A Nation Torn Asunder: A Call for Unity in the Church

When I heard that there was going to be a march in Charlottesville, VA, last Saturday, I had immediately begun to pray. For how could I not be driven to my knees in prayer? In the relatively few years that I have grown from blissful adolescence to spiritual and political awareness, my country has faced tremendous upheaval. I have watched this with a mix of apprehension and hope, hope only found in Christ as I have clung to God's Word through it all. 

I have already addressed my heart on the issue of race. If you haven't read my article pertaining to the subject, "A Christian's Look at Racial Tension in the United States", I implore you to do so. Just to provide a summary, I condemn racism at every level. There is no way that one can look down on another simply because of color, ethnicity, or creed. God has called us as Christians to love one another regardless, and to exude that love in the walks of our lives, wherever God takes us. 

The love of God was far from present in the minds of those who pillaged, raged, and mutilated last Saturday. No matter your political opinion regarding any of the groups involved, there is only one word I can use to describe the lot of them. Disgusting. It is very tempting for me to give into the anger I feel in my heart towards those who blindly would destroy, and kill, all for racial 'justice'. However, I myself refuse to give into the same anger that filled their hearts. For this is not a physical battle, but a spiritual one. 

You see, the city of Charlottesville is not a place that is foreign to me. In fact, it is where I was born. While I don't have many childhood memories of my early life there, considering that I was so young, the horrors of these events struck far too close to home. We always hear of unspeakable acts in the news, but we never expect, or desire, for such terrors to occur in our own lives. 

Saturday night, I left work completely unaware of what had occurred. I had left troubled, because even though I was unaware, my heart was already hurting. Do people have to die over a lie? Must we become so consumed by anger and hatred that we fail to recognize our humanity? What do events like this prove, other then our animalistic foolishness? 

I am fully aware of the debate regarding these statues, and I can understand the frustration of both sides. However, I cannot say that I agree with either of them. As a lover of history, I know that it is never simply black and white. There are stains that mark the record, and many pages are soaked through with blood. There have been atrocities committed that make my stomach churn in disgust. By the same token, there have been true acts of heroism, and undeniable times that God's providential hand has been seen. 

The problem is that many are uneducated in the truth of our country's history, and have been instead fed the lies of a wicked agenda. And that doesn't stop with the United States. I'm not going on a rampage of a political nature, but a spiritual one. Regardless of your views regarding politics, there is a time and a place for it in our natural world. It is critical that Christians are aware and vigilant regarding the state of our countries and nations, and prayer for our countries and our leaders is so, so important! 

Personally, I do not agree with the tearing down of historical monuments. Does that make me a white supremacist? Most certainly not. I hold no false illusions of racial grandeur, and I wholeheartedly condemn their actions. I simply cannot agree that by tearing down our history, we can somehow create a better future. For what will the destruction of these statues truly incite? It is but another manifestation of a spiritual problem that has lasted through the ages. Will we stop at statues? Or next, will we desire to burn the history books? Will we, enraged and blinded, seek to jail those who disagree with us? In that perspective, what makes us any better then those of times past? This is not a  'slippery slope' argument, I'm not saying these things to elicit fear. It is simply the observation of one who loves to study history, and all too well sees the patterns that run throughout it.

What we also must realize is that this sort of terror will not stop at Charlottesville. Almost every day, I hear of horrific terror attacks across the globe. Whether it be London, Paris, Berlin, Egypt, etc...those are but examples of places outside America that have experienced such horrors. Now, while all the places listed above have experienced different sorts of mayhem with different causes and reasons; it all boils down to the same problem. 

Friends, there is a sickness in our world. It cannot be cured by medicine, and it cannot be combated by human methods. It can only be countered by God's Word, and the only way we can ever hope to see the tide turn is by we, the Church, laying aside our differences and standing in unity. It is not my heart to sound so overly preachy that my words fail to sound practical, but when we recognize that we are standing in the middle of a spiritual battle, it changes one's perspective.   

If we, the Church, cannot stand in unity and in prayer, what can we ever truly accomplish? If we continue to snap at each other and wound our fellow believers with our words and actions, there will never be any fruitful progress. When we choose to lay down our pride and recognize our faults, then we will have a chance to bring about something good. I pray that we do this, because it's something that I myself am certainty trying to do in my own life. If we cannot start with our own hearts, we can never be used by God to bring healing to the broken. 

True revival begins within our own hearts, before spreading to another's. Instead of pointing fingers of accusation at those we deem faulty, perhaps it would be a good idea to look at the log in our own eye before glaring down at the speck in someone else's. 

Destiny: A Poem

I'm finally back from the obscurity of the working world with a new poem! As summer is drawing to a close, I realized that I must prepare to return to school (three weeks away, yikes!), so needless to say, I'm keeping myself busy. Despite all the craziness, I'm developing my book of poems, and I almost have enough to publish it! I'm very excited to share them with you, for these poems have definitely been a God-given inspiration, and I refuse to keep them to myself. Enjoy!

We speak our words with lofty goals,

And yet we fail to grasp the truth.

Of the binds that hold captive our souls,

And the hate that steals away our youth.

We struggle to fight against our fears,

And in asserted false bravery we strive,

To make use of our many shed tears,

And combat the fear that eats us alive.

Why can't we break through the fear?
How come the struggle is so strong?

Can we ever find the courage to see,

That we've been wrong, all along?

Why can't we hear the still small voice,

That whispers tirelessly in our ear?

That fear, though mighty, is a choice,

And cannot stand when victory is near.

Dauntless, the voice whispers,

Hope springs up from within. 

Even though we are but sinners,

Someone took away our sin.

Don't you hear the earnest call?

Can't you feel your heart leap?

That God was with you through it all,

Awakening your deadened heart from it's sleep?

Through it all, He's stood beside you,

Always caught you when you fell.

Traded your rags for something new,

And swept you from the gates of hell.

Through it all, I see now in your eyes,

The vast colors of the rainbow.

And the glory of the starry skies,

Hope setting your precious heart aglow.

With a fire unlike any before,

A passion set to conquer.

And a heart yearning for more,

Always growing stronger.

For what purpose? I wonder,

Have I been created so fierce?

In a world that despises thunder,

And the lies that it will pierce?

People hurriedly bow their heads,

But not to send an earnest prayer.

Their tongues rip others to shreds,

Claiming to be their own savior.

Blinded from the light,

We struggle for meaning.

They glorify the night,

What lies are we believing?

Every heart yearns for something real,

Deep down, we all long to see,

Are our broken hearts to scarred to feel?

We cry out to know who we're meant to be.

We cry for justice, yet we only deserve the penalty,

Of the lives we have damaged, the dreams we have destroyed.

Hopeless, we scramble to escape the verdict that seems our destiny,

Always running from the truth we desperately want to avoid.

Is this our fate? Or is there another way,

To brush off this dust and live unafraid?

Is it possible for brokenness to be made new?

Is there a chance that we can be brave?

Through it all, God never abandoned you,

He never left you on your own to drown.

Through it all, He always remains true,

And placed on your unworthy head, a crown.

Through it all, He redeemed you,

And never regretted his salvation.

To His Word, He will always remain true,

For He is the Lord of all Creation.

Dunkirk: A Tale of Survival and Providence in Harrowing War

In times of crisis and catastrophe, man has always faced a critical decision. Will we retain our humanity in the darkest of hours, or or will we become the monsters of our nightmares? What truly is the measure of humanity, and to what extends do our morals and values reach? Christopher Nolan tackles these questions and more in Dunkirk, a suspenseful retelling of the infamous rescue that changed the outcome of World War 2. 

Dunkirk is a film that not only uses the visual to capture the audience, but sound that immerses and enraptures. From the intense, pulse-pounding score, to the stunning visual effects, this film is a triumph of film making. I have seen many war films over the years, and many of them focus on World War 2. Understandably one of the most dynamic and dangerous times in our history, I can understand why it captures the attention of audiences and filmmakers alike. 

For how could it not? Instead of being presented as just another war story, this story is hinged on the suspense and fear of survival. With a war-torn countryside and miles of sun-baked beach as its backdrop, Dunkirk offers us a glimpse into the lives and mentality of those awaiting certain death, and unable to do anything to save themselves. One need not even try to place themselves in the soldier's positions, the movie is quite comfortable with throwing the viewer directly into the huddled masses. 

Told from three perspectives: land, water, and air, it focuses on people from all walks of life. Ironically, you never really know much about them. We aren't told much other then their names, and I believe that there was wisdom in this decision. From the boy-soldier who struggles to find any methods of escape on the heavily bombed beach, to the pilot soaring in enemy-infested skies, and finally to the father, his son, and the son's friend aboard their civilian vessel commissioned to rescue the soldiers; every person is presented as just that, a human being with significant value. Sadly, there are a tremendous amount of deaths, as war is not respecter of men; but the deaths are not glorified. The horror and tragedy of the unforeseeable events are handled with the greatest respect, and also, a sense of awareness. 

If there is no ultimate purpose or goal, how can the loss of human life ever be accepted? What measures the cost of the soul? How can the horror of war ever be seen as just in a world where blood is spilled as freely as water? While many argue and debate for that answer; Nolan simply shows us. If one cannot look at the bigger picture and realize that the destruction of a world that refuses to fight to protect its own would be far greater bloodshed then the lives lost in war, they just don't want to accept it. Even the Bible shows that there have been times that wars have had to be fought. God blessed Israel in battle many times, because it was in His will. 

Now, don't misunderstand me. It isn't in His will that any should perish, nor is God filled with blood-lust toward the innocent. But make no mistake, God won't allow the wicked to go unpunished. Nor will He abandon us in our time of need. Dunkirk is a powerful example of God's grace in a time of unprecedented hopelessness. It shows both sides of humanity, at our best, and our worst. It makes no boast of unrealistic heroics, nor does it mince words showing the darkness that can cloud our minds when pure fear takes hold. The characters make choices both good and bad, and in the end, the audience must come to terms with their actions just as much as those who enacted them. 

Truly a phenomenal film and a piece of art in its own way, Dunkirk is a tale that I highly recommend. Despite the setting and odds, it is surprisingly clean. There are very few scenes of blood and gore, and the language is kept to a clean minimum. It was refreshing to watch a movie that didn't care about the trappings of modern Hollywood, and instead focused on what really mattered; a dramatic tale of rescue amidst incredible odds, that was only made possible by God's providential hand.  

Self-Constructed Prison: A Poem

We all deal with struggles of many kinds, some personal, and some beyond our control. More often then not, I've found that I throw myself into problems I'd be without if I didn't dwell on things I shouldn't. I've a feeling that many of us do that, in one way or another, and even though that doesn't justify my own actions, it's nice to know that I'm not alone. Once we realize that we're trapped in prisons of our own making, perhaps we can emerge into the freedom Jesus died for us to have. We all have idols of sorts that we must choose to let go of, in order to give God His rightful place in our lives. After all, without his saving grace, what awaits humanity other then the fires of hell?

Every cut to your heart,

The festering wounds grow.

Watch every stitch rip apart,

Everything I used to know. 

Haven't you bled enough?

Or is crimson the new banner.

Can't you see you're a diamond in the rough?

Or is your mind just a haunted manor.

Of all the faults you see as icons,

The mirrors sometimes lie.

In a world of blinded pawns,

Where pain is kept alive.

In a heart where only hope should be,

But how can we fight through the web

That tangles us into a killing spree?

How our faulty emotions drift and ebb.

So far away from the hope we truly need,

Yet closer to our faults then we'd like. 

How is it that we watch the sin breed,

Against our wavering will, ready to strike?

How can we be so ignorant,

Oh who we were born to be?

Why can't we just be different,

Instead of a clone of humanity?

Yet we choose to be the sinner,

When we were born to be the saint.

Our blood keeps running thinner,

When will we ever find the taint?

Instead we choose comfortability,

In our little selfish worlds of pain.

Nothing but a false illusion of mimicry,

What on earth are we trying to obtain?

Our pitted hearts cannot be filled,

By the trappings of our fractured world.

Our actions cannot pay off the bill,

When the debtor comes undeterred.

Only the Savior wrapped in crimson,

Can dare to pay the weighty price.

To free our souls from this prison,

That we ourselves have idolized.

To Illustrate a Fantasy World: The Advantage of Designing One's Own Charaters

As the illustrations above suggest, I spend an awful lot of time designing and depicting the plethora of characters that inhabit the massive world of my novels. While this is no small undertaking, it is the triumph and testimony of an artist who always wanted to create digital art. Without God's wisdom and guidance, I honestly don't know how I'd be able to do what I do, considering that I'm largely self-taught.

Several years ago, I never would have thought I'd ever create digital paintings on programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Actually, I would have told you that you were crazy. You see, even though I had potential, I never thought I'd have the ability to create art that stunning. It was only until I decided to try, despite my fears, that I discovered I have a natural knack for it. Funny how life works.

And then, my childhood dream of becoming a published author suddenly was becoming a reality. I was so excited, but then I realized something critical; I need a cover for the book! So began my journey to where I am now, and even though I've come a long way from that first digital painting, I look back fondly in thankfulness.

Even though I still have much to learn, and I look forward to my future art classes at Liberty University, I am so thankful that God gave me the ability to not only write stories, but bring them  to further life through art. It simply is fun to do, and there's nothing better then being able to design characters exactly how you imagine them looking.

Regardless of whether I could draw my characters or not, it is wonderful to pen a tale filled with characters with real life problems, struggles, and fears. They also have hopes and dreams, and honestly, that's why I love to write. I love showing characters not as unrealistic one-sided fakes, but as real people. If a reader cannot relate with an author's characters, then the story is pointless. Without strong character development, your story will only go so far. And for me, that partially comes through hours of character design. Whether that may be pages of sketches, paintings, and notes, or a quick scene, I've found countless ways to bring my characters to vivid life.

Have you ever felt like you have a story to tell? Perhaps you have the talent to create awesome art? No matter your interests, don't let anyone tell you that you can't use those gifts in the future. God gave them to you for a reason, and never forget that! Do what you do best, because no matter the critics or the naysayers, God created you to rise to the occasion He knew you'd be born to fulfill.

Heart Cry: A Poem

I'm back from the dead! (Er, more like lots and lots of work...) In my time at work and busily working with my editor to wrap up the edits of Wings of Honor, I came up with another poem! This was a self-reflective piece, focusing on the struggle of trusting God when things don't make sense, and learning to give our worries and frustrations to God, even when life is confusing.

I'd like to believe that I am strong,

For how else have I survived?

God as my anchor, can I be wrong?

Yet doubts and fears, they plague me,

As I try to infuse hope in the lost.

Am I right? Am I helping them live free?

Or am I not counting the cost?

Am I anything but empty words and deeds,

With no lasting impact to my name?

Or perhaps I've been wrong all along,

Maybe they were never mine to save.

I can't bring salvation, only God can redeem.

But, I want to do my best to help them see,

That life isn't a menial chore, they aren't alone.

I wish I could help them realize who God made them to be.

Now I'm trying to focus,

But my world's a blur.

My enemies are like locusts,

Trying to strip me of my identity.

I'll never give up, no matter the cost,

For even if no-one ever sees, 

I'll be the weathered bastion of truth,

And even 'till the bitter end,

I'll keep fighting, one day I'll see the fruit.

Of the sacrifice my life truly means.

For the blood was already shed of another,

One far more powerful then I.

For what can be more mighty,

Then One, for all, who willingly dies?

On my knees, I plea to the Almighty.

Please save this broken heart of mine!

Help me be strong, even if no-one sees,

Help me be impactful, I want to be free!

Of the pain that seizes my heart,

Of the thoughts that numb my mind.

Help me see that I'm worth saving from the start.

For I am but the lines,

In a world of color.

Am I strangling it in vines,

Or am I the structure?

Of a world in need of hope,

Of restraint so it won't rupture.

We all are meant to live our lives,

As God made us to be.

No matter the cost,

He died so we could be free. 

Hope Rising: A Poem

As of late, in my day to day life I've looked around me, and I've seen such an overwhelming tide of hopelessness. When I see my loved ones fighting their own battles with the ugly monster, it makes me want to do everything I can to help. If God can use me in any way to shed a little light into someone's world, then my life has already been meaningful.

Sometimes we get these grand ideas of heroic measures to save others from darkness, and I admit, I've had quite a few. However, I've found in my relatively short years that true meaning and success aren't always found in the big things; it's the little things that make the greatest impact. 

With that being said, I wrote a poem with hopes that it will do just that; give hope to someone out there who needs it. If you're hurting and struggling to have faith in a world that can be incredibly harsh and unforgiving; this is for you.

We are a new army rising,

With fire blazing in our eyes.

We don't fear anything,

Because we're truly alive.

We died to the things we thought made us,

We strive to never let it bring change.

To the truth we know is just,

Despite those who want it deranged.

Venomous words,

They tickle my tongue.

Spoil my thoughts,

Infect my lungs.

Infuse and bate,

The monster inside.

Everything I hate,

Dwells in my mind.

We climb the mountains of fate,

Because we seek to understand.

How those before us became great,

And brought healing to our land.

But alas, we live in a land that's faithless,

As we struggle to remember our creed.

Our broken world has fallen into stasis,

Paralyzed by the promise of greed.

Why can't I see past doubt?

What's blinding my eyes?

My voice shakes when I shout,

Can't you hear my cries?

Innocence can't be forgotten,

True hope never dies.

The inside of a lie is rotten,

You think you crushed us, watch us rise. 

No matter the cost, we won't desist,

Faith isn't dead, nor is fearless belief.

Regardless of pain, we'll always resist,

Powerless, our enemy is a cowardly thief.

Victorious, we march to a higher drum,

Faithful, we seek to restore what was lost.

You think we're down, but we've only begun,

A child of God is never to be crossed.