Author: Wick

If you, like me, have done anything on the internet with most larger religious organizations, you’ve learned what I’ve learned. They’re as bad, if not worse, than most larger corporations at sharing your e-mail with all the companies that they do business with.

Because of this, I get e-mails all the time from stuff I have no interest in, telling me I should be interested. The most recent of which, is a doozy.

In the coming weeks your vote is going to play a crucial role in the battle for the hearts and minds of all Americans — and it is not your vote in the Presidential election.

On October 3, 2008 — Hollywood is holding an election — where your vote is the price of a movie ticket — and your participation is key to the emerging culture war. Two films will be released on October 3 with two very different messages. The militant pro-atheism documentary Religilous and David Zucker’s pro-America, pro-faith comedy An American Carol.

Bill Maher has said: “We are a nation that is unenlightened because of religion. I do believe that — I think religion stops people from thinking. I think it justifies crazies.”

On the contrary, David Zucker set out to make An American Carol a film that celebrates America as a country founded on the principles of faith. If you are one of the so-called “religious” crazies who wants to be heard LOUD and CLEAR by Hollywood — come out to the theater on October 3rd and buy a ticket for An American Carol.

Thanks,

Stephen McEveety
Producer of The Passion of the Christ

I’d actually have to agree a little with Maher on this one, and the fact that I received this e-mail kinda proves his point. Religion CAN unfortunately be something that stops people from thinking, and CAN be something that people use to justify doing crazy things. It might even make someone think the “battle for the hearts and minds of all Americans” could be won by me buying a movie ticket.

They both look like movies I wouldn’t pay money to go see. Although honestly, I’d rather see An American Carol because it looks like it might have a plot, even if it’s not a very good one. Religulous looks like it might actually be beneficial for some of us to watch, simply to be aware of how many of our faiths and others can come across to the world we’re called to reflect God in.

So last year, as most of you should know by now, I did a little song and dance on Wheel of Fortune, that netted me a few bills paid off, a couple vacations, and a dishwasher. It was stinkin’ awesome, and our lives are different in many ways because of it.

You may also remember earlier this year, I attempted to get my next “fix” by trying out for “Deal or No Deal”. The goal this time is to actually get money we can use to put us in the positive, as opposed to simply getting out of our already accrued debt.

Unfortunately, these auditions are a little more vague in their results.

For Wheel of Fortune, it was – “If you hear from us within 2 weeks, you’ve made it!! If not, we’re sorry, but thanks for coming.” You knew what to expect, and when to expect it.

With Deal or No Deal, it was – “Thanks for coming!! Someday, you might hear from us!!!” Sure, some people were immediately called back to Springfield. Someone was even asked to be a briefcase girl, from what we heard. But so far, to our knowledge, no one from the area has been on the show.

I’m not answering the phone everytime there’s an unknown number thinking “could this be Hollywood?”…but at the same time…I can’t honestly say I’ve forgotten about it 100%. Every time I hear the muffler on my 1994 Saturn. Every time we shell out for another GIANT pack of disposable diapers. Every time we wish we had an official “guest room” as opposed to the dungeon in our basement with a queen sized bed. In those moments I briefly think, “maybe they’ll call soon.”

But until then, and/or even if “then” doesn’t occur, it’s all good.

The banker couldn’t give me even half of what I value in life these days.

(but if he calls….I’m totally answering.) 🙂

So earlier this year, our church had a baptism service. There was one older man being baptized who needed assistance in and out of the giant tub, and I was asked to help. His name was Richard. He had entered our church body through our Monday morning food pantry service. As it turned out, he needed more help than expected…and as I helped him change out of his wet clothes post-baptism, our brief friendship began.

He was a quiet man, with a crippled arm, and a handicap that impacted his ability to speak well. I never got much more than a few words, several grunts, a “yep”, and a smile. He came to services here and there, and always seemed pleased to be around.

Our church had an outdoor service/BB-Q back in September. Richard showed up early, while we were still setting up things. He just sat and smiled, grunting a hello to anyone who greeted him. As the crowds gathered, he lent his good arm out to moving tables as he could. He collected a mound of food, and sat purposefully by himself. At the end of the event, he gathered as many leftovers as one arm could carry, and smiled on his way.

A week or so later, he came in asking for any food we could spare from our pantry. Through a short discussion, we learned that Richard had been living out of his vehicle for a few months now. I was more than a little ashamed on our behalf for not knowing this ahead of time. We began taking up collections for Richard, as well as working towards finding him housing through a local organization.

Last Friday, things came together. It looked like we had found a place. Unfortunately his representative had Friday’s off, and the lady in charge of the apartments was out of town for the weekend. We had to tell Richard to wait a few more days in his car, and come back monday. Which was really hard to do, knowing how many couches we have in this church.

Monday morning, we learned Richard had suffered a stroke during the evening.
By Tuesday morning, he had passed away.

The money we’ve gathered will help cover the costs of his funeral arrangements (this Friday, 11am). But what Richard has offered to those who will grow from this experience is worth more than money.

We have opportunity to show love to someone God loves today. People are without food. People are without shelter. There are people who cannot speak for themselves, and need an advocate.

Thanks Richard, for sharing yourself with us for the time we had with you. Sorry I didn’t offer you a couch, for whatever reasons. Enjoy paradise….we love you. (grunt, smile)