Shame on me for doing a double take when I saw the extraordinary Susan Boyle who performed on Britain’s Got Talent TV show.

By now, you’ve seen the video.

Her instant fame gave me pause about my initial reaction and how we regard or write off some people.

For a second, I thought she might be a man because of her appearance - the face, hairstyle and the bushy eyebrows. And then I thought she might just be another self-deceived, undiscovered “talent” who would simply elicit laughter. Instead, the judges and the audience stopped giggling and offered applause (most honored her with a standing ovation).

I wonder how we feel about unusual or unsightly people. Do we turn away and just ignore them? Do we figure they will merely stay home or hold jobs out of public view?

Society is full of rejects, crippled people and human beings of all ages with deformities we wouldn’t wish on anyone.

The Susan Boyles of the world remind me of the Hermey the Misfit Elf in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” He simply aspired to be a dentist rather than a toymaker.

Unemployed and not married at 47, Susan Boyle just wanted a chance to sing. I can’t imagine the ridicule she has faced over her lifetime. TV’s Larry King asked Susan if she was going to do anything about her appearance. Since he’s a media personality, I couldn’t blame him. People do wonder. Susan told him she has no plans to change.

Sometimes people do alter their looks, just like Elliott Yamin of American Idol fame did with his teeth.

When we see someone with a defect, we’d like to think we don’t jeer. But if we’re honest, we did judge Susan Boyle.

Hopefully most of the time we’re busy helping the blind, mentally retarded, deaf, etc.

What if the cashier has an ugly growth - maybe even a tumor hanging off their face? Will we wait longer in a different checkout aisle? You may have heard of neurofibromatosis, better known as Elephant Man disease.

We all matter to God:

“You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
- Psalm 139:13-14

Every person deserves their dignity - even the ones who can’t sing but somehow believe they’re destined for stardom. I’m glad Susan got her moment; I’d buy a ticket in a heartbeat. Her moxie and confidence stand out as well (I loved it when she wiggled her hips).

We’re all imperfect in one sense of another - spiritually and physically. I’m sometimes ill-tempered and I have a deformed right ankle that works fine even though it’s considerably larger than the norm.

On the spiritual side, my sins have been forgiven by Jesus who hung on a cross for me 2,000 years ago. And while I too often neglect Him and His power, I know Him and turn to Him.

As for this body of mine, it’s just temporary. Someday I’ll be in heaven - maybe even with Susan. Together, we can sing in perfect harmony.

I got a kick out my friend’s 2-year-old son who went to church in Cleveland Sunday. He figured it would be just like the last crowd he was around - inside a pro hockey arena in Detroit.

He was thrilled to see so many people. “Hockey! Hockey!” he yelled.

Maybe he didn’t realize the players wouldn’t be racing about. But he picked up on the joy. Everyone came out for a great occasion - to worship the King.

No ice, skates, or protective gear. He just needed wonderment and innocence - enough to make Jesus smile.

Matthew 19:14

Jesus, however, said, “Let the little children come to me, and stop keeping them away, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these.”

Jesus doesn’t require much from the rest of us - just hearts open enough to receive what He has for us … as we invite Him to transform our lives.

But maybe I’ll get arrested for being a violent extremist. After all, I oppose lax immigration policies and abortion laws that allow pieces of tiny kids to be tossed in the garbage.

But my stands on issues is the essence of a new report by some bureaucrats who lack some common sense.

Get a load of it here in the Washington Times:

“The report sent to law enforcement … lists veterans as a terrorist risk to the U.S. and defines ‘rightwing extremism’ as including groups opposed to abortion and immigration.”

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/napolitano-stands-rightwing-extremism

http://video1.washingtontimes.com/video/extremismreport.pdf

No, I’m not being arrested today. But the government is quick to label me a potential Christian extremist (read: terrorist) if I seem razor-focused on a cause.

I guess I’m in the clear because I hold firm beliefs about lots of things, not one. That’s a relief.

Besides my views on immigrants (I say kick out the illegals who don’t know how to honor the law), I think we:
- Need better gun control laws (for homeowners and gang members alike)
- Should eliminate the U.S. Department of Education
- Should drill for oil in lots of places on land and in the ocean
- Shouldn’t cave into owl lovers or tree huggers
- Should let homosexuals have a bigger voice with their loved ones (like with medical decisions) but stop short of granting them marriages (God kind of had the man/woman thing in mind)

So do those beliefs - and countless others - align me with extremist groups? I would think not.

Will I get in trouble for bashing the government? I hope not.

I love my country - even when it’s off its rocker.

How about you?

I know people who aren’t keen on drama. Yet, given the song, the story and the creative presentation, it’s not hard for me to be moved every time I see it.

The scene is simple - mankind was once at peace with God but fell into sin. And the scary thing is that sin blocks us from God, our Creator. We may seek Him in one fashion or another. But sin is so powerful; sin thwarts us as we search.

When Jesus throws steps in between us and sin - the intensity of the video is undeniable. Finally, He throws sin back, defeating it by His sacrifice. It’s an amazing video that you can easily personalize - whether you’re on the journey toward the Lord or struggling with sin like me even in the beauty of your relationship with Him.

I’ll also be breaking away to a meeting room to give a brief talk, “How Far Will God Go to Reach You?”

The Record Courier published a feature story about the event.

Please stop by if you’re in the area or let me know if you have friends who might be interested.

His character is powerfully reflected in a video and the poetry of the late Dr. S.M. Lockridge, a pastor you may never have come across.

The audio is a bit rough, but the message is clear: Jesus has many more attributes than you can fathom at any one time.

If you’re a fan of creativity, writing, oratory and spiritual insight, you may be touched by the way he captures the heart of Jesus (the video images help along with some modern background music).

Here’s an excerpt followed by the Christian video:

“My King”

He strengthens and sustains.
He guards and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleansed the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharges debtors.
He delivers the captive.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.

How much did you spend on Christmas last year or the year before? What’s your budget this year? Could you cut it by 25% or half and give the money to people or organizations that serve the poor?

Know anyone out of work? Would those you love really love you less if you gave them fewer presents?

It’s a challenge for me. After all, I want to give good gifts to my wife and children.

The notion of cutting back is being championed by the Advent Conspiracy. Check out the bold message.

How can you love those closest to you as well as strangers this holiday season?

It’s way too easy to lose track of the fact that who we are and what we own belongs to God; He expects us to be excellent stewards of His resources.

President-elect Barack Obama would do well like me to pay attention to God’s Word. Got Questions Ministries has a great piece about the parable of the talents and how the Lord expects us to act wisely with what He gives us.

Obama’s attitude is wrong from the start. In debates, he knocked the war. Like others, he was too quick to suggest that the $10 billion-plus per month spent on the Iraq war could be better used domestically, including repairing our infrastructure.

I’m sorry, but shouldn’t that money be off limits if it’s not tied to war at some point? It’s borrowed money. The nation is so knee-deep in debt that we should be paying down what we owe, not going on a spending spree. We can’t afford the war, but we’re stuck there for now so nothing will happen soon.

If we need to help poor people or pay for aging bridges, we have to cut spending, raise taxes and/or convince people to donate in one fashion or another.

Playing loose with $10 billion or more - and thinking it’s there for the grabbing - just reflects a poor mindset that’s oblivious to the rising debt.

Maybe God wants us to go into more debt. But it doesn’t seem like a responsible direction.

Do we really want keeping owing China, Japan and other countries? This U.S. Treasury table is staggering.

After all, the famous Durst Organization national debt clock in New York City actually ran out of digits - the $10 trillion debt is just that high.

Maybe Obama was just noting that we have other pressing needs. In time, if the war tones down and troops leave, I hope Obama and Congress focus on paying back what we owe while finding new and more responsible ways to cover priorities on the homefront.

Hopefully their solutions will honor God. While that’s happening, I hope I can do a better job myself.

What about you?

I saw the new Hulk movie the other day and didn’t even recall the women with low-cut tops and short shorts. Maybe they were on the screen for a second - in the background.

But I have to give these sites credit - they often do provide an honest assessment of the vulgar language, sexuality, gore, etc. Many of their observations are dead on.

Before deciding on a movie, check out  a few of these resources. For example, Mike Myers and Adam Sandler have some so-called comedies out this summer. The problem is that they’re loaded with sexual jokes and sight gags. Do I really want to go to a movie with my 12-year-old son Eric (or let him go to the movies with his friends) just so he can see people cheapen and mock sexuality and intimacy?

I read and paraphrased the entire description of one movie for Eric. I think he finally got the point.

The problem is that youth don’t use enough discretion. So I have to be, well, a parent. I’m sorry he’s embarrased to tell his friends he can’t go. Well, maybe I’m not really sorry. I keep telling him to let them know he doesn’t want to see it - that would be a more mature way to address the issue.

Anyway, here is a handy list. Check out a couple before drawing conclusions. In some cases, take in a movie first and then act like a responsible parent before allowing your children to see what Hollywood suggests they view.

Focus on the Family’s Plugged In
www.pluggedinonline.com/

Kids-In-Mind
www.kids-in-mind.com

Christian Spotlight on Entertainment
http://www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/home.html

ChristianityTodayMovies.com
www.christianitytoday.com/movies

Screen It
www.screenit.com

Parent Previews
http://www.parentpreviews.com

As my book points out, one of our paths to heaven may be a scene from a movie that touches our heart. You still need to be careful about your selections.

What a disgrace.

Another beautiful woman sells out to the music industry - so much for young people who may look up to her. Why can’t a superstar accept responsibility for how he or she comes across?

And now her single “Last Name” is doing real well. In the song, the character has some kind of fling with a guy - didn’t even recall his last name. If you’re going to party on a dance floor with a guy, I guess it might make sense to get his last name. But hey, maybe that’s not the standard.

In Romans 12:2, the Lord used Paul to remind is that we’re not to “conform any longer to the pattern of this world.” God’s will for us is to be like His son, Jesus.

Instead, we go after our lusts.

Life for us is about us. Jesus takes a back seat.

Oddly, Carrie also sings the popular “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” I never cared much for the melody of that song, but I love the message about yielding control.

All I can do is shake my head.

In her concerts, does Carrie sing about “Jesus” right before or right after her new “Last Name” song?

As she “matures” in her career, will Carrie act like an idol worthy of some praise or will she become some kind of sexualized country icon who favors sleazy outfits and strutting over some reasonable level of modesty?

Lord, please surround Carrie with people who will mentor her with your wisdom…