Gentle on My Mind

Musician and singer Glen Campbell died this week. He had been living with Alzheimer's disease for the last several years. I watched with great interest, and sorrow, the Netflix documentary about his farewell tour. Campbell spent about a year on the road doing concerts after he announced his diagnosis. Although his mind was fading, his musical talent still showed flashes of brilliance. The human brain is an amazing creation of God.

Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are perhaps the most heart wrenching ailments that I have witnessed.  Nearly everyone I know has been touched by dementia in some form. It is this sort of pain that remind us of the frailty of this life. There is often a tremendous sense of powerlessness that grips the family members of those struggling with Alzheimer's and dementia.

As we witness this level of suffering and brokenness, in the depths of the human heart there is something that cries out, "This is not the way it is supposed to be!" Indeed, this is not how thing were in the garden of Eden. However, it was the sin and rebellion of mankind that started the mess. We have been going our own way ever since. What we experience today, the pain and struggle, is the fallout. Thankfully, God has graciously provided a way for the brokenness to be restored through Jesus. This is the good news of the gospel.

Still, even for the followers of Jesus, there is heartache and turmoil. Watching someone deal with dementia is a vivid reminder. One of the last recordings that Glen Campbell made, I'm Not Gonna Miss You, seems like a haunting and honest statement about this struggle. Take a few minutes to enjoy his musical gift, here.

Thankfully, because of Christ, there is eternal hope and peace that transcends this brief and broken life.

Fixer Upper

My wife and I enjoy watching those TV programs about home renovations. I'm always amazed by the big reveal in the end. The before and after scenes depict wonderful transformations. By far our favorite show is Fixer Upper. Chip Gaines strikes me as the sort of guy I would hang out with. His wife Joanna is often flustered by his goofiness. Much like my lovely wife, who also has wonderful design skills and shares the same birthday as "Jo Jo." If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "don't make that goofy face" I could buy one of those amazing houses!

I'm currently reading The Magnolia Story, written by this house-flipping couple. Embedded in this account of how the Gaines' met and grew their business is another story of growth. Chip and Joanna share several incidents about growing awareness as they work through life together. The awareness of unhelpful perfectionism. The Recognition of how early life events shaped future actions and perceptions. The realization that God is often working in small ways amid difficulty even though it is unseen in the moment.

I lived much of my life unaware. Even after I came to faith in Christ, I was unaware of what was really in my heart and why I was often struggling to connect with my wife, my kids, and others. The work I've done with Men At The Cross has been incredibly significant in my spiritual and emotional growth.

You see, I'm a bit of a fixer upper. Sometimes I feel like every day is "demo day" (fans of Fixer Upper will get that!). God is at work renovating my life. I could show you before and after photos, evidence of God's grace in my life. Even though the big reveal is still a ways off, I am thankful for growing awareness and the lessons along the way. I'm even grateful for the messiness of the process.

Yesterday was my birthday - 52 years of ups and downs, good and not-so-great, as well as very difficult. I wouldn't change anything. Its all part of my story. Its not flawless, but it is perfectly me.

Fireproof - A Movie for your Heart

My wife and I attended a preview showing of the new movie Fireproof. It was made by the same folks that produced The Flywheel and Facing the Giants. Actually, all three movies were produced as a ministry by a church in Georgia. The free screening here in Louisville was sponsored by The Family Foundation. The film will hit theaters nationwide in late September.

This is a movie that will stir you deeply. Its primary message is about love and marriage but, it is not just a movie for married couples. The leading character in the film, played well by Kirk Cameron, is a fireman in a marriage that is being torn apart by self indulgence, pride and stubbornness. These are tendencies we all must battle from time to time. Furthermore, we all have relationships that suffer when we fall into these traps.

The film is honest about sin and its consequences as well as forgiveness and the hope found in Jesus Christ. The gospel is clearly presented in a way that will move your heart. I laughed out loud on several occasions and I cried more than once.

I will be very surprised if the mainstream media even blinks at this movie. However, if Christians get behind this project I will not be surprised if it doesn't do very respectable at the box office. (btw Facing the Giants made $10 million with only $100,000 production budget) Let me encourage you to view the trailer and share this information with others. If you are a pastor you should promote this film to your congregation. We seldom have an opportunity to support a movie that gets nationwide exposure and has such a solid message. Marriage is under attack in our culture and often viewed as a useless and antiquated institution. Anyone that sees this film will never think that way again.

Dealing with Sin

Over the weekend we made a trip to the video store. An depressing endeavor when you realize what trash passes for entertainment these days. I was so pleased to see The Last Sin Eater. I had heard about the film and was anxious to watch it. I was not disappointed.

The film is based on a novel by Francine Rivers. The story is set in early 19th century Appalachia. The plot focuses on a group of Welsh immigrants. Theirs is a close knit community with deep Celtic roots.

When this group came to America they brought with them a number of traditions, one of which was the ritual of the Sin Eater. The community designated one individual that would take on the sins of folks when they died. This was done symbolically during the funeral by eating bread and wine placed on the body. The idea was that upon the removal of sins the individual who had died is then able to rest in peace. The Sin Eater however is banished from the community, only to return when summoned by "the passing bell."

In the story a travelling evangelist comes to the area to spread the "truth." He encounters a young girl who is very troubled over her sins. Her younger sister had died and she felt responsible. She explains that she must find the Sin Eater because she can not wait until she is dead, that would be too long to bear the guilt of her past. The preacher shares with her that God has long ago sent One who could take her sin away. She asks if this Sin Eater has a name, she is told his name is Jesus.

The film is fairly well done and the scenery is beautiful. If you are looking for high quality, big budget special effects you will not find them here. But, for me that is not a huge concern. There are some interesting plot twists that cast a bright light on the human condition. More importantly, the message of God's grace in Christ shines through brilliantly. Not surprising that his film didn't do well in the theaters and was a bomb with most secular movie critics. But, it is well worth renting. I would especially encourage pastors to consider showing it for their congregation or in a small group setting.

There are a few scenes that might be unsettling for younger children. The film is rated PG-13. Make plans to rent this film. It will be a blessing. You will find an interview with the screen writer/director, Michael Landon Jr. here.

TV Programs and Sponsors

A follow up to my previous post. I did receive an email response from an executive with Kohls. They are a sponsor for ABC Family and are prominently displayed as such on the ABC Family web page. According to this individual: "Kohls has no involvement with the comments made during ABC Family programs." That is likely code for: "It's not our fault, we're just trying to sell clothing and household goods." [In all fairness, note I have provided links for all parties.]

While I am certain Kohls has nothing to do with programming, they are able too influence a network with dollars. If Kohls and other major sponsors began to pull back from certain networks/or programs there would be changes made (see any recent news article concerning Don Imus).

I'm not really about boycotts and things like that. I believe Christians have a responsibility to engage the culture and there is no bigger force in our culture than the media.

Please note the very clever cartoon by Roy Nixon! I don't know Mr. Nixon but I liked the sentiment of his work in this case.

TV Programs

Should Christians care about what's on TV? Maybe some would say we shouldn't watch TV or even have a set in the house. I won't go that far. I'll be the first to admit I watch too much. I make an effort to avoid many programs that have little real value or are just simply offensive. Unfortunately my choices are becoming fewer and fewer.

But another question is, should Christians (or anyone else for that matter) stand up and say "that program is just plain trash!" when we have the chance?

Will Hall thinks it's time to do just that. His recent editorial suggests that ABC Family is not really about the family. Two new programs, "Greek" and "Slacker Cats" have gotten Hall all stirred up. He suggests that we should contact the network as well as their sponsors. Well, I did just that. I sent out a little email and spoke my piece. Then, to get really nuts, I emailed a bunch of my friends and family suggesting they do the same. Am I wacko or what?

What do you think about such things?

Creation Museum

Earlier this summer the Creation Museum opened in Petersburg Ky, just across the river from Cincinnati. Baptist Press reports that as of July 21 the museum has had 100,000 visitors! Those must all be home-schoolers and fundamentalist wackos, right? I don't think so. It has been reported that the museum is very well done and worth the trip. It is just about 90 miles north of us here in Louisville. I think a trip is in the future.

At the Movies

The following assessment will not shock anyone reading this blog. There are very few decent movies out today. Earlier in the week we rented "Open Season" after looking at nearly every title in the store.

I'm not against entertainment. I'm not against going to the movies or watching TV. However, I am in favor of bringing glory to God and doing things that are part of the process of sanctification.

So, what do we do? Boycott the big screen? Go to movies anyway and pretend that the f-word and constant use of Jesus name does not offend us? Realize there is a ditch on either side. How do we live in our culture, interact with our culture and yet not be shaped by our culture? What do you suppose ought to shape someone who makes a claim to Christianity? It is Christ, and the Word that reveals him.

Certainly this is an area of "Christian liberty." So, I will not pronounce an absolute standard for you. But let's be honest, movies that are filled with sex, nudity, violence and crude language will not serve for our edification. You must decide where you will draw the boundaries and then, don't cross them. For me that means I will not go to or rent a movie that is rated "R." Actually, most PG-13 movies are beyond my "lines." It is also important to understand why we make the choices we do. I'll let you think on that one and maybe leave a comment.

With that said, here's a web page that might help you out. Phil Boatwright provides detailed movie reviews from a Christian perspective. Recently I rented "I Am David" (pictured above) because the reviewer said it was one of the best movies of 2003. I now agree and will recommend it to you. Boatwright also has an essay on profanity in movies that you may find interesting.

It's summer movie season. There are a few movies out worth watching. Most are not. Maybe rent a family classic and enjoy some popcorn at home. Or better yet, skip the movie and have "family game night." That's Madison's favorite.