Flip the Script

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33 NIV

For those of you who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. I love Jesus. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my friend, and keeper of my heart. I love my husband, my family and my friends. I love to read. I love my work. I love words. And I love the movies.

Seriously, I really love movies. I quote them, I know weird, random movie facts, I took cinema classes in college! Old movies, new movies, funny, dramatic, poignant, and character-driven, I’m a sucker for a well written film. Give me a good movie with smart dialogue and bring on the popcorn!

The art of making films really took off during a decade of change, fondly remembered as the Roaring Twenties. In 1928 MGM studios introduced us to Leo the Lion. The film was MGM’s first talking film, White Shadows in the South Sea, and for the first time in history the public heard Leo’s powerful roar!

Well, here we are now, many years after Leo’s debut, and while the 1920s ushered in a new era of filmmaking, the year 2020 caused the world to stand still. The entertainment business came to a screeching halt. Not only were the movie theaters closed and the Broadway stages dark, but schools were virtual, church services online, and you could literally order just about anything you wanted and have it delivered directly to your door within 24 hours.

What did 2020 have in common with 1920? A culture shift of epic proportions! Like 1920 before us, 2020 started out with the familiarity of current topics and the general routines of daily life. Then, without any warning, March made an entrance with a roar heard around the world.

Let’s face it, 2020 was scary, loud, messy, painful, angry, unpredictable, inconceivable and was showing on television screens everywhere. This monster of a year was definitely getting her share of close-ups.

In an effort to survive, we flipped the script and followed God’s direction. By design, He gave each of us a role that no one else could play. Even in the midst of chaos, our gracious, hard-working God was still on the job. He is mighty, He is powerful and we are His masterpiece. But now, it’s time to look up!

Many generations have faced hardships. Wars, epidemics, poverty, and recessions have plagued the world since the beginning of time. There are long-lasting effects and lessons learned.

Here are a few of the lessons I learned from 2020

I experienced God’s truth in concrete ways. John 16: 23 NIV tells us, “In this world we will have trouble.” Notice it doesn’t say we might have trouble. It states we will have trouble. Philippians 4:13 ESV says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

I recognized how I took for granted the routine tasks of driving, shopping, going to work, seeing family, and friends. I could never have imagined that something could come along and rip through the fabric of our daily lives.

God placed a strong desire in my heart to write for Him, shining a light on His presence and encouraging women in their faith-walk. In Ephesians 2:10 ESV Paul tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created for good works, which God has prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

The experiences of 2020 were used by God to grow my faith, purpose, and appreciation. The shift in my perception of life was profound.

Keep looking up! We truly are His handiwork, He delights in us and His love is everlasting.

Points to Ponder

●      How did the events of 2020 affect you?

●      What lessons did God reveal to you during this time?

●      How did these new revelations from God change your perspective?