I’m Sorry I Saw That
I saw this photo at Baylor, Scott and White’s hospital parking area. Notice that the car with the skeleton and sword are in a handicap parking space? I’m reserving my thoughts. You’re welcome to have yours. But this scene propelled me into my annual rant.
Ghosts, goblins, zombies, witches, and other Halloween paraphernalia that “haunt” us are at retail stores and don many homes and businesses this time of year. Wait! Before Halloween enthusiasts stop reading this blog, please know I’m not judging anyone who celebrates Halloween! I know what Jesus said: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged!” (Matthew 7:1) If I judge people who celebrate Halloween then those people can judge me for celebrating my birthday. Yikes! A whole day to celebrate ME with gifts and light a candle on a sugary idol with my name on it?
Honestly, my awareness of seeking THE LIGHT and being a light has come from years of growth in my walk with Jesus. I was a trick or treater. I took my young children trick or treating. I celebrated Halloween along with everyone else. And October 31st is a day we love because it’s Mom’s (my mom-in-law’s) birthday (99, this year). And I know there are hundreds of things worse than cute kids dressed like Tinker Bell or Buzz Lightyear. Most people think of Halloween as they do fairy tales: “It’s not real. It’s just innocent, cute, fun, and we can stock up on the treats and candy!” I have no doubt Satan is real as do most Christians. We tend to laugh and talk about these things lightly. We watch scary movies, read literature rich in witchcraft and sorcery, and participate in haunted houses. We “sugarcoat” the Devil and “dress up Halloween” for our children, when in fact the Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, “Avoid every kind of evil.”
Heaven forbid that I sound like a kill-joy! It’s a heart matter for me. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s Halloween Parade, but this chick prefers the “light” side. I have long removed myself from horror flicks that I watched as a kid. I wondered why I couldn’t sleep at night. Well, duh? I don’t read books that cause me to entertain thoughts of darkness, and neither do I put myself into situations that draw me into darkness or create darkness – anger, envy, strife, jealousy, sadness, grief, etc. If I find myself getting close to those places — I look for the closest “escape hatch” that I can find. My motto scripture is “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8.
This Bible thumper just can’t help but use this season to share the good news of the One who was raised from the dead. I want to preach Jesus. I want to find people to encourage, call that family member who needs hope, pray for professed witches and satanists who need Jesus and use my tongue and social media to communicate life, joy and peace. I want to see evil become good: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
I live in the light — on purpose. I lean toward the LIGHT – God and His Word. That’s why the scriptures are so vital to me – they’re my absolute statements of faith, peace, comfort and joy. ”You will keep him (her) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he (she) trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Have you noticed that if Hollywood wants something to be scary, it usually occurs at night, with a heavy fog or mist? That darkness is practically biblical! If you find yourself depressed, sad, afraid, doubting — living in those places of darkness — I lovingly encourage you to move toward THE LIGHT. Put light in your heart and home. I promise you…..you’ll find the SWEET SPOT…..where I live! There’s nothing like it!If you find yourself depressed, sad, afraid, doubting — living in those places of darkness — I lovingly encourage you to move toward THE LIGHT. Put light in your heart and home. I promise you…..you’ll find the SWEET SPOT…..where I live! There’s nothing like it!