There were eight young people, all who had wished to meet the actor, plus a host of family members gathered together in that room in LA. Then in came Johnny Depp. He didn't just whisk in, shake a few hands, sign a few autographs, and then leave. He spent time with each of the young people and was there for a full two hours. Pastor Mike talked about how, while Mr. Depp was present, all eyes were on him all the time. Complete focus. And there was a sense of shared experience among the people there. A camaraderie.
Every summer I gather with a group of Christian writer friends prior to the ICRS convention. And every year, during times of worship in song, I pause to listen to everyone singing and praising God––all of us from different backgrounds, different denominations, different circumstances––and I think to myself, This is what it will be like in heaven. None of the differences will matter because we'll all be worshiping Him.
Unity.
"The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." (John 17:22-23)
I look forward to that day when we are all gathered around His throne with great anticipation.
~robin
WOW! Great post, Robin...and I'll add that precious girl to my prayer list.~ Just before I read your post, I'd read an article my husband had forwarded to me--a very sad, disturbing article. Some young people were attending an Atlanta rapper's concert (held in Indiana) and an "entertainer" before the concert encouraged the audience to be pitted against each other (east vs. west sides). After the concert, eight young teens were shot, believed to be related to the "east vs. west" groupings. Soooo very sad to think that even at a concert, youth would be encouraged to "be against" others in the audience.~Since I read that article, your post had extra-special meaning to me this morning. As Christians we must continue to reach out to others in His precious name, being especially mindful of our young people--who so desperately need to know someone cares. ~ Blessings, Patti Jo
ReplyDelete"Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will go strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." One of my favorite hymns, and also a great mantra to live by. Thanks for sharing, Robin.
ReplyDeletePatti Jo, how heart breaking about those young people. Sometimes this old world is so hard. No wonder we cry out, "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"
ReplyDeleteKim, I love that old hymn too.