THE THINGS WE REMEMBER
It’s silly the things we remember from childhood. Even more amazing is how and when the scenes from decades past burst to life again as if they’re waiting patiently in our heart for their turn… again…I, like most of us in this country, have strong opinions on the new ruling in the land about same-sex marriages. Seems pretty cut and dried to me, but then again, I’m one of those folks that believe in absolutes, blacks and whites… and consequences.
Because the object of this site is to encourage, reflect, and strive to unite us as Christians, I rarely grab the decisive issues by the horns and send my two cents into cyberspace. I do this time not in anger or passion, but in quiet honesty.
As I sat reflecting on the issue, an old movie, from when I was around eleven years old, came back to me like an old friend. Funny, the things we remember. The movie was The Three Musketeers.
And while some of the story is vague, there is one scene that stood out. Stood out so much that after forty years I can still see the images burned into my memory. I think it was Faye Dunaway that was the antagonist that had killed D’Artagnan’s (played by Michael York) girlfriend, (the character of Raquel Welch), and had also betrayed her country.
When justice was about to be poured out on the antagonist in the form of an execution, D’Artagnan had compassion and thought maybe there had been enough killing. He stepped in to try to reason with the rest of the Musketeers.
The burly Musketeer named Athos, played by Oliver Reed, spoke the line in the film that has stayed with me a lifetime. I’ve quoted the simple line in humor and I’ve spewed it in anger more than once. Ahhh, the things we remember.
“This is where we cross swords, D’Artagnan,” Athos told the youngster and was ready to fight him to the death to bring about justice.
The two sides of the latest decision by the court bring about that type of attitude and conviction. And which side we land on is based on what we believe in.
I’m willing to stand and cross swords with those who wouldn’t agree with my opinion, but not in a violent way. That’s not the Christian way.
I’m not surprised to find the ones that once told the moral majority that they couldn’t “legislate morality” are doing exactly that. I am disappointed that the modern church in their quest to “get along” has become silenced in their common sense.
In general I believe most of us are all for equal rights for a soul and a body the way God intended them to be born. That, however, doesn’t transfer to equality based on the actions of the soul cage… for any of us…
May our actions be that of patience and understanding in a lost world that serves a different master. I need to be reminded that the true love of God is for every single soul He created. That’s what will change hearts and the world. I hope those will be the things we remember.
David Rupert
Sunday, June 28, 2015 @ 9:20 am
Floyd yes. The world serves a differnet aster and this kingdom of man is not my kingdom. We are aliens and its supposed to be uncomfortable. So I’m embracing the discomfort and leaning into Jesus
Cheryl Smith
Sunday, June 28, 2015 @ 10:59 pm
Thank you, brother, for always speaking the truth in love. Your Christlike spirit is a true and shining example. Dear Lord, help us to step up and stand in the gap for our country. I have cried so many tears and felt such heaviness and shock. The most powerful weapon we have available to us is prayer. God is truly our only hope. May He bless you in a big way.
Kim Adams Morgan
Monday, June 29, 2015 @ 7:33 am
Great post, Floyd. I’m not happy about it either, but Christ did say things would get much worse. I’m almost afraid to get out of bed each morning to see what will be coming next. Yet I keep praying and pushing on for His kingdom. It’s what we are called to do. And we can counteract this with Truth and kindness.
Bill (cycelguy)
Monday, June 29, 2015 @ 8:50 am
I have said before (and you are aware of it) that we stand on Truth, the Truth of God’s Word, but we stand for truth in LOVE. Not hate. Not belligerence toward people (except maybe the ruling itself), but we still love. We don’t give people a reason to throw stones at our faith. Good words Floyd.
Betty Draper
Monday, June 29, 2015 @ 12:08 pm
Well said brother, well said.
Hazel Moon
Monday, June 29, 2015 @ 1:54 pm
Our battle is not with swords, guns and weapons of destruction, but our war is a spiritual one, with prayers, words and truth. Many of us have a family member, or friend who is involved in an ungodly relationship, either homosexual or shack up. Some claim they love Jesus and have received Him. Paul urged to not place a burden too heavy on new believers; but that they keep from blood, strangled meats, idols (false gods) and fornication (sexual sins.) Even some born again Christians struggle with unclean habits not becomming a Christian, and they frequent places where Jesus would fail to attend. What is the answer for our sloppy believers that allow sin as normal? A book that just came to my Kindle, has the bottom line to a devout and HOLY life in Christ. DO ONLY THOSE THINGS IN LIFE THAT WOULD PLEASE JESUS. Avoid situations in entertainment, financial, even some friends, that would not please Jesus. Keep in the Word, and get involved in a good Bible Believing Church, and exercise praying in the Holy Spirit. Thanks Floyd for your thoughtful post and your gentle spirit even when thrusting your sword. Thank you for sharing with us at Tell me a Story.
Mike
Wednesday, July 1, 2015 @ 10:22 am
I was part of a discussion on Facebook about this issue, and would like to share what I wrote because there were people coming down on both side of the issue. If God does not exist none of this matters, but if God does exist it matters a gread deal. Even though we as individuals either accept, or not accept this decision, as a people we just did. As God will not hold this country guiltless for the destruction of millions of unborn children He will not hold this country guiltless for telling Him He’s wrong about what a family is. It really doesn’t matter what any of us think, for or against, it matters what God thinks; and I’d bet money He’s not happy. Right after the ruling there were pro gay marriage people tweeting that we have finally entered the post Christian area. I actually think we did that a while back, but God’s people must stand in the gap and not grow faint. I do believe the end times are speeding up, and we might be part of that generation to see prophecy fulfilled.
saleslady371
Wednesday, July 1, 2015 @ 1:10 pm
Very well said, Mr. Lighthouse, very well said. And you said it in the right spirit. Maybe you will talk about these topics more. I appreciate your opinion.
I, too, am disappointed in the church’s lack of involvement.
Have a safe and happy Fourth to you and your family.
Jason Stasyszen
Thursday, July 2, 2015 @ 11:42 am
That’s my hope for every living soul. The love of God has changed me and continues to change me. There is no person He can’t save and no pattern of sin He can’t or hasn’t overcome. Have to keep that unfailing love front and center. Good job, my friend! Thanks Floyd.
Sharon
Thursday, July 2, 2015 @ 9:19 pm
As always, Floyd, your wise words ring of Truth – and they are presented in your thoughtful and measured way. Thank goodness that God provided a way to be free of our *soul cages* – and His name is Jesus. I pray for a revival in our country, and in our hearts, and a return to following HIM.
GOD BLESS!
June
Friday, July 3, 2015 @ 6:49 am
Well said, brother. We need to stop expecting non-believers to act like Jesus and remember that we are hear to shine His light in the dark places. But satan is a tricky fellow and sometimes he shows up as an angel of light. The distinct lines of black and white can blur. That’s why we need to know His word and His way for ourselves, personally and intimately so we are not lead astray in these dark times. The darkness is growing, but it will not overcome the Light. Have a blessed 4th, Floyd!
Micah
Friday, July 3, 2015 @ 12:20 pm
This is excellently put, Floyd; gracious and honest thoughts on an increasingly contentious issue.
Dolly@Soulstops
Friday, July 3, 2015 @ 12:48 pm
Floyd,
Yes…grace and truth…praying you and your family have a wonderful 4th of July…also celebrating freedom in Christ from the power of sin 🙂