Tragic Comedy

"IF JESUS CAME BACK AND SAW WHAT WAS BEING DONE IN HIS NAME HE'D NEVER STOP THROWING UP."

--WOODY ALLEN
(From "Hannah and Her Sisters") (1986).

I'm unsure what I appreciate more about this statement; the comic genius of the person who sad it, or the gut-wrenching, sad truth that it brings to light. Woody Allen is a screenwriter and actor probably best known for films like "Annie Hall" (77), and "Hannah and Her Sisters" (86). I've often said that Woody Allen movies, you either love or hate...there is no in between. It is difficult even to describe the man with the cracking New York accent, and the black rimmed glasses, whose films truly are in a class all by themselves. Often taking subject matter left untouched by most directors, he brings an amazing humor and wit to subjects everyone thinks about at some point...but no one will dare talk about it.

On a personal note, I believe his statement is very true. Many things done in Jesus name probably do just grieve his heart and make him ill. In my search for this quote, I found a review of a book called "Jesus Land" by Julia Scheere. The memoir describes Scheere growing up in the south as a Caucasian girl with two black, adopted brothers. Meanwhile, Scheere had a very abusive father, and a mother who stood by, unable, apparently to stop what was going on, but she believed Jesus for everything, and relied on the congregation of her Christian Reformed Church for guidance. Scheere, and the one brother she bonded with, were sent off to some sort of Christian boot camp in the Domitican Republic, where Scheere says, they were horribly abused and mistreated.

Hmmm... All in JESUS name?? These two children were beaten and abused by people who called themselves Christians, but never had their best interests at heart...all in Jesus name? I don't know a out you, but that makes ME wanna throw up!

CHALLENGE: Be an advocate for someone who needs your help. Maybe a child is being bullied, or a familily is struggling financially. Maybe a friend just needs a word of encouragement. Find someone who needs a voice, and be that for them.