Star Wars - more than a movie...

In the year 1977, George Lucas released the first of six movies that would shape culture like no film had ever done before. And it all started with that famous line, “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…”

                My mother was six years old when the first Star Wars movie was played in theatres. She loves to tell us stories about her excitement when her parents took her to see the movie. Ever since then, our family has passed the joy and thrill of watching these timeless films over and over again.

                When Lucas created these films, did he intend to change society as much as he did? The story of Luke, a young boy living with his aunt and uncle, with no knowledge of who his real parents may be, is captivating – we instantly find ourselves pulled into his life. When greatness is suddenly thrust upon him, we watch, biting our nails, to see how he responds to the situations he finds himself in. The plot, characters, and settings provide a scope for the imagination that is hard to find elsewhere.

                But then we see the second half of the six-movie compilation that Lucas created; we see this innocent boy, Anakin, slowly transform into the villain he will become. In agony we see the small choices he makes and how they advance his deterioration into a monster that will haunt the universe.

                Lucas quickly and effortlessly captured the depravity of the human soul in six films. Our jealousy and passion for things we think we need can so easily drive us across the line that separates the good from the evil. The easiest choice is often the choice that will begin the process of degrading our moral values; if we are not willing to take the rough, rocky road and learn the lessons that it has to teach us, what have we become? Ever do we desire to take the smooth and straight path – we fear to injure ourselves on Life’s bumpy road. If we go the way Anakin went, trying to take the easier path, we will turn ourselves into naught but monsters.

                But fear not, humankind – the bumpy road is not nearly as hard as it seems! With the right attitude and outlook, you can go far. Determination is always better than riches or power, and hard work will take you farther than anything else.

This scholarship is sponsored by USDish.com

Coming Around

Life and death. Loss and gain.

The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.

The events of the last week here in Southern Oregon are proving of that statement; my dad got a new job. I got a new job – my first “official”job ever. And my dad has a chance at an even better job as I speak.

But we’ve lost. Oh yes, we’ve lost something that could never be replaced. And all of us – friends, family, distant friends – mourn for the life that we will miss so keenly. Some will miss it more than others. Much, much more.

None of this has taken God by surprise. It is just one more piece to the puzzle, one more step in a part of His plan to bring about His purpose. This doesn’t mean we can’t grieve – grieving is how we are to cope. We cannot be expected to shrug off the loss of a life. Grieving is encouraged –Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” It is how we pick ourselves back up, remembering what we have lost, but pressing onward anyways.

Our lives are but vapors. But let us be the strongest, most powerful vapors out there. We can be strong, through Christ who strengthens us. We can do ALL things through Him, and He is there for us.

And so begins the next chapter in the lives of the wonderful people I have grown to love, cherish, and call friends.

Loss...

Joshua Eddy.

I hardly knew you.

But, I know your sister fairly well. And I’ve talked to your brother more than I’ve talked to you. We joked about a lady with hair that reminded both of us of a poodle. You were talking with your hands one time and accidentally smacked me. You tried it again to see what’d happen and I slapped you right back – on your sunburn. You knew so much about cameras and photography, for which I looked up to you. Even so, I didn’t know you that well.

Then why does this hurt so much?

Because I know your family. Your sister. Your brothers. I know the people who know you. And I know how much they adored you. I know how they respected you and admired you. I know how dedicated your relationship with God is. I know how you seem to pour everything you have into your work.

I know.

Perhaps I don’t know much. Perhaps all I see is a snippet of your life – a snapshot, a photograph of your life taken by some amazing photographer. But it’s the most amazing photo ever, seen through a filter of God’s love, grace and mercy. The lighting is perfect, showing me things that I might never have seen in lesser light. The composition shows me a depth and love that could never be explained with words. There are certain things set up in the frame of your photo that suggest at the little things that I might have overlooked, if not for that second glance.

Josh.

You’ve inspired me. I don’t know how.  Leaning out over water, risking damage to your camera. Just for a good photo. I feel this drive, this need to go out. This need to love, live, give, grow, laugh, smile, and ooze the love of Christ.

Just like you did.

I hope God has a camera tucked away up in Heaven for you. Actually, you probably won’t need it – maybe, up in heaven, you can use words to paint a picture in the minds of others without even needing the photo.

Either way, Joshua Eddy, I know God is watching you. He is watching all of us. If you’re up in Heaven already, can you do me a favor?

Tell my Grandpa I said hi. His name’s Drake Noble.

Thanks – I really appreciate it. I wish I could have gotten to know you better. But instead, I’ll pour my life into the lives of others. Just like you did.

And my camera is going everywhere with me today.

Welcome!

I must admit, seeing as this is the first-ever post to this blog, this is more of a welcome to myself than anything :) This blog is a replacement of my Facebook; I figured the time I spend on Facebook would be better spent posting on a blog!

~Alex