Firefly
If you are not familiar with the sci-fi series "Firefly," let me be the first to recommend it. It stars Nathan Fillion (now appearing on the ABC show "Castle") as a 25th Century Robinhood. It's campy, not at all like Star Trek or other series in the genre, and perhaps that is what caused its untimely cancellation. I took it with me on the "Road Warrior for Real Warriors" RV trip as a distraction at the end of a long day's journey. What could be more entertaining than space cowboys fighting evil aliens?
In one of the first episodes, the rag-tag band of celestial thieves happen to acquire something from some really bad Bad Guys. They get into a fight and appear to have the upper hand. They make for a hasty escape with the bad Baddies hot on their space cowboy boot heels.
And as in all good Western thrillers, the good guys run right to the edge of a canyon cliff. Uh oh! They turn to face their certain doom, hands held high and begin to negotiate for...
freedom.
You know it's not going to end well, but wait - it can't end badly because this is just the beginning of the "story." They can't meet their Maker yet! The bad Baddies approach, weapons raised, locked and loaded. "Come on fellows," our negotiating hero begins. A pale look comes over the face of the bad guys. They drop their weapons, turn tale and run for the hills.
The protagonist laughs. "Gee, I really am charming." What he doesn't realize is right behind him their HUGE Firefly spaceship has arrived, just in the nick of time. It wasn't the captain that thwarted the enemy - it was the Carrier.
"Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 2 Kings 6:16
Some of the comments I received after the final report from the road (see Peligroso!) referenced the account in Scripture of the massive army of angels and chariots of fire, that were standing ready to go into battle on behalf of Israel. When I talked with my son about why he thought the "baddies" turned tale and ran - he quickly said he had no idea. Perhaps, as with Elisha's servant, the Lord opened their eyes and they saw the multitude of warriors standing guard ready to make war!
There has traditionally been a sense of pride about being an American and our ability to defend the defenseless and willingness to fight for freedom. I don't think the Founding Fathers based that on who they were as individuals but the Judeo-Christian moral foundation that inspired and formed their Declaration. It was not about "one," but The One, that revolutionized and formed a nation.
On this day after Easter Sunday, I am wrapping up preparations for my eighth Wounded Warrior Getaway (sponsored by Joni and Friends - San Antonio). The day we celebrate the resurrection is a great encouragement and reminder of the freedom bought and paid for "while we were yet sinners." The risen Christ is our "carrier;" showing up not because we deserve it, but because of His nature and promise. "I will be with you always, even to the end of the age."
My prayer for the upcoming week with the soldiers and their families is to be a healing balm of love, laughter and joy. I am honored and humbled by the strength, courage and sacrifice of these brave men and women, their families and children.
"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and He wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the devil throws your way." Ephesians 6:10 The Message
Still smiling in His service
Preparing for the battle
Charlynn
Pray for the families attending
Pray for the volunteers serving
Pray for the Joni and Friends staff as they make final preparations for the weekend
Pray for the speakers Clebe and Deanna McClary for their message of hope and freedom found in Christ
Pray for the creative Spirit to inspire me today as I create yet another new way to bring smiles and laughter into the weekend
Pray for travel mercies for all (families, volunteers and speakers) to be safe
Pray for yourselves - the enemy always tries to cut off the ammunition supply (intercessory prayer) in a multitude of ways. Be about the Master's business!
We are MORE than conquerors
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