Some Random News and Movie Reviews

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed–in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. – I Corinthians 15:51-52

Halleluiah! My laptop is finally back from the shop! If you haven’t heard from me lately, it’s because I was not able to “like” some of your posts on my phone. Others I could “like” but not until I commented. Go figure.

“In other news,” I am finished recording my second book, “Vision,” and listened to the whole audiobook one more time today before sending it to be released. (I especially like the music we added, like “The Trumpet Shall Sound”!)

And speaking of which, recently I was surprised to find the movie “Left Behind: The Rise of the Antichrist” on Amazon Prime. I couldn’t resist watching it to see how it might differ from the original series.

The original “Left Behind” film was released in 2000, after the book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins was a hit in the 90’s. (I remember my older kids and their friends reading them.)

Like the original series, the 2023 film is about the End Times as predicted in biblical prophecy. It takes up the story starting just after the Rapture – the mysterious vanishing of millions of people, as predicted in I Corinthians 15:52 – as the world is in chaos and looking for a leader to unite them into “one world order.”

While the original story from the 90’s was intriguing to many, this remake seems all the more relevant, as it brings in current events with references to “the Great Reset,” global warming, the Covd pandemmic, forced vaxinations, and other issues that have frightened people into surrendering their freedoms in exchange for some sense of safety and security. Words and phrases like “fake news,” “dysinformation,” and “missinformation” drive home the fact that people in this day and age don’t know whom to believe or trust. As people “left behind” ponder the disappearance of their Christian loved ones, remembering what those loved ones said about the “Rapture,” others scoff, reminding them that “the ‘Rapture Theory’ was debunked by the fact checkers on Day One.”

While I suppose different churches have different teachings (or no teachings) about the End Times, the Rapture, and the Antichrist, I found “Left Behind: The Rise of the Antichrist” intriguing, especially in light of what we have all been through in the past few years. While I felt some of the dialogue was a little strained (Some political points seemed pretty thinly veiled.), it’s nevertheless some “food for thought.” And though it’s not a movie for very young children, I don’t remember a lot of obscene language or the violence being excessive. I would watch it again with my teenaged grandchildren and use it as a springboard for discussion of Bible prophecy, Truth, and staying faithful to the Lord, even when the rest of the world may be going in the opposite direction.

Another movie my husband and I have watched lately is “Harriet” on Netflix. It’s the true story of Harriet Tubman, the slave woman who escaped and played a huge role in the Underground Railroad. The scenes of the cruelty of slavery might be too intense for some younger people to watch. On the other hand, the portrayal of Harriet Tubman’s faith that drove her mission to free her people was a refreshing change from the usual Hollywood fare that presents Christians as either wimpy, hypocritical, or crazy. I did some research (fact checking) regarding some of the details and concluded that this film shows Harriet’s story as accurately as any historical movie I’ve seen. And the fact that the Lord had such a big role in the story just made it all the better.

On a more personal note: my hip has gotten so bad it’s about to be kicked off the island. In other words, I’m getting a new one right after Christmas. (My grandson said, “Wow! That’s a HUGE Christmas present!” – Not that huge, Mister, thank you very much!) Meanwhile, I’m hobbling around leaning on a crutch like Tiny Tim. Occasionally someone will comment on the crutch, and I say in a little-boy voice with an English accent, “God bless us, every one!” As often as not, I get a blank look or a vague smile. Sheesh! I thought everyone had read or seen “A Christmas Carol“! Apparently not. (What’s wrong with these people?!)

Lately I laugh when I think of the Rapture. If anyone comes looking for me, they’ll find my shoes, my clothes, an artificial hip, and a bunch of crowns. – “LOL!”

Prayer: Lord, thank You for friends, even those friends I haven’t met face to face, and the way we can share our news, our recommendations, our lives. Thanks that You are able to watch over each of us, and that someday those of us who love You will meet – “here, there, or in the air.” In Jesus’ name, amen.