I’ve just been violated
Last night I was in the middle of watching the Survivor Season 22 Finale and witnessed a commercial that totally left me without words. And that doesn’t happen very often. The commercial in question looked like it was a Google Chrome commercial that somehow morphed itself into a promotion of something called the “It Gets Better Project” that seemed to be endorsing the gay and lesbian lifestyle. At least that was what I came away with in the 90 seconds. You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7skPnJOZYdA
“What did I just see,” I thought to myself? Was this a full-throttle promotion of the gay and lesbian lifestyle I wondered? My mind was perplexed as I sat there for the next few minutes completely aghast at the thought of the mighty Google promoting something so completely against my moral compass. I actually began to feel like I had just been “violated” by this ad. How could they so boldly throw this into my face and all within the comforts of my own room? My next thoughts were of anger as my brain started to process it all. I soon became so incensed that I was ready to remove everything from my computer and BlackBerry having any association to Google.
Next the rational part of my brain kicked in and I had to get on the web and to try and piece together the whole story. I wasn’t going to jump to conclusions too fast. Of course, I googled the term and what I found was a link on YouTube to the 90 second video that I had just seen but also a link to a YouTube channel called the, “itgetsbetterproject.” There is a lengthy video (7 minutes) going into what the project is about. The link to it is here (http://www.youtube.com/user/itgetsbetterproject) although I must say that I am not endorsing the content. I was able figure out that this project was created by a number of Google employees compassionate to the plight of young gay people trying to grow up in an anti-gay world (likely gay themselves too).
The video is certainly heart-warming and the mission to inspire teenagers is admirable. No Christ-follower would ever want a young person to take their own life or even consider it. But as a fully devoted Christian, I would certainly approach the problem differently. The simple truth is that we are all born into this world with a sin problem and we all need Jesus. That may be the subject of another blog.
But I’m still sitting there wondering, “why has Google associated itself with this cause?” And you know what? I still don’t have a clue. My mind has settled down a little bit, and it’s now the following day and I’m wondering what’s next? Stay tuned.
Easter morning gratitude
As I sit here Easter morning reflecting on the awesome miracle of Jesus’ death, burial and ressurection, I can’t help but also get a little distracted by the sobering weather events in our area on Good Friday.
Natural forces were on display two evening’s ago to remind us of that in spite of society’s “enlightenment” and continuing deception that we are somehow in control of events here on earth, we, simply, are not.
The gift of earthly life that we’ve been given and God’s wonderful grace that allows us to fulfill our days is certainly unmeasurable. But the priceless gift of eternal life that was freely provided to us by our heavenly Father that first Easter morning lasts forever.
Happy Easter to all.
Back in the saddle again
No, this post isn’t about Aerosmith or Gene Autry, but about me and one of my good diversions.
After a six-month hiatus, I’m back serving at church, one weekend a month, in the video department. Perhaps the term “serving” is a bit strong because it’s actually lots of fun, is quite different than what I normally do and is something I enjoy.
God is good that way. He doesn’t just call us to do things that are drudgery. (Although we’ve been taught that by mainstream religion.) The Bible says in Matthew 11:30, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Let that sink in a little.
Serving doesn’t have to be hard, it can be easy and is always very rewarding. I hope that is encouragement to you to get into “the game.” Don’t let those gifts and talents stay bottled up. He gave them to you for a reason.
I currently serve in the position of technical director in the video area, or “TD” for short. As you can see below it is quite dark in there with lots of switchers, equipment, computers, video monitors and electronic gear. It can be quite hectic at times. My spot is the furthermost upper left in the photo. (Unoccupied of course since I am the one taking the picture.)
Video booth at Grace Church St. Louis
