Blue Like Jazz

Blue Like Jazz.  This movie has been on my mind since I watched it last week.  Maybe it's not the film you recommend to friends as a way to share the Gospel, but there is just something about it...something that makes you think--makes you think beyond yourself--or deep within yourself.

Now, movie reviews are not my strong point, so I won't even begin to pick Blue Like Jazz apart in order to list its strengths and weaknesses.  However, I will highlight something that has been pulling at me since the movie closed and the credits began to roll.

Spoiler--Beware.

At the end of the film, Donald Miller asks his unbelieving friend, 'Do you forgive me for misrepresenting God?'  

Hmmmm......

Now at this point, some viewers may quickly begin thinking back to all that Miller had said, done, and thought throughout the movie that got him to the point of realizing that he had, in fact, done a poor job of representing God.   But all I could think was 'How often do I misrepresent God?'  Quite honestly, that's what I keep coming back to, several days after watching it.  As someone who claims to follow God and His Word, and live a life for Him, how often do I misrepresent the very God I love, serve, and call Father, Savior, and King?

Miller continues after asking his question with a simple, 'He's not like me.'  

I agree.  He's not like me either.

God doesn't love the way I love.  His love is deeper and richer than my love, and certainly more so unconditional.  God doesn't forgive the way I forgive.  Sometimes I wait for a reason, and even then, it takes a long time for me to let go of things.  God doesn't make sacrifices the way I make sacrifices, because even my greatest sacrifices are laced with selfish gains.  God doesn't care for people the way I care for people.  I'm a compulsive planner and sometimes find myself tied to my To-Do list, unwilling to make adjustments or allow for unexpected opportunities to serve.

So.  Do you forgive me for misrepresenting God?  He's not like me.

A Farewell to Winter

In honor of this year's sad non-winter, and even sadder attempt at the end-of-season snow storm, which was perfectly sandwiched between two beautiful, practically spring-time weather days, I give you my farewell to winter with, in my opinion, the...

Top Magically Beautiful Snow Scenes that Stick It to Maryland's Eye Roll of a Winter! 

Farewell winter...don't come back until you get your act together!