My Big Fat Greek Wedding -- The Lifter of our Heads

One day Toula, now transformed inside and out, is working in her aunt’s travel agency and who should walk by? It is the same stranger that she saw months ago in her parents’ restaurant, Ian Miller.

Even though she is absolutely radiant, happy within herself, when she sees him looking in the storefront window at her she sinks beneath his line of vision behind the water cooler.

Why is it that we act in a way that is contrary to what we actually want? She inwardly desires to be seen, and yet she hides. Could it be that deep inside we feel we don’t deserve the thing we want most of all?

A short time later, he walks by the travel agency again. For the first time, she meets his gaze and they make eye contact. They exchange smiles for the first time. What has changed? Perhaps he has become for her, 'the lifter of her head.'

Our Heavenly Father is the lifter of our heads:

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt

so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians;

I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.”

Leviticus 26:13

That is what the Lord does for us. Be breaks the chains that bind us to our past, our sin, our shame, or anything else that would cause us to sink downward, to hang our heads, or to otherwise try to hide from his gaze.

The Lord sees us, and he lifts us up so that we can see Him too.

Eye contact is a powerful thing. It signals that someone knows you exist. Being in direct eye-contact with someone is a connection. They say that eyes are the window to the soul, so to maintain a steady gaze that is reciprocal is significant. In fact, it communicates that the person is significant to you.

If someone will not or cannot make eye contact with you, something is wrong. Maybe there is guilt, shame, distrust, or simply disinterest creating a wall. Perhaps there is a perceived, or an actual, inequality in the relationship.

There was a rich young man who could not maintain eye contact with Jesus. He had asked Jesus what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus had asked him to sell all he had and give it to the poor then to come and follow Him.

Jesus had no trouble making eye contact:

“Jesus looked at him and loved him.”

Mark 10:21

There was a connection there. At least on Jesus’ part. But because the young man had great wealth that he was unwilling to part with, he could not look Jesus in the eye.

“At this the man’s face fell.”

Mark 10:22

If his face fell, his eyes were no longer lifted towards Jesus’ face. He could not face Jesus knowing deep inside that he loved his wealth more than He loved God.

If you, like Toula, want to be seen – but at the same time are afraid to be seen – take heart. Remember how Ian told Toula, he didn’t remember ‘Frump Girl’, but he remembered her? Jesus would say the same about you.

The Lord sees you, He wants you to look up and see Him too. He has broken through every barrier to become intimate with you. Will you lift your head? Will you choose to see Him?

My Big Fat Greek Wedding -- Inner Transformation

Yes, God is “El Roi” the God who sees. The thought of this may make you feel uncomfortable, but it need not. Ultimately, if knowing that you are seen sparks your transformation, it is well worth it.

If it is any consolation, obviously He has seen it all before. Nothing you have ever thought, said or done can scare Him away. No amount of shame or guilt could ever keep Him away. The only thing that would ever keep Him away, is if you refuse to receive Him.

Toula was ashamed that first day when Ian saw her. And so she begins to exert change in her life. She starts to take some classes. She learns how to apply make-up, and put contact lenses in. She even starts dressing differently. Soon she is seen in dresses and skirts made of floaty feminine fabrics, and in colors that include soft pinks, blues, and creams rather than sturdy, serviceable browns and grays. Her necklines change to delicate scoops and flattering v-necks that reveal her collarbone, and a lovely figure, we otherwise would never have known was there. She does her hair with curls, and pins it up off her face in a satisfying style. She experiments with changes to her appearance until she becomes comfortable with her new look.

Finally she stands in front of her mirror with her contact lenses in, her make-up on, and her hair done. She is wearing a dark pink, knee-length dress with a thinly-knit light pink sweater that has tiny buttons up the front and a v-neck that aligns perfectly with the neckline of her dress. She scrutinizes herself carefully.

Then we see it: her smile. For the very first time.

The changes that she makes are not just cosmetic. She ventures out to try new things, a Wonder-Bread sandwich, computer classes, and finally a new job at her aunt’s travel agency.

Of course, we silently cheer as we see the women of the family lead Gus to the conclusion that Toula must work there to help her aunt. They even have him thinking it was his idea!

My Big Fat Greek Wedding -- We Need to Be Seen

I remember a period of time when I really needed to be seen. I was working hard at my full time teaching job, and at home, struggling to keep the house in order and running smoothly.

Bills to pay, grass to mow, and growing children to clothe, it was an overwhelming responsibility to handle all on my own.

One thing I would not compromise was a weekly Family Night when, no matter what the pressures were during the week, I would set everything aside to have a fun evening with my kids.

In addition, I was working on my writing every spare moment I could. I was exhausted and discouraged. I felt like nobody saw, much less appreciated, everything I was doing.

I prayed about feeling all my efforts were invisible. I brought my need to be seen to the Lord. I needed to be noticed, maybe even commended for the seemingly endless list of tasks I was doing to meet the needs of my students, my school, my children, and my household.

I had been surviving on:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,

as working for the Lord, not for men.”

Colossians 3:23

This had helped me immensely, but now I needed a fresh word from the Lord to sustain me. I opened my Bible and found myself reading in Revelation.

I just about fell off my chair when I read:

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance.”

and

“I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance,

and that you are now doing more than you did at first.”

Revelation 2:2 and 19

That was an epiphany moment for me with Jesus. I rejoiced that He could see me. He knew all the things I did, big and little. He saw the effort I put into my lessons and unit plans. He saw the lengths I went to in order to be a blessing to my kids.

Just when I was feeling like all of it went unnoticed; I learned anew that He sees!

My Big Fat Greek Wedding -- He Sees Her

One morning Ian arrives at the Dancing Zorba’s restaurant to meet his friend for coffee. Toula, serving tables, has just endured overhearing a conversation between her father, Gus and her Aunt Voula and Uncle Theo. They had been discussing sending Toula to Greece to find a husband. They were talking about her as if she is invisible.

But suddenly Ian sees her.

Ian looks at Toula in a way that makes her wish she was invisible. In fact, she is so uncomfortable that she cannot move, speak or think straight. She pours coffee into Ian’s cup when it is his friend who has asked for it. She feels so self-conscious that she sinks down below counter level in order to avoid his gaze.

What caused her paralysis of body, tongue, and mind? She might have asked herself what she looked like from his perspective. Perhaps she examined herself and saw what we saw; stringy unkempt hair, non-descript shapeless clothing, and a countenance of hopelessness and despair.

I believe being seen is what sparked her transformation.

Similarly, when Jesus looks at us, we cannot escape his gaze even if we want to. He sees everything, whether we are comfortable with it or not.

Jesus once saw a little short man climbing a sycamore-fig tree. Jesus saw right through the man’s skin and into his heart. It is in Luke chapter 19 we read about Jesus meeting Zacchaeus, a tax collector. After Jesus sees Zacchaeus up in the tree, He calls him by name and invites Himself over for dinner. When Zacchaeus realizes he’s been seen, it changes him. Zacchaeus immediately declares,

“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Luke 19:8

In the same way, when we realize that Jesus sees us, we are compelled to consider what we look like from Christ’s perspective. We may do a double-take as well.

Jesus does not, however, look on the outward appearance. He looks upon the heart. Looking into the deep recesses of our heart can be considerably more upsetting than seeing ourselves on our worst hair day, with acne, during a wardrobe crisis.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.”

Jeremiah 17:9

And everything that is in our hearts is laid bare before Him.

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere,

keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”

Proverbs 15:3

If we have guilt or shame in our hearts, then we may not want to be seen. But, it is not always uncomfortable to be seen. In fact, sometimes just the opposite is true.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding -- Hope Deferred

Happier moments come later in the film, but near the beginning of this incredible story, the mood is decidedly hopeless.

Toula is over 30 and, to the mortification of her parents, she is still single. While this may be somewhat of a disappointment for her, it is pure devastation for her parents. She is well aware of the unfulfilled longings of her family, and her community which are threefold: for her to marry a Greek boy, for her to produce Greek babies, and for her to feed everyone until the day she dies.

We can all relate to having feelings of disappointment. Scripture acknowledges the pain that accompanies unfilled longings.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.”

Proverbs 13:12

This was true for Toula, and certainly for her parents. The problem is if Toula’s only chance at ‘true happiness’ depends upon her finding a husband and procreating – that is a goal can be blocked. It takes two to make that dream a reality.

Thankfully, Toula realizes this and begins to make plans for herself that do not necessarily involve marriage. She begins to pursue other things that depend on her and her alone. She decides to go back to school and upgrade her training. She manages to get a position with her new training at her aunt’s travel agency. She also makes changes to the way she does her hair, applies her make-up, and chooses her clothes.

These external changes really do help Toula find some happiness and satisfaction. However, if things in her internal life had not changed, she soon would have found herself emotionally right back where she started.

Fortunately, she meets Ian who gives her further validation:

• He sees her,
• He embraces her, and her culture,
• He knows she is worth it.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding -- Introduction

Have you ever been embarrassed by your family?

By the overwhelming acceptance of this lovable flick, it is clear most of us can relate to the humiliation that is most painful when it comes from the quirky behaviors of our family members. Showcasing the most awkward moments possible involving a culture clash, this film is ripe with hilarious moments from start to finish.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding is the highest growing independent film to date, and the 5th highest grossing film overall for the year 2002. It brought in a whopping $241 million at the box office. The writer, Nia Vardolos, also starred in the film as Toula Portocoulas opposite Hollywood hunk, John Corbett, as Ian Miller.

Some of the most humorous and memorable moments of this picture include the moment when Ian and Toula make meaningful eye contact and smile at one another for the first time. He walks back and forth in front of the travel agency where she works. Walking like a chicken to make her laugh, with his eyes glued on Toula, he bumps into an elderly lady who immediately begins beating him with her purse. Then, when he walks into the travel agency to introduce himself, she clotheslines herself with the phone headset.

It is romantic slapstick at its finest.

Later on in the film, we are more than amused when Toula’s brother Nick teaches Ian some phrases in Greek. When Ian asks how to say “Thank you” Nick teaches him a phrase which he dutifully repeats to his future mother-in-law. “Nice boobs” is what he unknowingly says, and Maria promptly smacks her son upside the head.

Never tiring of the ruse, Nick tells Ian at a large family gathering to call everyone into the house for dinner using a Greek sentence. Onto his plan, Ian calls Cousin Angelo over to confirm what the phrase means. Angelo verifies it means “Come into the house everyone, it is time for dinner.” However, when Ian confidently shouts out the announcement, everyone dissolves into laughter. What he has said is, “I have three testicles.”

The Princess Bride -- Conclusion

Buttercup faces fear and doubt in the Fire Swamp, but doesn’t feel utter hopelessness until after she is forced to marry Prince Humperdinck. She returns to the bridal suite and prepares to take her own life. Westley stops her just in time. He saves her yet again from certain death.

Jesus will never let us self-destruct either. The antidote to despair is hope. God’s Word tells us:

“Guard my life and rescue me;

let me not be put to shame,

for I take refuge in you.

May integrity and uprightness protect me,

because my hope is in you.”

Psalm 25:20-21

In the final moments of the film, Westley removes Buttercup from the castle where Humperdinck would have strangled her that very night. Together they face Humperdinck. Westley lies on her bed using only his voice to instruct Buttercup. (He was still 'partly dead.')

She obeys his every word and soon has Humperdinck tied up.

This is very much the way Jesus helps us overcome our enemies on earth. He does not physically do it for us, but He will instruct us on what to do, step by step. It is our job to listen for His voice and to obey. This requires a relationship of trust and obedience. And it requires courage. But He never asks us to do something He doesn’t know we can do, with His help.

Yes, Jesus removes us from the certainty of the wages of sin which is eternal death, and instead gives us the gift of eternal life in Him.

Our Jesus defeats death at every turn. He is, in every way, equipped to do battle on our behalf. He is our Prince. He is Life. He is our Bridegroom. And when we arrive in heaven, there will be a feast and celebration that outshines even My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Princess Bride -- Rodents of Unusual Size

The Rodents of Unusual Size represent the battles that are fought in our own minds and hearts. They represent things like fear, doubt and hopelessness. These can be paralyzing, even deadly. Our Rescuer can defeat them, but we must cooperate with Him.

First, we must know what God’s Word says about fear and doubt:

“There is no fear in love.

But perfect love drives out fear,

because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

1 John 4:18

We can also see that there is a clear warning about the consequences of doubt:

“. . . believe and not doubt,

because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea,

blown and tossed by the wind.”

James 1:6

Next, we must choose to obedient no matter how much our emotions rail against us. Following Jesus is not for the faint at heart. We are commanded not to give into fear and doubt:

“Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

It is not unusual to feel fear, or even doubt at times. It is just that we must not give in to it. It is your choice.

The Fire Swamp of Life -- The Lightening Sand

Another danger in the Fire Swamp is the lightening sand. Stepping into this lightening-quicksand represents falling into sin. The trap can look misleadingly like solid ground, but the nano-second you step there, it sucks you under in a second.

Sometimes we stumble into sin because we are just not on guard against it. Maybe we don’t notice the warning signs, or perhaps at times we choose to ignore them. In any case, we fall into sin. It is not nearly as easy to get out as it was to get in.

Slopes that are particularly slippery include pride, gossip, or the love of money. These are subtle and can sneak up on you in a split second. Sin is described as something that hinders us in the race that is marked out for us.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,”

Hebrews 12:1

Sounds a lot like quicksand, doesn’t it? And what does Westley do the very instant Buttercup slips under? He grabs a vine and dives in after her, of course.

“I write this to you so that you will not sin.

But if anybody does sin,

we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense –

Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,

not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”

1 John 2:1-2

Even when we do mess up, He is there to rescue us! It is so good to know that even though Vizzini might say it’s, “Inconceivable!” Jesus is with us all the time.

His very name, Emmanuel, literally means “with-us God.” He is always there to help us avoid falling into sin.

“We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin;

the one who was born of God keeps (her) safe,

and the evil one cannot harm (her).”

1 John 5:18

(Brackets reflect where I've changed scripture to be directed at us, ladies!)

In the Fire Swamp of life, the one I want at my side is definitely Jesus. He will protect me from the fire spurts, keep me from slipping into the lightening sand, and pull me out if I do somehow manage to step into it. But we are not safely through it just yet.

There are still the ROUS’s.

The Fire Swamp of Life -- The Fire Spurts

The Fire Swamp represents Life. Life can be tough. Inside the Fire Swamp, they have three major threats to face:

• the fire spurts,
• the lightening sand,
• the ROUS’s.

The fire spurts represent the fiery darts aimed at us by, who else but, Satan.

“Take up the shield of faith,

with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Ephesians 6:16

Our faith in Him provides us with all we need to have our own spiritual fire extinguisher useful against the attacks that come unexpectedly and are designed to destroy us. Maybe, like Miracle Max, you are fired. Maybe, you are falsely accused by a friend, or maybe you are wounded with cruel words.

How does this spiritual fire extinguisher work in practical terms?

Imagine for example that you’re turning forty and one of your relatives has the audacity to say, “Boy, you’re looking old.” That is a fire spurt straight from the mouth of Satan if I’ve ever heard one! Before you smack her upside the head, (as much as she deserves it) stop!

First, remember the Lord says:

“The insults of those who insult you fall on me.”

Psalms 69:9

You will realize that this person is not really messing with you, since you are safely tucked into the cleft of the Rock, they are really messing with Him. This will likely slow your heart rate down a bit.

Next, you can remind yourself God’s Word also promises:

“I will contend with those who contend with you,”

Isaiah 49:25

At this point you may begin to feel a little bit sorry for the person who has insulted you. After all, not only have they insulted the Living Christ, but also they have his wrath to face. Hopefully, by this point your breathing will begin to resume a normal rhythm.

Finally, take a look at what else the Bible says about people who mistreat the loved ones of Christ:

“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse.”

Genesis 12:3

You have got to admit, that is pretty powerful stuff. You may even be able to smile at this point. It is much better to be at His side than anywhere else, even if you are dodging fire spurts.

Princess Bride -- Beware of Humperdincks!!

No sooner has Westley revealed his true identity to his Beloved when Humperdinck advances to retrieve his fiancée. Westley escorts her through the Fire Swamp, saving her from its various deadly perils. Westley knows that Humperdinck is more of a threat than the Fire Swamp. He knows Buttercup will be safer with him going through the Fire Swamp rather than with Humperdinck no matter where he may take her.

Humperdinck represents any man who may appear to have something to offer.

"...having a form of godliness but denying its power. ...They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth."

2 Timothy 3:5-7

Maybe he seems to offer a more comfortable life. Maybe he seems to offer protection. Maybe he seems to offer social standing or respect. But the truth is that at the heart of the matter, he does not care about your best interests. Perhaps he needs someone to clean his house or make his meals. Perhaps he needs someone so the world sees him as a successful man. Perhaps he needs a wife so that he fits in socially or is approved by his family.

I can tell you from personal experience that it is better to be in The Fire Swamp with Jesus than anywhere else with a Humperdinck!

Princess Bride -- Rescuing the Beloved

Several times in our story the Princess Bride is saved from certain death. First, Westley, known at this point in the story as “The Man in Black” rescues her from Vizzini who has intentions to kill her when they reach the Guilder frontier. Westley valiantly pursues the kidnapper’s ship through the night, scales the Cliffs of Insanity, and defeats Inigo by the sword and bests Fezzik with strength before finally facing off with Vizzini in a battle of wits.

Even while the villain’s knife-point is poised at Buttercup’s delicate throat, the valiant Man-in-Black approaches to set her free.

Later, after Buttercup is forced to marry Humperdinck, she is about to take her own life, and Westley intervenes to save her from destroying her own life.

Hmmm.

Where have we heard that before?

Jesus also snatches us from death in every way.

Before Jesus came for us Satan had taken us captive to do his will and we were slaves to sin. And the wages of sin is death.

“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion

looking for someone to devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

Scripture tells us that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy. Thank God, Jesus comes to set us free!!

Princess Bride -- Undeniable Resurrection!

There are those who would deny that Jesus' resurrection took place. There are theories out there such as the swoon theory, and the theory that Jesus’ disciples stole His body and lied about the resurrection. The truth is the soldiers who guarded the tomb saw everything and reported it to the chief priests. They were paid off and instructed on what to say.

“So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed.

And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.”

Matthew 28:15

For the entire case that proves the resurrection did take place, I point you to Lee Strobel’s book Case for Christ. Evidence that proves Jesus rose from the dead includes the fact that there was an empty tomb. Not only was the tomb found to be inexplicably empty, but there were strips of linen laying there that Jesus’ body had been wrapped in.

“Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the

stone had been removed from the entrance.

(The other disciple) bent over and looked in at the

strips of linen lying there but did not go in.

(Simon Peter) arrived and went into the tomb.

He saw the strips of linen lying there,

as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head.

The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.”

John 20:1, 5-7

Even though the tomb had been guarded by two Roman guards, and there had been a huge stone rolled in front of the opening to seal the tomb, this was not enough to prevent the resurrection from happening!

“There was a violent earthquake,

for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and,

going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

His appearance was like lightening, and his clothes were white as snow.

The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.”

Mark 28:2-4

Yes, even those who wish they didn’t know Jesus rose from the dead could not deny the truth of what they saw. Cover it up later? Yes. But deny it to themselves? Impossible!

Unlike Westley’s fictional re-awakening, Jesus’ resurrection was bona fide. He indeed physically rose from the grave.

Princess Bride -- "Does God Still Do Miracles?"

In Dr. Brad Burke’s book, Does God Still Do Miracles? he addresses the question of “miraculous” recoveries in medicine. He takes great pains to explain that often, when someone recovers against the odds, there are reasons outside of the claim, “It’s a miracle!” There are documented cases of what Dr. Burke classifies as ‘real’ miracles, but these other somewhat unexpected recoveries are ‘routine.’

In this writer’s opinion, I think it is better to credit God as being the Author of every good thing.

For example, I went in for laser eye surgery. Is it not a gift from God that this technology exists? Is it not a gift from God that all the equipment was working to precision on the day that I went in? Is it not a gift from God that I was considered a good candidate for the procedure?

It was a gift from God: my results exceeded the best of what the doctors hoped for. It was a gift from God that my eyes healed perfectly without any infection or extra dead cells forming cloudiness between the layers of my cornea. And, it was a miracle that I could afford the procedure at all!

Praise God – when I consider all the factors that had to come together to make this radical, positive life-change for me I am confident that God worked a miracle in my life. Dr. Burke would likely consider my results 'routine,' whereas I gladly give God all the credit. After all, is it possible to give Him too much credit? I think not.

Nevertheless, in this fairy tale, Inigo and Fessik actually get the miracle they paid for, and Westley – through the intervention of Miracle Max – is restored to life.

Aside from big chocolate pills and laser-eye surgery, the biggest miracle that ever occurred in the history of this world was that Jesus rose from the dead. He did not need a big chocolate pill, and there was no way that He was only ‘mostly dead’. He predicted his own resurrection (John 12:32), and demonstrated in advance his power to raise from the dead (John 11:25).

More on this in my next post... Stay tuned!

Princess Bride -- It's a Miracle! (Or is it?)

In the course of trying to reclaim his true love Buttercup, Westley is caught and tortured to death. Interestingly, it was Buttercup herself who caused him to be captured, while believing she was helping Westley to safety.

In the Pit of Despair, Count Rugen’s Machine sucked the life out of Westley. As he died, Westley made the sound of ultimate suffering which summoned Inigo and Fessik to his rescue. They arrived too late. However, Inigo had an idea: so they took the body to Miracle Max.

Who can forget Miracle Max, played brilliantly by Billy Crystal? After much haggling over the price, Max also insisted he know their true motivation in wanting to bring Westley back. Their reason was True Love, which wasn’t enough for Max. He only agreed to help them to humiliate Prince Humperdinck. He finally provides the chocolate-covered ‘miracle’ pill that brings Westley back to life. This is possible, if you remember, because Westley is only ‘mostly dead’!

A Word About Miracles

I wonder how many of us have ever begged God for a miracle only to be disappointed. Have you ever found yourself bargaining with God for a miracle? Jesus needed no other reason to raise Lazarus from the dead other than that His Father would be glorified, and people would believe He truly was the Son of God.

“Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?

Father I thank you that you have heard me.

I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here,

that they may believe that you sent me.”

John 11:40-42

Jesus did not perform miracles to help someone get revenge for a murdered father, or so that a nasty prince would have “humiliations galore”. Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and raised the dead to fulfill prophecy (Mathew 8:17). He did miracles so there would be no doubt He was who he said he was (Mark 2:10-12, Luke 7:16)! Jesus never bartered for his miracles, and – contrary to what some believe – He performed them regardless of how much faith a person had (Mark 9:24, Matthew 17:17).

His miracles were:
1. Visible (Mark 1:44, Luke 13:13),
2. Undeniable (Mark 2:12, Luke 6:8-10),
3. Instant (Mark 5:29, Luke 8:47, 55),
4. Permanent (Mark 9:25).

Jesus could not be manipulated into performing a miracle (Matthew 16:4) and even performed a miracle for some people who were not even thankful afterwards (Luke 17:17)!

Why emphasize all this?

I think it is unwise to try to categorize what God will and won’t do. In other words, let’s not put God in a box and presume to know everything about Him. I think it is a dangerous game to assume we know the mind of God.

Not even Jesus knew the mind of God: He prayed for His Father’s will over his own. I pray that instead of “naming and claiming” miracles you will put your hope directly in God and the goodness of His character.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

Isaiah 40:31

Princess Bride -- He lives!

Maybe you are willing to accept that Jesus was resurrected, and maybe you are willing to accept that he was seen alive. But are you willing to accept that He is alive even today?

How does Jesus show himself to be alive today? He reveals Himself to those who earnestly seek to know Him. To those who want to know He lives, He does. He is someone believers can have a relationship with. We can hear from Him, talk to Him, receive His counsel, and feel his love and his presence. We know He lives, because we experience Him living within us.

This is exactly what Jesus prayed for:

“I pray also for those who will believe in me . . .

that they may be one as we are one;

I in them and you in me.

Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, . . .

and that I myself may be in them.”

John 17:20-26

Jesus is as real to me as the nose on my face. I know that I know that He is alive – but only because I consistently asked Him to reveal himself to me.

He is dead only to those who refuse to believe He is alive. Just as Westley returned to Buttercup and proved to her that he was in fact very much alive, Jesus will some day return to earth and prove to everyone – even those who are currently unbelievers – He is alive and always has been.

On that day, not only will everyone clearly see that He is alive, but also everyone will confess He is Lord:

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,”

Philippians 2:10-11

Oh yes, my friend, on that day there is not one soul that will be able to deny that Jesus lives, and that Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah! There will be a definitive end to any and all rumors that Jesus is dead.

Princess Bride -- Westley rumored to be dead!

Westley had set out to make his fortune so he could return and marry Buttercup. However, his ship was overtaken by Pirates. These were not just any pirates; this was the ship of the Dread Pirate Roberts who, as everyone knew, never left anyone alive. Thus, Westley was rumored to be dead after the Dread Pirate Roberts overtook his ship.

Buttercup did not want to believe it, but five long years went by with no word from Westley and she began to believe the rumors were true.

There are many people who do not accept that Jesus is alive today. These people would likely agree that he lived and walked the earth approximately 2000 years ago, but they would not agree that He still lives. So in essence, Jesus is rumored to be dead as Westley was.

Okay, readers, follow me here: First, those who say that Jesus was a noble man or an influential teacher, or even a prophet, are assigning mere human mortality to who He was.

Second, if Jesus was only a man and no more, then certainly he would have remained dead after his crucifixion.

Therefore, it follows that anyone who denies Jesus is God incarnate is of the mind that He is dead.

Conversely, there are those who believe that Jesus, being the God-in-flesh, was resurrected on the third day. In fact, the empty tomb is one of the most well-documented events in history.

Lee Strobel in his book, Case for Christ examines this event from every angle and in the end concludes that the most believable explanation is that Jesus really did rise from the dead. There were over 500 eyewitnesses that saw him and even spoke to him after He rose again.

Many of these people went to their graves for declaring that Jesus lives! I doubt they would have died to perpetuate a lie, don’t you?

Princess Bride -- Introduction

From the opening scenes when we learn “As you wish” really means, “I love you” to the conclusion when the Princess leaps to safety with her luminous white dress floating behind her on the breeze, our hearts rejoice throughout this timeless classic. With colorful characters punctuating this melodrama, there is no shortage of laughs. Inigo pursues his father’s killer with a single-minded purpose to avenge his death, yet he is a fun and lovable light-hearted character. Fezzik is a giant who is a hired killer with so much compassion for his hits that he insists on fighting fair. Farmboy, later known as Westley, and later still as “The Man in Black” has many quirky, yet admirable characteristics.

There are so many glimpses of what our Prince is like it is difficult to choose which truths to expand upon. He first demonstrates his love for Buttercup with humble acts of service, patiently waiting for her come to the realization that his faithfulness is a daily expression of his love for her.

In the same way, Jesus does not force Himself into our lives, but he patiently pursues us and waits for us to invite Him in. Westley declares that his love for her is true just as scripture declares God’s true love for us from before the world began. The Man in Black rescues her from the trio of kidnappers even though he feels betrayed by her at the time, like Jesus died for us while we were still sinners.

Westley is not recognized by his beloved right away upon his return, just as there are those who still don’t recognize Jesus for who He is. Westley has flawless manners, and maintains a positive attitude no matter what pressure he is under, and Jesus conducted Himself above reproach His entire life, even as they crucified Him.

Finally, Westley promises Buttercup that he will come for her and Jesus promises us that He will return for us.

This hero uniquely resembles Jesus in the various ways that Westley faces, experiences and conquers death. As you know, Westley faces and overcomes death on more than one occasion and in more than one way. We will classify his death-conquering episodes into three categories:

1. He proves the rumors of his own death to be false.
2. He is resurrected from his own physical death.
3. He snatches his beloved from the jaws of death.

Titanic -- "In all I do, I honor You."

"Amazing love, I know it’s true

It’s my joy to honor You

In all I do, I honor You.”

Knowing my sin was part of why He had to die inspires me to live my life in a way that would be a blessing to him. I want to live the way Jesus would want me to live.

Just like Jack, Jesus said not a single word in complaint on His way to Calvary. He did not try to avoid it or to save His own life. In fact, He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. It was His amazing love for me, for you, that led Him to the cross:

“Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions . . . .”

Ephesians 2:4-5

I appreciate so much what Jesus did for me that I want to honor Him with all I do, just as the song says. And I guess that is kind of what Rose did too.

She fought for her life; she blew the whistle for the rescuers to come to her when she felt more like staying there and dying in the cold. When she had to give her name to the officials, she called herself Dawson. And she went on to live a full and abundant life, a life that would have made Jack proud of her. She obeyed him to the end – she died an old lady warm in her bed.

That is what I want to do too. I want to be faithful to the very end. I want to live each and every day acting on the firm belief that I am truly His Princess Bride.

Titanic -- Amazing Love! How can it be?

One of the reasons this film stayed with me so powerfully when I first saw it was because of the way Jack died. If you take a close look at the events that lead up to his death, you will see that Rose had actually been safely seated on a life boat at one point. As it was being lowered, she realized that Jack would probably go down with the ship, and could not bear that thought. So, rather than live without him, she chose to climb back aboard the doomed vessel and take her chances with him. The bitter irony is, however, that if she had obeyed him and stayed on the lifeboat, the floating door that saved her life would have saved his.

After the great ship slipped beneath the surface, they thrashed around in the freezing water and Jack found a wooden door. At first they both tried to get onto the door, but they soon realized that it would not hold them both. Jack insisted that Rose stay on it, and he remained in the water. Knowing he would die very soon of hypothermia, he used one of his last breaths to instruct Rose once again on how to live. He even ordered her to do everything to stay alive. He told her that knowing her, even for such a short time was worth it.

Jack felt she was worth it. He valued her life above his own. He gave his life for her as readily as if it were a simple courtesy like opening a door for her or pulling out a chair for her. He surrendered his life more willingly than some people surrender their seat on a bus. He died without a word of complaint. Far from it, he displayed more courtesy and dignity in his final moments than some people display in their lifetime. He never mentioned the fact that if she had obeyed him and stayed on the life boat, then he would be safely laying on top of that door himself waiting to be rescued and reunited with her.

When I finally realized that Jesus loved me like that I was overwhelmed. It was hard for me to imagine, and even harder for me to accept. Jesus, the One and Only Son of the Creator of the Universe loves me enough to die for me – and loves me enough to be grateful for the chance just to know me!

After realizing this, my favorite song became “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” by the Newsboys:

“Amazing love, how can it be

That You, my King, should die for me?

Amazing love, I know it’s true

It’s my joy to honor You

In all I do, I honor You.”

Readers: Have you grasped His amazing love for you? Is it even possible to fathom it?

Titanic -- Jack lived on purpose, and for a purpose.

Beyond Jack’s method to life; he found a new motive once on board the Titanic. Once he met Rose, her safety and wellbeing became his central purpose. He felt compelled to make sure she was taken care of. First, he commits to jumping off the ship with her if she jumps, and saves her life. Next, he questions her about what happened to make her feel she had no other way out; he invites her to confide in him, and widens her outlook on life in general. Later he fights his way onto a first-class deck to talk to Rose. He offers her a new life, with him. Ultimately Jack sacrifices his life to guarantee that she will live.

Jesus also came to the earth for two reasons.

First, He modeled and taught us HOW we should live. He showed us the method. He lived an exemplary life – a life absolutely free from the stain of sin.

Second, His central purpose was US. He lived for the ultimate purpose of saving us, and to do that, He had to die.

Some people believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was some kind of huge cosmic mistake – that it never should have happened. They are wrong. Jesus knew exactly what his mission was, and He made it clear ahead of time. In fact, even John the Baptist alluded to it even before Jesus’ ministry began:

“John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,

“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.””

John 1:29

Lambs were animals used to sacrifice to atone for the sins of the people. So John could foresee Jesus’ death. John knew Jesus’ central purpose.

Jesus himself also referred to his impending death numerous times. He was fully aware that his life on earth was for a specific purpose.

“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must by killed and on the third day be raised to life.”

Luke 9:22

His purpose in living was to show us how to live, and then to die so that we could have eternal life.

Jack showed Rose how to live, how to really live. Then he surrendered his life in order to save hers.

Readers, how does it feel to know, to really know that Jesus intentionally came to give his life so you could keep yours for all eternity? Let me know.

Titanic -- Jack lived without pretense, and without worry!

Whether he is at the party, or alone with Rose, there is no pretense in Jack. He knows who he is, and he IS who he is. He is not burdened with regrets, jealousies, bitterness, or unforgiveness. All of this explains his overflowing joy. He does not pine for what he does not have. He appreciates everything he does have. He has learned the secret of contentment that Paul writes about:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Philippians 4:12

Jack also forgives freely. This is because his intention is to live life to the full, and not waste any of it. Holding onto a grudge would be a waste. Worrying would be a waste.

This is why Jesus instructs us to forgive, and not to worry:

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you... Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.”

Matthew 6:14

Jesus wants us to live intentionally. He knows that worry, and unforgiveness will get in the way of that. He wants us to have complete joy:

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

John 15:11

Living without pretension, walking in contentment, forgiving freely, being free from the need for others’ approval, all speak to the method, or the way we approach life. The other component to intentional living speaks to the motive, the driving force behind our life’s efforts.

The method is HOW you live intentionally, and the motive is WHY you live intentionally.

Readers, are you living free from regret, worry, and unforgiveness? You can, but it is an intentional choice only you can make. I pray we all can learn to live within the freedom that Jesus died to give us.

Note to readers: Sorry this post is late! I just switched over to a Macbook and am learning how to use it! Thank you for your patience, and for continuing to visit my blog. I pray it is a blessing to you. Stay tuned for the next post!

Titanic -- Jack Embraces Life!

Jack’s life is an adventure which he embraces and lives to the full. He explains to the uppity-ups at dinner, without any embarrassment or apology, how he came to be aboard the Titanic: he won the tickets at a lucky hand of poker. He also freely admits that he is not only homeless, but jobless. Even though Ruth, Rose’s mother, clearly looks at him with contempt, Jack is not disturbed in the least. His worldview gives him the advantage of being free from condemnation.

Jack’s unencumbered way of living is exactly how Jesus instructed his disciples to approach life as they traveled and taught the gospel.

“Take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.”
Mark 6:8

From perfecting his artistic skills to winning tickets for the crossing, Jack celebrates life with joy and passion. He is not clouded by prejudices. He draws the one-legged prostitute simply because he appreciated the beauty of her hands. He embraces friendships with people from all cultures and all walks of life; from Fabrizio the Italian to Tommy the Irishman.

Jack is free from concern about what others will think of him. He waves at the throng as the Titanic departs even though he doesn’t know anyone in the crowd. He dances with abandon even though he doesn’t know how. Jack is free from the compulsion to earn the approval of others.

Jesus operated independently from others’ opinions as well. What would it have been like to see Jesus dancing at the wedding in Canaan? He was obviously having such a great time at that celebration He didn’t want it to end. When the wine ran out, He supernaturally made more. Lots more! Good quality stuff too.

Titanic -- Identity and Purpose

Just as Jack did more than just say he would hold onto Rose and bring her back on board, he actually did it -- Jesus didn’t just say He was God. He proved it with his actions.

He raised the dead, healed the blind and the lame, cleansed the lepers, walked on water, calmed the wind and the waves, and forgave sins by His own authority. And for the visual learners in his group, He held His own little private “Show and Tell” on the top of a mountain. He took Peter James and John, and showed them who He really is.

“There he was transfigured before them.
His face shone like the sun,
and his clothes became as white as the light.”
Matthew 17:2

Jesus was sure of His own identity. He knew He was the One and Only Son of the Living God. And He knew His purpose, and lived intentionally to fulfill it.

Identity and purpose are also interconnected in the character of Jack Dawson. Jack’s secure knowledge of who he is – Jack Dawson, of the Chippewa Falls’ Dawsons – is also coupled with his intention to live life purposefully.

Titanic -- Defining Moment

One of the moments that I love Jack most was when he proudly proclaimed that he was Jack Dawson, of the Chippewa Falls' Dawsons. He knew exactly who he was, and wasn't afraid to proclaim it.

One of the most dramatic and exciting moments when Jesus clearly stated who He was took place in His hometown, Nazareth. He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and took the scroll that Isaiah had written and read the description of the coming Messiah.

“Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it to the attendant and sat down.
The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
and he began by saying to them,
“Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.””
Luke 4:20-21

What essentially happened here is Jesus opened up the Bible, read a passage about the Son of God, and said, “The Messiah you've been waiting for? It’s me!”

On another occasion, Jesus was very clear about stating who He was when a group of Jews came right out and asked Him,“Who do you think you are?”

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered,
“before Abraham was born, I am!”
John 8:58

Two facts are evident in this statement:

First, Jesus indicates that He transcends time. (You’ll read more about this in chapter 9 on Kate and Leopold.) Claiming to exist beyond the parameters of time is a claim to divinity in itself.

Second, Jesus concludes His statement with the verb conjugation “I am”. This was extremely significant as those are the exact words that God used to identify himself to Moses when He appeared in the burning bush.

A modern day equivalent would be someone identifying themselves with the surname of their father, for example identifying themselves as a Kennedy. The Jews who heard him took this as blasphemy as they got His message loud and clear – Jesus was claiming to be God.

Titanic -- Jack was confident in who he was

So who was Jack?

Jack was a man who knew he was not crazy. He knew he was innocent of any wrong-doing at the stern of the ship. He knew he was good enough for Rose, and could help her out of whatever distressed her. He knew he could hold his own in a conversation with anyone, anywhere, anytime.

And who was Jesus?

Christians say He was the Son of God, born of a virgin, crucified on a cross, laid to rest in a tomb of rock, and resurrected on the third day.

Case for Christ by Lee Stroebel explains how all of this is one of the most solidly proven events in history, I highly recommend it. He also explains that some say that Jesus never claimed to be the Son of God – and proves those people are misinformed.

The fact is that His claims to be the Son of God are exactly what Jesus was crucified for!Jesus, when brought to trial before Pilate, said nothing in an attempt to defend himself. He was confident He was the Truth.

“But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge –
to the great amazement of the governor.”
Matthew 27:14

Before Jesus was brought before Pilate and sentenced to death on the cross, he was questioned on a number of occasions. The Sadducees and Pharisees were constantly trying to trip Jesus up with trick questions. They asked Him about paying taxes, and about marriage at the resurrection (see Matthew 22:15-33) and Jesus handled their questions with complete confidence.

When Jack goes to dinner with Rose, and they are deep in the snake pit just as Molly Brown predicted, Jack also handles their questions with self-assurance and dignity.

“My mother looked at him like an insect,
a dangerous insect which must be squashed quickly.”

-- Rose

Titanic -- Crazy accusations?!

Scripture records early in Jesus’ ministry, his own family thought he had lost his mind. He had been preaching and teaching and doing miracles, and had stirred up quite a following.

“When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said,
“He is out of his mind.””
Mark 3:21

How did Jesus handle this hurtful accusation? In verse 35 of the same chapter, we read His response;

“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

Jesus was far too sure of who He was to let anyone’s silly allegations bog Him down.
And if it isn’t bad enough to be thought of as crazy by your own family, the teachers of the law did their own finger-pointing:

“He is possessed by Beelzebub! By the Prince of Demons he is driving out demons.”
Mark 3:22

It was absolutely preposterous that the teachers of the law were calling Jesus demonic! Of course, with careful and flawless logic, Jesus patiently explained to them how that could not be true. He knew exactly who he was, and stood firm in that knowledge.

Readers: If you have ever been falsely accused, take heart! You are in good company.

Titanic -- He Knows Who He Is!

Welcome to my most popular blog post! I have a hunch the dreamy photo of Jack has brought you here, but I am glad to have you! Please look around and stay a while! If you like what you read, please share this blog with others.

Early in the voyage, Rose catches Jack’s eye. He sees her from the steerage deck as she gazes out over the ocean from above him on first class deck. Jack is attracted to her right away; in fact, he can’t take his eyes off her. Jack’s Irish friend, Tommy Ryan, waves his hand in front of his face, and mocks him, with that beautiful Irish lilt, for even thinking he could get next to the likes of her.

Undaunted by his friend’s discouraging prediction, Jack continues to watch as Cal comes after Rose. He observes as Cal grabs her arm and she resists, and by their body language it is obvious to him that something is amiss. Jack not only believes he is good enough to be with Rose, but also considers himself to be worthy and capable of rescuing her.

It is later that evening when Jack first has an opportunity to talk to Rose. She has again run away from her suffocating world, right past Jack who was lying down on a bench on the ship deck star-gazing. Her footsteps echo loudly on the hardwood boards of the third-class ship deck as she dashes to the stern of the ship. Jack sits up, watches her, and then follows her.

By the time he reaches her, she has already climbed over the railing. She is hanging off the back of the ship looking down at the roiling cold waters of the North Atlantic. Jack approaches her and tells her not to do it. He peals off his jacket and shoes, and explains to her that if she jumps he will be obligated to jump in after her. He describes in great detail what it feels like to be immersed in icy water – just how painful it would be.

When he again insists that he is committed to leaping in after her, she accuses him of being crazy. Jack is unfazed by her accusation because he knows exactly who he is.

Titanic -- She was worth it!

So, here we are. Jack died to save Rose's life. As discussed in last blog, Jack would have likely survived if Rose had listened to Jack and stayed on the lifeboat. But she didn't. Another thing that crosses our minds is that Jack won his ticket to board the Titanic. And they shouldn't have hit that iceburg in the first place. Our mind is filled with a myriad of 'if only' statements.

And we are angry. Maybe it is just me, but I keep thinking, "It isn't supposed to end like this." Especially when we see that Cal makes it. Life isn't fair. We can't stop thinking, "This should not have happened!"

Friends, sometimes life just isn't fair. And everything in us cries out against fate (whether we had a hand in what has happened or not). And we become resentful or bitter because we just can't let go of what should have been.

That is not the attitude that Jack had at all.

"Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me. It brought me to you. And I'm thankful for that, Rose. I'm thankful."

He embraced his destiny and counted it gain that he should have met Rose, known her, and had the chance to save her life. He felt that she was worth it. She was worth the price he paid for knowing her for such a short time: His life. That is how Jesus feels about us. He loves us and he feels we are worth it.

I remember hearing, "Even if you were the only one, Jesus would have died for just you."

And I remember thinking, "That's a bunch of hogwash." After all, God would have weighed very carefully the cost of His One and Only Son against the benefit of the exact number of souls that would accept Him and receive the gift of eternal life. You know, a basic cost-benefit analysis. I was sure I was just a dot in a sea of faces that Jesus could see from His vantage point on the cross.

Once I had my real encounter with Christ, I knew, just knew that He did die just for me. I don't know if I can fully explain it, and so I pray the Holy Spirit will reveal to you what I am trying to say, but I know that it was my sin, my disobedience, that put Jesus on that cross. And just as surely as I know that, I know He chose to go through with it because He just couldn't live without me.

I wasn't just a dot in a sea of faces, I was the face He was seeing. And He was so moved with love and compassion for me that He did a cost-benefit analysis and found out that I was worth it.

Mind blowing. I may drip tears onto my computer keyboard. Jesus loves me like that. He, like Jack, would say that I was worth it -- just so that He could know me.

One more thing: in Biblical terms "to know" someone meant that you knew them in the most intimate way, like a man knows his wife. You see, Jesus came that we may know Him, that we may become one with Him even as He is one with the Father. Check out John 17. It was Jesus' dying wish. That we know Him.

Do you know Him?