Friday, August 14, 2009

District 9


Great film but it was one those films that not only keep you on the edge but as a South African it was very hard watching while knowing the historical background and contemporary situation. The film is smart in the sense that there we I think, a hybrid of themes the with respect to the apartheid era in South Africa . Without giving anything away, I do think though the average North American will sadly, not grasp the magnitude of the film aside from special effects which were pretty good in my opinion.

On a personal note it was a reminder to an era in South Africa that my parents had to endure growing up for much of their lives. For I was only born at the back end of that period of history. My gratitude is to God for not only for a transformation of country but also for the fine parents I have been given.The sacrifices they have had to make and endure so that I can have the hope of a better life. They lived in a time when opportunities existed to a select few. Education, work opportunities were a priviledge,not a right. I have to make use of the oppotunities God has afforded me.

What left a sour taste, is the contemporary situation. The zenophobic attacks of the last year that targeted foreign immigrants but 15 years on in new a democracy, there are fellow South Africans still living in informal settlements, no housing, electricity and water... a sad reflection on a beautiful country, I call home.

-Lloyd

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Two Timely Timeless Reminders



The Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith Concert in Kelowna that took place two weeks ago was amazing, better than expected and gave me two timely reminders. They are two veteran artist whom I have long admired while growing up as a teen.

Steven Curtis Chapman reminded me a timely reminder number one. In the midst of tradegy of losing one of his adopted daughters last year before playing Cinderalla (It was hard enough not to sob when he played it, tears were pouring down like rain) he quoted Luther. "There are two days to live for. There is today and then there is that day. We live today in the hope of that day." It was very humbling, to witness a popular contemporary artist like Chapman sharing his loss and on going struggles with all of us. The song Cinderalla that I'd alluded to earlier was based on evening that Steven had shared with his late Marie Sue. Live each day God has given us in the hope of that day, when there will be "no more tears, no more suffering for the old order of things have past away."
Seeing Michael W Smith likewise for the first time also reminded me the value of corporate worship. Prior to the concert I was a little cynical, its going to be one of those concerts artist come, artist go, the show is over (Some of the misguided arguments people make about contemporary christian music).

Timely reminder number 2, the value of corporate worship within a church, be it hymns or contemporary worship songs. I happen too love both. A member of the sons of Korah, Psalm 42:4 in the midst of depression or dispair:

"These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng."

Worshipping corporately alongside brothers and sisters who I do not personally know also reminded me of a new song that will we all sing together on that day. "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

Revalation 14:1-5

"Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless."

-can't wait Lloyd