Esotropiart

For those who are wishing to erase those painful memories, take heart, the leading powers of the world are working on it. Read how scientists have managed to erase specific memories in mice. I can't help but be reminded of a quite interesting movie. If you've seen the movie, you probably already know which one I'm talking about.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet was a brilliant film. The somewhat complex and colorful plot follows the story of two people who meet by "chance" - though the film is more about destiny and fate than chance. It's about the memories that people encounter and store up through life, and what it would be like if we had the ability to erase some of the more painful ones. I'd strongly caution viewers to expect a few inappropriate scenes, without which the film would probably be practically perfect in every way, like Mary Poppins (the movie and the fictional character).

I think many people don't realize how ridiculously good of an actor Jim Carrey is. If all you can think of are crazy faces and silly jokes, you haven't seen his best work. He is an incredible talent. I wish I could fully recommend this movie, for it has aspects of genius... but I do so only with reservation because of some of the content. :( The name alone is worthy of an Oscar, which consequently, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind rightfully received.

The film and this news article brings up an interesting point. I think we all have memories we'd like to erase at times. I myself have gone through some immensely painful and dark times. Nevertheless, I've maintained the perspective and belief that it is in these times of pain and trial that we are tested and approved to become the very people that we are. Through the Old Testamant of the Bible we receive the story of the Israelites, showing God's faithfulness in spite of their lack thereof. I believe our own stories do the same. It is in our weakness that the strength of God is declared. It is in the darkness that the Light shines.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

As with most of my blog entries, I'm just peeking through the door of possibilities. Most of the time when I write, I end up making new and exciting discoveries through the process of writing, rather than communicating the completion of ones already made. So bear with me, please. If it's too much to read, no need to feel obligated. But I cannot stop sharing what God is doing in my life, for He doesn't stop doing what He is doing! Praise the name of Jesus!

So I'm not willing to subject myself to a mind-sweep if and when such a device is invented. All my memories are precious to me, for they are God-sightings. If I were to erase all that I consider "bad", I think much of God's work would be undone, and I'd be left the fool of a dark shadow, a destructive path of lies and sorrow set before me. Yet God is good, and I wish not to destroy the memories that I look back at with great fondness, even the painful ones! For me the painful memories, though encompassing much time in my past, point me only to Christ Jesus my Lord. The brightness of the good He has done so far outshines any difficulty that I am humbled to worship Him constantly in tears. Scriptures like these are not anecdotal or forced by effort in my life. They are the story of my life, and I rejoice greatly as I read them.

I hope you don't skim over or skip these verses I so "painstakingly" cut & paste here :) I know I am tempted to gloss over such things - cuz I think I know what it says already. Consider this though: it's not my words that have the power, it's God's Word! Though the story God is creating in me also has power and is something I rejoice over, it is by the power of the Word that it is at all possible! All of this... see all of this I've been talking about over the last few weeks? Guess what? Every bit of it has come out of being absorbed in the Bible and by the Spirit of God speaking in my heart! I encourage anyone and everyone to seek after God's Word fervently and without ceasing. The moment I fail to do so is the moment I lose.

A battle is brewing on the horizon. Even so, it is here at our doors. Think of when Gandalf looked out to see the fiery storm over Mordor with ominous discomfort. However, don't fear. The darkness better be shaking in their boots, for the Lord Jesus Christ is the true Light that not only is coming into the world, but He is here. He is alive, and let me tell you His enemies will all be placed under His feet!

God's Word will not return to Him void after having been sent out to me by His grace... for His miraculous changing and healing waters have flowed through me, and there will be a harvest of joy, gladness, and praise! He can and will do the same for you as you feed on the tasty morsels of His Word!

Consider what God has done
Who can straighten
what he has made crooked?

When times are good, be happy;
but when times are bad, consider:
God has made the one
as well as the other.
Therefore, a man cannot discover
anything about his future.

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 5:3-5

I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
Let him sit alone in silence,
for the LORD has laid it on him.
Let him bury his face in the dust -
there may yet be hope.
Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
and let him be filled with disgrace.
For men are not cast off
by the Lord forever.
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
For he does not willingly bring affliction
or grief to the children of men.

Lamentations 3:19-33