate it or remove it. She must meet its conditions. That is what she finally did.

I believe that is what Jesus did on the cross.

Own Your Name

Own Your Name

This is another examination of the Evil Fairy clip. Different observation.

Aurora has learned from her Aunts (her guardian fairys) that she lives under a curse that will soon crash down upon her.

She confronts her Fairy Godmother to confirm what she already knows. The curse was cast upon her by an "Evil Fairy."

"I can't remember her name . . . they said it was . . . . . . " 

"Maleficent."

Malicious. Malefactor. Malfeasance. 

Maleficent.

It is not just a name. It is her name. It is who she is, or who she was when she cast the cursing spell. It is her reputation, her character, her deeds.

We all are born under a curse, and we all have to find a way out. Because of our own cursedness and what I believe is our natural bent away from goodness and God we all make mistakes. We commit regrettable acts. We intentionally or unintentionally hurt, harm, and destroy. It is the nature of all humanity. The Bible says that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23).

If I am ever to find the way out from under my curse I must take personal responsibility for my life. I have to claim my name. I have to step up and own who I am. That's me. I'm the one.

Listen to this song by Becca Jackson:

 

The crime scene is still intact -

Those are my fingerprints -

My calling card -

Those are my tracks -

And I got my hands tied behind my back.

Never confess false accusations. Do not embrace the hateful aspersions of the mob, the throng, or the crowd. Never consent to wear a cloak of shame or defamation woven by those who only wish to defame, discredit, or disdain you. If you are like me, you will have enough genuine sin of your very own making to require your attention and confession.

But I must always be willing to say my name. Fill in the blank. Step up and own who I am. Take responsibility for me - what I have done that I shouldn't - or what I have not done that I should.

 

Is that you?

Is that you?

What we do defines who we are . . . from one moment to the next.

But what we have done, what has been done to us, what we have believed, what we have thought, or any one circumstance in our life need not be that which defines and determines who we are forever. (Is that you?)

Our curses need not destroy us.

The curses that have been placed upon us . . . or the curses that we have cast upon others . . . need not destroy us.

At one time or another in our lives we have had evil perpetrated upon us (or we will). Aurora is going to have to find a way to be better than what was done to her. We are all cursed to one extent or another . . . and the ones who cursed us, hurt us, wounded us, or scarred us are seldom the ones who will remove what hangs over us. (It is a poignant scene in Maleficent, where the Evil Queen tries desperately to remove her wretched birthday gift, and fails).

Aurora finds rescue from her curse through the transformation of Maleficent. But this is a fairy tale -- and that rarely happens. If truth be told, the young princess actually finds freedom from her grief, her tears, her disappointment and hurt -- from within herself.

At the end of the film, when Aurora awakes from her cursed dream, she smiles brightly, looks up into the face of the Evil Villain of this ancient fairy tale and says, "Hello, Godmother!"

That may or may not be who Maleficent is . . . but that is who Aurora is, and how she has decided she will proceed with her life.

Forgiveness is not a gift that one bestows undeservedly upon the perpetrator of evil . . . it is the healing balm that the wounded pour into their own heart. It does not matter most what effect the young girl's gracious attitude had upon the Curser, it matters most to the Cursed. Aurora's forgiveness might not save Maleficent, but it has certainly saved Aurora from the same kind of bitterness, regret, and pointless hatred that the Queen had chosen.

Maleficent must find a way to become more than the Evil that she has created . . . more than the Evil that she has become. Because somewhere in her darkened heart that is not who she is, or who she ultimately wants to be. Who in their right mind would want to be like that? Is there anyone who wants to be despicable? Or despised? Or hated? Or feared? Or rejected?

However, the Queen was not traveling under some imagined stigma placed upon her by a superstitious village or Kingdom. (That is not who we are). She was not branded unfairly by some ignorant social opinion. (When that happens, that is not who we are, either). 

Yes, we can become who others think that we are or want us to be, but we must choose to emulate the opinions of the proper accusers. In the end, Maleficent chose to finish that which was between her and the one who stole her wings and to nurture what an innocent heart chose to see in her.

Are you cursed? Is that you?

Have you cursed others? Is that you?

Maleficent - "I know who you are."

No one really knows who you are.

Ha! I don't even know who I am . . . how can I know who you are?

But, I know who I want to be . . . and I know who I want you to be. I think that I know what I can be, what I can become. 

Perspective. Presupposition. Preconception. Yes, and maybe even a dose of the good kind of Prejudice (pre-judging). Making up your mind, deciding to think the best about yourself - cutting yourself some slack, giving yourself a chance, allowing for any good possibility. Deciding before the facts, before the evidence . . . sometimes in spite of the evidence . . . or the truth.

Thinking yourself into becoming.

That is what Maleficent had done.  

It was not Stefan who created Maleficent. It was Maleficent.

Sure, Stefan did every terrible thing that was necessary to make the Queen of the Moors Evil - but it was Maleficent herself that gave consent, that permitted herself to become dark, angry, and vengeful.

To become hard and hateful. 

There are many in the world who want to make you, to create you, to form and shape you into something . . . someone . . . else.

But they cannot.  Only you can. Only I can.

If you accept that someone, something, or some event in your life has made you what you are, then that is what you will be. Or . . . you can be what you want to be . . . or the good that others want you to be, or need for you to be.

"I know who you are!"  

(Maleficent interprets accusation, blame, discovery of a blight. The uncovering or revelation of a failure, a flaw, and Evil.)

"Do you?"

"You're my Fairy Godmother!"

"What?"

Ha, ha, ha. Angelina portrays this shock and consternation so perfectly!

Aurora looked at Maleficent and saw what she could be, perhaps what she wanted to be. Aurora saw the Evil Queen as what she chose her to be.

I know, this kind of mistake, this naivete, can be risky, even very dangerous. It places us in harms way with others. But there is a chance, a frightening chance, that we might be able to save someone from who they are . . . who they think they are . . . who others have made them to be.

I want to be saved like that . . . by people who love me. Or by people who don't know me! Ha! Let me start with a clean slate, at least . . . or give me the benefit of your error in judgment, or mine. 

If I can see that I want this from others . . . then, I want to offer it to others.

I know who you are.

You are worth knowing. You have value. Your life has meaning. You are important. You are someone that I can care about, someone that I can love.

You are someone that God has created. You are someone for whom Christ died. And even if you do not believe that or accept that -- I do. And that is the way that I want to treat you. I hope that you will believe and accept that.

I don't know who you think that you are --- you may have that rare view that the psychobabblers today call a good self image. Good for you! Clue me in on that, and let me be a part.

I do not know fully who others think that you are. You may be loved and cherished by many. Good, good, good for you! I would be honored if you would count me in that number.

If you don't like who you are . . . let me give it a try.

If others don't like who they think you are . . . give me the chance to be contrary.

I know who you are. 

Don't be afraid.

Final Karate Lesson, and "Look eyes."

Daniel's patience has worn very thin by now --- if you are not completely familiar with the story of the movie, he is getting thrashed and bullied on a regular schedule. Embarrassed in front of his new girl friend -- humiliated in front of the whole school. And now he's being duped and taken advantage of by someone that he thought was sincerely offering to help him. Someone who would teach him how to defend himself.

He can't pretend any more. He's hurt and angry. He's disappointed and disgusted. He's lost all respect for his benefactor. He thought that providence had presented him with an advocate --- a Father figure --- a fixer --- a friend.

He quits. He storms towards the door. He's done. Finished.

But Mr. Miyagi will not let him leave. He has to put it together for Daniel. Look at this last clip.

Daniel assumed that all that he was doing was serving Mr. Miyagi. How demeaning. How belittling. How humiliating.

Everything for the Master --- and nothing for the slave, the pupil, the student.

Who could have seen? Who could have known that Daniel was learning Karate, and much, much more.

He was learning Karate --- and he was getting stronger --- and being finely tuned and trained to grow and become a champion and most of all he as gaining character and patience. He was not just being prepared to beat someone up. He was being prepared for something more --- something better and of greater consequence.

Is God teaching you? Are you Learning?

I know that He is teaching you. Are you learning anything? Are you aware of it?

I mean the whole big picture, big lesson?

Don't you wish that God would just beat all of your bullies, defeat all of your foes? He can solve all your problems, resolve all of your conflicts, answer all of your prayers. Heal all of your diseases. Why doesn't He just do that?

Better yet . . . couldn't he just take you right to Heaven ---- right now?

The Karate Kid is a heart-warming, inspiring movie. It is entertaining and enjoyable but it also has a lesson for all of us. A moral.

Do you want to know the message that I got from God while watching this movie?

He said "Wax on, wax off. Sand my floors, paint my fence and my house. Do whatever I ask you to do --- without hesitation and without doubt and question." "Trust me." "Serve me."

"I have a plan for you --- it is my intention to do something good for you." (Jeremiah 29:11)

And here are the words that clinch this lesson for me --- and show me how to apply it --- how to live it -------- "Look eyes . . . . " "Always look eyes."

God does want you to bow to Him ---- but the main thing is ----- always keep your eyes on Him. Always.

Paint'a Fence

Karate Lesson number three is "paint'a fence."

Mr. Miyagi doesn't even have the decency to even show up for Karate Lesson number four --- "paint house."

Where do you play out? Give up? Quit? When do you decide that your life is filled with meaningless and trivial activities that seem to fill life?

We felt that God had promised great things. World-changing things. Now we're painting a fence, or something less important or less productive. What is the point?

What kind of game is God playing? Is He amused.

Our Karate lessons have no pretense at all anymore. We are really just being taken advantage of by God -- or worse still, being ignored.

Okay. Paint'a fence, but I'm just getting angry now.

Lesson Two - Sanda Floor

Karate Lesson number two seems to resemble sanding the floor of Mr. Miyagi's porch deck.

 

  
OK. So I'll "sand'a floor." Maybe we'll get to the real lesson after I get this chore done.

Serving God (or others) can seem like pure drudgery at times. That is why we are so often driven to selfishness. But, being all about me always makes me shrivel up, dry up, and often give up.

If you are working for The Man, or your boss, or your mate, or a friend . . . you may run out of gas and patience quickly.

Paul the Apostle had a secret: "Whatever you have to do . . . do it with all of your heart -- as if you were doing it for God."

If you are not a believer, that will not work for you . .  . but it works for me.

Excuse me --- I have a floor to sand.

Wax on, wax off.

A Lesson about the Ways and Workings of God
 
The Karate Kid
1984 by Delphi Films
Starring: Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi
and Ralph Macchio as Daniel Larusso

The Karate Kid is a good family movie, though there is fighting, confrontation and conflict. There is some mild profanity but nothing outrageous. The lessons and morals of the movie are about discipline, friendship, respect, loyalty and perseverance.

Daniel is a normal high school student being raised by a single Mom. He's being bullied by a pompous and arrogant classmate who is using his skills as a Karate student to reign terror on anyone who happens to catch his dislike. Daniel becomes a prime candidate for his cruelty.

Perhaps if he learns Karate himself, he can protect himself. He gives it a try but all he does is make matters worse --- he finds himself in a dangerous predicament --- until rescue comes.

Daniel is delivered from a beating at the hands of a Karate Class Gang from a new friend. An unassuming, small Japanese man named Mr. Miyagi.

Miyagi single-handedly whips the whole gang without really harming any of the bullies at all. He just embarrasses them. Those who have been only pretending at an art are shamed by a true Master.

Daniel is surprised, grateful and relieved to know that he now knows someone who can teach him how to defend himself.

With great reluctance, Mr. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel the ancient martial art of Karate that he learned from his own Father.

Take a look at this first clip from the movie to see Daniel's first Karate Lesson.

It really looks more like washing and waxing Mr. Miyagi's car than a Karate Lesson. But Daniel is grateful to his deliverer and protector and owes him something for what Mr. Miyagi has done for him ---- so, wax on, wax off. 

Sometimes it is difficult applying ourselves to the work of God or obeying the ways of God. Often it looks like we are wasting our time or doing menial things that make no difference. Does God give us chores just to keep us busy? Just to see if we will obey? Or is there always a method and meaning to God's madness?

The answers to those questions will not be immediately apparent as we do what God wants us to do. But, He has promised that He has something good in store for us.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."