Faithful Friday: The Painful Art of Letting Go [of An Adult With Disabilities]

Faithful Friday: The Painful Art of Letting Go [of An Adult With Disabilities]

by: Debbie Waltz

I know I promised a review of Color My World with Love much sooner than this, but doctor's appointments and surprises have changed my daily routines. While my morning personal assistant has been away on vacation, I have spent a lot of the time editing my book with my mom and getting it ready for a run-through by a professional editor before finally sending it to an agent. It is a challenging process considering most of my earlier content was written when I was in high school, and I didn't have much experience with writing, etc. Those have been updated and added to several times as a result.

The movie "Color my world with love" centers around the tight-knit relationship of mother and daughter, Kendall and Emma (played by Lily D Moore and Erica Durance). Over the past year, Kendall has made several strides in developing her talent as a painter and becoming more independent by learning to cook for herself. But, little does her mother realize there is another reason she likes those cooking classes- her friend Brad (David Desanctis), who also happens to have down syndrome. The couple seems to have quite the connection and are hoping to get Emma's approval to date. However, she has her concerns with the whole idea, feeling that they are moving way too quickly in their relationship; unable to say no to her daughter, she comes up with a compromise- chaperoning on their dates. Things get even more complicated when Emma starts developing feelings for Nic (Brad's uncle, played by Ben Ayres). With Nic's free-spirited ways, Emma begins to relax a little and loosen the reins on her daughter. Emma begins thinking long-term and what she wants for her life - besides being just Kendall's mother; as a result, she begins to help out with Nic's project of creating homes for the intellectually disabled. As Kendall and Brad explore what this means for their relationship, the couple are encouraged to take things slow and figure out what love means to them both.

Unfortunately, Brad has other ideas.

 On bended knee, Brad proposes with a real diamond ring during Nic's parent's anniversary party. (Not the one Nic thought Brad was trying to get for Kendall while playing in an arcade game.) So, while trying to make sense of her relationship with Nic, she is faced with another obstacle- How to slow things down while still keeping Kendall's dreams for love and independence alive?

Kendall and her mom are out shopping one day when they come across a bridal boutique and go in and try on some wedding dresses. It is then that we begin to see societal impressions of the disabled emerge- saying something like, "This dress is expensive and going to take up to 6 months to customize to her 'special' size. However, despite the salesperson's rudeness, Kendall is willing to forgive her, saying that Brad would've hugged her anyway because she was probably treated the same way in high school as they were.

Despite Kendall's growth, Emma remains concerned about how they will maintain a marriage together- knowing how stressed out Kendall can get over the littlest things. Case in point: the couple has their first argument when discussing how soon they should have the wedding. Brad hopes to have it within two months, while Kendall is willing to wait it out. The couple begins arguing, and Kendall walks off. Brad walks off as well, only to realize that he has Kendall's phone. But when he returns to the bus stop, she has disappeared. Brad is devastated- not only feeling guilty for arguing but leaving Kendall by herself at the bus stop.

Emma is devastated, but the police eventually notify them that Kendall is down at the police station. It reiterates her fears that they won't be able to handle things on their own and urges everybody to take a break. Instead of agreeing, Nic encourages Emma to trust them and have faith in their relationship.

I'm not going to spoil the ending for you. I only suggest that you take the time to watch it yourself if you have the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries.

This movie had me reflecting on my relationship with my parents growing up.. From the very beginning, they struggled with how to struggled with how to raise a disabled daughter.My parents believed I would be as independent as I could be; believing in that; they enrolled me in a particular school designed for people with cerebral palsy. Once they saw that I had developed the skills necessary and they had learned all they could from the school themselves, I moved on to a regular schooling program. As I excelled in the mainstream program, they realized my intellect remained unaffected by the CP and began advocating that I be allo. Joan wed in some regular classes.

 Unfortunately, it wasn't smooth sailing after that because I encountered problems getting personal assistance at school, even when my mom had to serve as a personal assistant and notetaker while they were hiring. For a time, that strained our relationship - knowing that we would spend all day together and also see each other at night. It also put a damper on my already complicated social life, knowing that my mother was usually around in most social situations. Still,  she was more than willing to do it to have the support I needed at school.

Even at age 42, my parents still struggle with when to let go. Because of financial constraints and their health, I still live with them in a downstairs apartment designed with me in mind. My parents will always see me as their little girl, but I still want to be independent and thoughtful. As a result, I have almost always hired personal assistance (since college) to help with my care. Mostly, these have been professional nurses trained to assist with my care; some have been students working their way through special education programs. I still request that my parents be a part of the interview process to providing input as to specific questions that need answers, but I am pretty independent otherwise. Thanks to governmental assistance, I pay my rent on time via printed checks through my bank. As many of you may have read, I even had my job once working as a contractor for the State Department, making sure websites were section 508 compliant for federal workers with disabilities. Unfortunately, the department downsized, and my job was cut

My dad still questions my hair color choices, but that's another story..

Faithful Friday-Chuck's story: finding God in the dark

Faithful Friday: Chuck's Story: Finding God in the Dark

By Debbie Waltz

Do you find yourself amid a struggle right now? Do you wonder if God has left you alone to figure things out on your own? You're not alone. Join me as I interview fellow writer and friend Chuck Carr as he shares his story of finding God in the dark.To hear more of his amazing story, please go to:https://www.chuck-carr.com/

Faithful Friday: Faith to the Rescue by Joy and Eric McPherson

 Faith to the Rescue

By: Joy and Eric McPherson

 

     Tears came to my eyes as I watched the other little boys in the classroom running around, playing a competitive game of tag. With laughter and giggles spilling out across the play area, the boys chose who was “it.” I watched in awe as they ran, mesmerized by all of the activity. There were other children too, playing with brightly colored toys, happily chatting away, interacting with their peers, and mostly ignoring us adults in the room. Only occasionally asking one of us for a drink or a snack. I looked over and found my little guy Eli huddled in the corner, present but in his own little world. Eli wasn’t playing with any of the toys surrounding him or interacting with the other kids, and this was breaking my heart. His autism diagnosis was still so fresh, and I could feel the tears building up, threatening to spill out of the corners of my eyes. Something had to be done, and FAST! My heart raced rapidly, just as quickly as my body temperature rose. Oh boy! I was entering the danger zone, sensing that full-blown sobs were only moments away. Digging my fingernails into the palms of my hands, I desperately tried to distract my heart from processing the scene unfolding in front of me. Thankfully this time, the panic inside blew over as quickly as it came, and I could smile my way through. For now, the moment was over, and time was moving forward, although peace was far from my heart.

     Arriving home shortly after, my husband Eric met us at the door. He could see that I was visibly distressed as he picked Eli up, and we walked inside. Of course, by the time I set my purse down on the cupboard, the tears were pouring down my cheeks, and I was crying uncontrollably. As I began to try and explain what had unfolded earlier, regret began to enter my heart. This was not how I wanted Eli’s and my day to end, and I certainly didn’t want him to see me again upset. Eric stood silently and listened intently, as he usually did. He comforted me, held me, and asked me one simple question. Did I have faith? Faith that someday Eli was going to something AMAZING. He was going to play! WHAT? Was he not here in this room with me, and had he not just listened to my concerns? Witnessed my tears? What did faith have to do with this? Kids were climbing on the walls today, and I’d barely held it together! What in the world did he mean? Exasperated and unable to process his words, I retreated.

What did Eric know, anyway? Deciding to ignore his wisdom, I bolted into the bathroom and drew a bath, choosing to soothe my aching soul with warm water instead of having faith. The water moved, up and down, just like tiny waves. I watched them intently when Eric popped his head into the bathroom, reminding me about the mustard seed verse. The verse about FAITH. He even had it highlighted on his phone and read it aloud. Annoyance bubbled inside of me as he closed the door. His exit left me pondering my faith. Was it the size of a mustard seed? My faith, just like those tiny waves, was wavering, going up and down. God wasn’t done with this family just yet, and we needed him now more than ever.   

     Later that evening, I pondered Eric’s words. Sometimes, especially in times of sorrow, I’m unable to speak and only able to cry. So often, my faith is so small and as tiny as that mustard seed. Thankfully life wasn’t slowing down anytime soon; it was moving on. Showing us that amazing moments happen because we serve an AMAZING God. Nowadays, my heart soars with happiness when I walk into a room, watching my little boy with his action figures. Moving them around in the air, PLAYING!!!! This is the place where faith has taken our family. A place of beauty and peace, and a place where I’m able to sing, “God is so good, he is so good to me.”

 

 

 

     

Faithful Friday: The Girl Who Believes in Miracles

 Faithful Friday: The Girl Who Believes in Miracles Movie Review

by Debbie

 This Easter, a new movie reminds people never to stop believing in miracles: in this faith-filled drama, young Sara Hopkins takes a church sermon to heart about believing in the power of prayer. This belief is tested when Sara finds a dead bird and asks God to revive it. Despite her brother's urgings to the contrary, Sara seems determined God can perform a miracle. So instead of joining her brother and his girlfriend as they fish on the lake, she stays behind to pray. Sara is still praying by the time they return to go back to their grandparents' house. But before they leave, she gives it one final shot and urges God to intervene. He does, and the bird flies away. Stunned, her brother looks for any other explanation to validate the miraculous event. But, before he spoke, she said something else that stopped him in his tracks: "Don't you see him standing there across the lake?"

         Once home, Sara can't help but share the news of her "miracle" with friends and family. Her parents don't know what to make of that incident chalking it up to their daughter's overreactive imagination. Sara's mother (played by Mira Sorvino) grows even more concerned as her daughter reveals that not only did Jesus heal the bird through her but said he would be coming back for her soon. Despite being warned to keep her miracle quiet, news of the healed bird spreads, and some bullies around town taunt her. However, her best friend, Mark Miller (played by Paul-Mikel), sticks with her, believing in God's ability to heal so much that he asks her to pray for him. You see, Mark is in a wheelchair because of a spinal cord injury that left him unable to walk. Mark doesn't get miraculously healed that day, but as audiences follow the story, they realize it is more of progressive healing, leading him to move his toes and finally walk from the doctor's office. When news of Mark's recovery spreads, Sara's ability becomes the #1 news story, and people flock to her house to receive healing.

         Little do people know that the more Sara heals, the more energy it takes from her small young body. At first, the doctor seems convinced it's nothing more than the stomach flu. But as more and more miracles occur, she gets weaker and weaker. Finally, the doctor appears determined to find an answer more plausible than miracles happening and God speaking to a child.

         As cute as the story was, I expected more of a biblical backbone. I've seen many of the movies that Kevin Sorbo has been cast in (God's Not Dead, What If, etc.); his other characters had more transformational change. I didn't relate to Ben's cold demeanor until I realized their family dealt with the death of their youngest.

Faithful Friday: “Show Me the Father” Documentary Review

 Faithful Friday: “Show Me the Father” Documentary Review

by: Debbie

The Kendrick Brothers have done it again, producing another theatrical release showcasing the importance of fathers in today’s generation; unlike the rest, though, this documentary gives us an in-depth look at the brothers themselves and what makes their perspective of fatherhood different than most people. Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky; the news tells countless stories of youths forced to grow up too soon and give up their innocence just to survive. They either believe the lie that tells them they won’t amount to much or don’t believe they deserve it.

             But it wasn’t always this way; when God created the world, he said, “it was good.” (Genesis 1 & 2). Even when Adam and Eve were created, it didn’t bother them that they were naked because they felt no shame (Genesis 2: 25). However, when the serpent entered the picture, Adam and Eve began to doubt God’s goodness.
In this documentary, Kendrick shows the roles and responsibilities a father has in shaping their child’s identity; their daily interactions (both good and bad) can shape how they view their heavenly father. Tony Evans agrees, saying that our earthly fathers play a vital role in serving as a medairy between heaven and earth.

Though most of the documentary shares personal stories as told by Sherman Smith and others, the brothers are quick to lay a firm definition of fatherhood. These aspects include:

1.      Provider-Matthew 6:11

2.      Protector-Matthew 9:9-13

3.      Leader-Matthew 3:17

4.      Teacher-Proverbs 4:1-4

5.      Helper-Psalm 10:14

6.      Encourager-Hebrews 12:5

7.      Friend-John 15:15

 

Faithful Friday: Althea's Story: Lessons from MS

     Fifty-three-year-old Althea Damgaard knows something about writing the twists and turns of a story because she’s lived them herself. But you’d never know that by her dry wit and clever comebacks.

A Creative Soul

Growing up, all children have overreactive imaginations. Damgaard was no exception. She loved participating in whatever arts and craft activity mother had planned during their free time. At the age of seven, Damgaard wrote a crazy story about a family of cats and a bag of frog legs which wound up with live frogs jumping out of it, making illustrations to go along with her story. She continued writing her ideas in notebooks and binders from then on. They remain standing in quite a bit of cupboard space in her den.

Time for a Change

At age 33, feeling herself reeling out of control, she asked her mother for advice. During one of those late nights chats with her, she rediscovered her faith, and everything fell into place. She was dealt hard blows because of a layoff from her job and her husband filing for divorce within the first three months after turning to Jesus. These events led to a move back near family and a complete career change.

“I was at the end of my rope, and I knew I needed a drastic change [both professionally and spiritually]. Everything finally made sense, and God aligned it all like building blocks. He showed up with power that beat out any other spiritual thing that I had felt prior to accepting Jesus,” Damgaard says.

Somehow, she kept her creative soul alive in the process.

“In the mix of it all, I kept writing a variety of fiction with some non-fiction while taking classes to learn how to write better. Funny thing is, I did as much writing at work as I did on my own time since I had tons of protocols and reports to write as a quality engineer. So, I have a well-rounded knowledge of business, non-fiction, and fiction writing.”

Mystery Symptoms

Just after Thanksgiving in 2006, Damgaard began exhibiting strange symptoms of numbness and tingling on her left side. She was out of work for over four months, going to therapy to regain feeling; she even returned to martial arts after approval from her PT. In the end, she regained most of her range of motion but still had difficulty with her hand.

“I never got a proper diagnosis at that time,” she said.

Finally Diagnosed                 

         By the end of 2010, Damgaard could not make it through a work day because her body tired out too fast. Then, after the holiday weekend giving her a long rest, she gave work one last try. She lasted four hours before going on disability permanently.

In April 2011, she received the results of all the tests she went through earlier; she had multiple sclerosis.

“It was a relief to know what was really going on and have an action plan,” she says.

Although Damgaard admits the last 20 years have been more challenging than the first 33, she says she would not trade them for anything. They have made her recognize where the true source of her strength comes from- from the Lord himself.

Lessons from MS

         After living with multiple sclerosis for over 20 years, she has learned many lessons. These lessons not only pertain to having a disability but living life itself. They are as follows:

1. .  You are not an island. It is okay to ask for help. You will figure out who your people are.
2.        Disability can wind up fun if you let it. Instead of being annoyed with some things I can’t do I try to joke around about talking to my hand and it’s not listening. A sense of humor will help a lot even if some days you need to cry or scream.
3.      It’s okay to have a bad day as long as you hand it over to God. Sticking to the negative side of things just makes it worse.
4.        Taking that typing class at 15 and all that typing since has paid off. Even with a numb and tingly left hand that doesn’t feel the keys right, muscle memory for the win.
5.        Multiple Sclerosis is an invisible disability, at least for me. I still walk around fine, look like I do things fine, and a lot of people around me have no idea. It’s okay that they don’t know or those that do know, that they don’t understand. You figured out who your people are and they are the ones that keep you going. (See #1)

Faithful Friday: A Mother's perspective

Dear Reader,

 

Before I introduce today’s Faithful Friday topic and guest, I would like to explain some things. When I first came up with the idea of “Faithful Friday,” I had every intention of highlighting people I knew (personally and/or professionally) that have been true to their faith despite life’s circumstances. I have always wanted this to be an open forum where readers can share their opinions and perspectives; this blog isn’t a place for me to air my personal feelings unless I believe they will help my readers and/or their parents learn from my experiences.

Lately, I have been conducting my interviews by submitting questions to the interviewee and conversing back and forth, and then writing an article based on those questions. Today, I wanted to try something a little different. If you like what I’ve done on this post and would like video/audio interviews to continue, tell me!

So, without further ado, here is my video interview with Christina Custodio. I first “met” Christina while attending She Writes For Him conference virtually over two years ago; with her hilarious sense of humor and authentic openness, she doesn’t hold back when reminding other authors of the importance of telling your story: the one God’s given you. I continued to follow her Facebook page and speaker page and was intrigued further when I heard about a book she was publishing regarding her family’s life- altering journey. I will try and give you the short version (even though she goes into more detail in the interview below- and her words are way more impactful than mine believe me)

Christina’s book, When God changed His Mind chronicles her 44 day- stay in the hospital with her son Isaiah as he recovers from surgery after a brain bleed leaves him unresponsive and near-death.

Take it away, Christina!

Fun Friday: New series “I am Shauna Rae” Chronicles the life of a 22-year- old “trapped” in the body of an eight-year-old.

 Fun Friday: New series “I am Shauna Rae” Chronicles the life of a 22-year- old “trapped” in the body of an eight-year-old

 

Dear Readers,

Forgoing Friday’s theme, I have decided to highlight one of TLC’s newest series, “I am Shauna Rea.” Since the creation of this blog, it has been my dream to cover controversial issues surrounding different disabilities or conditions; with the introduction of weekday “themes,” this dream had been put on the back burner as part of an ongoing effort to create more of a growing audience for my blog. However, in the process, I temporarily forgot my primary purpose for this for- to entertain and inform others about new information about disabilities. That being said, I will try to get back to that primary goal- keeping the themes intact while informing readers of further shows/information about disabilities when necessary.

This may include an occasional distraction from weekly themes such as today.

Over the past three weeks, I have enjoyed watching as a new “kind” of disability is revealed on The Learning Channel (TLC). No, I’m not talking about a newly discovered disability recently reported in the news; rather, one that is rarely talked about - the side effects of using chemotherapy to treat childhood cancer. Now I’m not saying chemo should be banned as many strides have been made when treating cancer in children these days; I’m just saying we should be more aware of the potential long-term side effects these drugs can have.

I believe Shauna Rae would agree!

Shauna was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer at just eight months. She quickly underwent surgery to remove most of the tumor and had chemotherapy to shrink what was left. However, doctors discovered that the chemotherapy had stopped her pituitary gland from working and stunted her growth.

At just 3’10” tall, Shauna is not your average 22-year-old young woman; because of her short stature, she deals with her own unique set of Challenges- anything from ranging how to navigate the dating scene, age this discrimination in public, to the battle for independence from parents to the battle for independence.

Join me as I learn more about Shauna and her family every Tuesday at 10 PM

 

Faithful Friday: "Restoring Joy"-Insights From Psalms 51

 Faithful Friday: "Restoring Joy"-Insights From Psalms 51

by Debbie

 

In response to my Twitter poll about what we should discuss today, I received an overwhelming response of one vote for Psalms 51:12-Restoring Joy. In all seriousness, though, with the year we've had, it's no wonder people are looking for something tangible to hold onto during difficult times.

After all, Romans 12:2 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Sounds easy, right? In reality, it's not. You see, we live in a world where people expect instant gratification. They expect things right here, right now; otherwise, they're not satisfied

in 2 Samuel 11, we find King David in a similar situation. Enamored by the beauty Bathsheba, he devises a plan to make her his own. Long story short, he sends her husband to war, insisting he is a part of the frontlines; that eventually gets him killed, leaving Bathsheba a widow. Later, David takes her as his wife.

It is only when the prophet Nathan visits that he realizes the error of his ways. In response, he pens Psalms 51. But, before we go further, I want to make this very clear. I'm not saying that every difficulty is a result of our sin or disobedience- some are just a matter of circumstance- an impact of "original sin" done by our ancestors Adam and Eve.

Still, let's take a look at what Psalm 51 has to say about restoring our faith. In writing this Psalm, David is not only asking for forgiveness but an overall cleansing; he isn't asking God to ignore his sin but make it so it no longer exists. By doing so, he relies not only on God's forgiving Grace but also on his transforming Grace.

 

Transforming Grace & The Holy Spirit

The difference is quite simple. Forgiving Grace believes that God has the power to forgive you, whereas transforming Grace believes that God can change one's heart from the inside out. In Psalms 51, David does not ask him to ignore his sin but rather cleanse him as if it never occurred. This spiritual renewal is part of God's new covenant with his people. He promised to send a "helper" when he ascended into heaven. God himself became the ultimate sacrifice, no longer requiring animal sacrifices for sin.

Spiritual renewal is available for everyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Holy Spirit not only equips the believer for their "calling" in this world but seals them for when they get to heaven (Ephesians 4).

Although most commentaries tend to focus on the "cleansing" role of the Holy Spirit, it does way more than that. The Holy Spirit sanctifies us; it sets us apart from everyone else and makes us different. David is not concerned with his reputation as Saul once was; instead, he wants to make sure his corrupt nature is changed for the better. It is evident when he prays, "Create in me a clean heart, O God!" He sees how much he has changed and realizes Jesus is the only one who can transform him once again. According to the Matthew Henry commentary, "He created the world by the word of his power as the God of nature, and it is by the word of his power as the God of Grace that we are clean (John 15: 3), that we are sanctified (John 17:17)

David also prays for continuing blessings in his life. He knows what he's done and prays God will continue to do his good work in him that David might have continued favor and his protection wherever he went. He also asks that God continue to direct his path, giving him wisdom. Finally, he prays that his bad decision will not destroy the "communion" he has with God; after all, David is called "the man after God's own heart. Begging God, Matthew Henry notes that David is effectively saying: "Let me not be banished thy courts, but always have the liberty of access to thee by prayer." He does not downplay God's judgment because he knows what he deserves: "God's will be done; but, Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath. If the sword come into my house never to depart from it, yet let me have a God to go to in my distresses, and all shall be well.

Even so, David relies on God's Grace. He knew that he had grieved the Holy Spirit by sinning and provoked him to withdraw. Because of God's Holiness, he is justified in doing so (Genesis 6:3); this worries David more than anything else. It is hopeless if God takes his Holy Spirit from us. Saul was a sad instance of this. Matthew Henry remarked "How exceedingly sinful, how exceedingly miserable, was he, when the Spirit of the Lord had departed from him! David knew it, and therefore begs thus earnestly: "Lord, whatever thou take from me, my children, my crown, my life, yet take not thy Holy Spirit from me" (see 2 Samuel 7:15), "but continue thy Holy Spirit with me, to perfect the work of my repentance, to prevent my relapse into sin, and to enable me to discharge my duty both as a prince and as a psalmist."

Despite his reconciliation with God, David still has to deal with the overall consequences of his sin. That's why he prays for complete restoration; he knows that "a child of God knows no true nor solid joy but the joy of God's salvation, joy in God his Saviour, and in the hope of eternal life." But unfortunately, he willfully deprived himself of joy in sinning and gave into his temptations; as a result, his foundation was shaken. In total repentance, David runs to God, knowing he is the only one capable of a full restoration "It had made him weak, and therefore he prays, "Uphold me with the free Spirit: I am ready to fall, either into sin or into despair; Lord, sustain me; my spirit" (though the spirit of a man will go far towards the sustaining of his infirmity) "is not sufficient; if I be left to myself, I shall certainly sink; therefore uphold me with thy Spirit, let him counterwork the evil spirit that would cast me down from my excellency.." (Matthew Henry commentary)

Though sin is a major cause of many circumstances, it is essential to remember that some circumstances are beyond our control. Our Heavenly Father wants nothing but the best for us. Don't believe me? Check out these verses if you need more proof:

•  Matthew 7:11- "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
•        James 1:17- "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
•        Luke 12:24- "Consider the ravens; they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"

Faithful Friday: Real-life Inspiration for “Dolphin Tale” movies Passes Away

Faithful Friday: Real-life Inspiration for “Dolphin Tale” movies Passes Away

 

At two months old, Winter’s tail was caught in a crab trap; this cut off circulation to her tail flukes. As a result, her overall health began to deteriorate. That’s when the Clearwater Aquarium team started working with the Hanger clinic to create a prostatic tail allowing the dolphin to swim normally. Until then, Winter had been misusing her fluke, moving it sideways rather than the up-and-down motion as dolphins usually do. After Winter’s original companion died unexpectedly, the search was on to find her another friend; shortly after, Hope was rescued in Indian River Lagoon, attempting to nurse on her deceased mother. At first, she required around-the-clock care, with feedings every two hours.

Recently Winter’s caregivers noticed she wasn’t eating; after some testing, they discovered a gastrointestinal abnormality and began treating her for it. Unfortunately, there was little improvement, and during preparations for a procedure, they noticed her vitals were declining. After several minutes of lifesaving efforts, Winter died in the loving arms of her caregivers

 

For more information about Clearwater Marine Aquarium, please go to: https://www.cmaquarium.org/winter-updates/
 

Faithful Friday: Standing Firm-My Movie Review of God’s Not Dead: We The People

Faithful Friday: Standing Firm-My Movie Review of God’s Not Dead: We The People

  Welcome Back Readers~

Pureflix does it again, producing the fourth installment of the God’s Not Dead series; this one aptly subtitled “We the People” attempts to question the role of government in providing adequate education for our next generation. For those unfamiliar with the movie franchise, plot themes center around religious freedoms in public education arenas ranging from high school to college universities. Though a fictional scenario, Christians find themselves in similar situations- where they have to choose. Do they decide to stand up for their beliefs and speak out amid adversity or stand back and do nothing?

In the fourth installment of the franchise, Pastor Dave (David A.R.White) is motivated to go to Washington with the St. Jude community to speak out about their ability to homeschool their children as they see fit. At the same time, the opposition argues that such a Christian curriculum remains “antisocial,” “biased,” and does not follow educational standards, despite the McKinnon’s (played by Francesca Battistelli, Antonio Sabato Jr) evidence proving that their students scored higher on standardized testing. Finally, single mother, Taylor Hayes (played by Amanda Jaros) testifies how her son has benefited from the individualized teaching and become more outgoing as the weeks progressed. Audiences learn later more about Taylor’s story - how she is a widow and how her husband died serving in the Army to protect American freedoms.

In this movie, audiences will reunite with some previous characters introduced earlier on in the franchise. One such character is Ayisha Moradi (played by Hadeel Sittu), whose realistic portrayal of an Islamic Christian gives new meaning to the term “religious freedom.”  The character represents those Christians who are either forced to live and worship in silence in third world countries or who are shunned because they refuse to deny their Christian beliefs in families that are close-knit and their faith is “inherited.”

Sadly, this movie highlights how fragile our freedoms are in today’s culture. Even in America, our freedom to teach our own children is threatened by the opposition to Christian beliefs. This threat erodes our liberties and attempts to force government teaching on every child.

 

God’s Not Dead: We the People is exclusively on Pureflix for a month (10/21- 11/21) before coming out on DVD shortly after. For those that are interested, you can enroll in a free monthly trial at:pureflix.com.