Some may have stopped reading after that first sentence, but I hope not. My intent with this post is not to preach, but to share.
It should come as no surprise to anyone after visiting my blog that I am as much a movie lover as I am a book lover. This season of movies has given us several Christian-based films: The Saratov Approach, God's Not Dead, Noah, Heaven Is for Real, and Son of God. I have seen them all.
You may not agree with me on some of my opinions as to the quality or content of the films, but this post is not about critiquing these movies. It is about the message I took away from each as I left the movie theater. After each, I walked away with a feeling of love and hope. And, each time I felt a strong desire to write this post, but never so much as after Son of God.
I was raised in a strong family, firm in our faith. And, whereas my parents laid that foundation for me, they always encouraged me to know, to find what is true for myself. So I did.
I served an eighteen-month mission for my church in Ukraine and Belarus when I was 21. It was during that time that I knew that what I believed was either all true, or all a lie. Through prayer and the sincerest desire to know, I gained my answer.
So, what is it I know? I know God lives. I know His Son, Jesus Christ, lives and is our Redeemer and Savior. He came to this world to atone for our sins so that we might live with God again someday. I don't believe this. I know this.
But more than that, I know God loves us, as we are, each of us, His children. I know Christ loves us! And there are days where these thoughts humble and amaze me, to the point of tears and reflection. We are not alone--never. I have felt Their love and support in my darkest hours.
I know that different religions could debate the contents and doctrine of Son of God. Was it spot-on with my religion in every minute detail? No. But it doesn't matter. I cannot deny the feelings it evoked in me, along with a genuine need to let others know how loved they are, and how much we matter to God.
Despite the wrongs of this world, which are too many to try and find an answer for in this post, I would have you leave this site knowing that you are something special. And, despite your flaws and imperfections, God and His Son consider the worth of your soul to be great.
So, whether you are a believer or not, I wish you an Easter season of peace. And I hope that someday you may all have that personal knowledge of just how priceless you are to the Creator of the Universe, and the Redeemer of this world.
Warmly, Jennifer~
That was a very touch post. Thanks! My brother in law served in the Ukraine also. I have one of my old YW serving there now as well. Although it has been a bit different this time because of all the unrest. I am very thankful for posts like this. I like you am also a Christian...and sometimes feel like I need to add more to my blog, but don't really know how.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer, just passing through and enjoying the site :) I followed you on Network Blogs. I'm at http://Madibrown.com if you'd like to do the same in kind.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Madi Brown
Hello Jennifer thank you for welcoming me I my am a Bible believing Christian http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nathanonthespot/2013/07/05/the-mens-room-fellowships-program-1 where I am a guest from time to time discussing the issues We face today living as Christians. I found Christ After surviving 2 murder attempts on my life where i came close to death that story is documented in a book about that period of my life called Behind The Walls by Joel Hodnett I am new to this site however and I wanted to thank you and say I enjoy your writing posted here so thanks again joe
ReplyDeleteWell said, Jennifer. Grateful for His amazing love and grace!
ReplyDeleteI loved "The Son of God" movie as well. No, it wasn't perfect, but none of us are perfect. The part that stood out to me the most was how many times He told His disciples and follower's, "I am the way". It was very touching. He looked sad sometimes that He had to keep repeating that fact. It made me really take to heart that principle of the Gospel. Christ is the way. He is the way back to our Heavenly Father, He is the way to overcome sin, He is the way to overcome every obstacle or addiction in our life. He is the way to true happiness, He is the way to Eternal Life.
ReplyDeleteI love my Savior so much, and I appreciate that He paved the way for me to overcome mistakes and become like Him. :)