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The Sound of Freedom

Posted on May 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

It’s not often that one and only one cable news channel covers a world-wide epidemic. While the initial headlines of another major child sex trafficking ring is touched upon by all networks, this story disappears overnight. Replaced by stories of high-profile trials, protests, violence, and war, according to the upcoming film the Sound of Freedom, two million children across the globe remain enslaved by this booming industry.

Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. 14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air], James 4:13-14.

During a recent interview with Jim Caviezel, the actor who played Jesus in the Passion of the Christ, many in Hollywood don’t want his latest film project to be released. Every time the Sound of Freedom has gotten close to final production, film companies like Disney backed out at the last second. Is this due to political pressure or fear that this film must actually expose what’s really going on to countless children in the United States?

You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that [thing]. 16 But as it is, you boast [falsely] in your presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong. 17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin, James 4:15-17.

Currently, Jim is working with other Christiam film makers, including the group behind the popular series the Chosen. Jim’s goal is to pre-order 2 million tickets for the Sound of Freedom so that cinemas across the country will open their doors for this passion project this summer. Caviezel’s vision is for the total viewers in theaters will match or succeed the number of children enslaved by the sex trafficking industry. Please pray for the Sound of Freedom so that this project becomes a reality.

by Jay Mankus

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Too Many Pinocchios and Not Enough Average Joes

Posted on February 8, 2018 by expressyourself4him

The Adventures of Pinocchio was first published in 1883 by Italian author Carlo Collodi.  Disney released the animated version of Pinocchio in 1940.  This puppet created by the woodcarver Geppetto serves as the protagonist of this film.  Magically brought to life, Pinocchio discovers a shocking reality about truth.  Each time Pinocchio tells a lie, the size of his nose immediately grows.  This standard has been adopted  by members of the media to illustrate the honest from those who distort the truth.

Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight, Proverbs 12:22.

Unfortunately, when you place a camera in front of most politicians, exaggerations, fake outrage and misleading statements flow.  When you add political talking points to this equation, the concept of cable news panels is becoming a pointless exercise.  If experts, guests and hosts are merely going to regurgitate what their side believes to be true, all you have each night in America for evening news is political spin, often void of truth.  This cycle goes on and on with too many Pinocchios and not enough average Joes.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish, Proverbs 19:9.

In his 1990 album The Great Exchange, Bruce Carroll released the song Average Joe.  The lyrics refer to an average American family at the time, hard working, church attending and God fearing.  The chorus sings about the power of God flowing through the lives of averages Joes.  Back in the early nineties, this song was considered normal, socially acceptable.  Nearly, thirty years later, progressive ideas has labeled this concept as divisive, judgmental and non-inclusive.  Unless modern Pinocchios are exposed, held accountable and removed from power, average families are in danger of disappearing, shamed into conforming to the ways of the world.

by Jay Mankus

 

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When the Fire Inside Flickers Out

Posted on July 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

If you’re star gazing on a clear night, you might just catch a glimpse of a shooting star.  However, by the time you point in this direction to show others most vanish, flickering out before you can share this special moment.  This dying flame is reminiscent of individuals who lose their spark, joy for life.

And the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale, Revelation 6:13.

Madonna’s song Lucky Star, released in 1983, refers to the old adage of wishing upon a star.  Similar to Disney’s theme, both lyrics paint the picture of a fantasy world where your dreams come true.  Unfortunately, when your prince, princess or pot of gold never arrives, hope is replaced with doubt as stars of promise die out.

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever, Daniel 12:3.

When I was young, life was filled with great expectations, places to go, people to meet and mountains to climb.  Yet, every adult reaches a point in their lives when its hard to wake up.  Perhaps the life you envisioned hasn’t turned out as you thought.  Or in my case, the road I set out on has changed, leaving me dazed and confused.  Thus, when the fire inside flickers out its time to fall on your knees, open up God’s Word and pray for the Lord to raise you up on eagle’s wings to get you through the tough times.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Going Back in Time to Move Forward

Posted on July 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Disney’s animation movie Cars premiered at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 26th of 2006.  Lightning McQueen, the star and voice of Owen Wilson, illustrates what happens when an individual seeks to do whatever it takes to reach the top of their profession, the Piston Cup for McQueen, whatever the cost.  Just before reaching his goal, Lightning accidentally stumbles upon Radiator Springs, a once booming town on Route 66.  Forced to fix a portion of the road he destroyed, McQueen is taught a series of life lessons before moving on to his final race of the season.

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing, 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Over the weekend, I spent a portion of 4th of July weekend in Amish country.  Spending the night at a bed and breakfast, I felt like I was transported back in time to life without technology.  There was no television, internet or bars to make a call.  Instead, there were books, nature and others to converse with.  Spoiled by distractions in life, it became painfully clear during my visit that my communication skills have deteriorated.  Tuning out others with technology had become a way of life for me, a misguided attempt to hide my inadequacies.  Thus, going back in time has created a thirst for conversations in the future.

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Today, emails, Facebook and Twitter are flawed forms of communication.  While you may be able to express what you feel or think, often this form of expression is self-centered, void of any genuine face to face interaction.  Although emails may be convenient, they are superficial, not offering time for questions and answers like good old fashion meetings.  Perhaps, this generation has become too dependent on technology.  Sure, any information you desire is only a click away, but people are what makes the world go round.  Therefore, everyone needs time to get away, slow down and cruise the streets of a real life Radiator Springs.  Only when you go back in time for some rest and relaxation will you be ready to move forward.

by Jay Mankus

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To Infinite and Beyond

Posted on July 17, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Buzz Lightyear was introduced into pop culture in 1995, the star in Disney’s Animation Toy Story.  Like every great figure, Buzz’s catch phrase “to infinity and beyond,” endeared Americans to this small yet larger than life character.  The Toy Story series of films has grossed 1.9 billion dollars worldwide, giving a green meaning to infinite and beyond.

If Jesus arrived on the scene for the first time today, He might reference Buzz Lightyear  in a modern day parable.  With an emphasis toward low information voters, Jesus has a record of meeting people where they are, attracted by pop culture.  Subsequently, Jesus might begin with Hollywood to gain the attention and interest of listeners.  However, like a flip of the switch, Jesus weaves biblical truth into every story, pointing lost sheep toward eternity.

The One whom Jesus loved was privileged to private access, greater than even Peter.  Beyond his own gospel, this disciple added 3 additional letters filled with elements of his conversations with the Lord.  Perhaps the most revealing is found in 1 John 5:13.  If you hope to experience infinite and beyond, this passage provides the assurance you need.  When you add Romans 10:9-10 to this equation, you can boldly proclaim like Buzz Lightyear, heaven is a prayer away from of a world where infinite is beyond human comprehension.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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America’s Dying Small Towns

Posted on April 26, 2014 by expressyourself4him

As I was driving to Florida for Spring Break with my family, I was reminded of a scene from the movie Cars.  Sally was cruisizing the countryside with Lightning McQueen when his eyes were opened to the beauty of Route 66.   Awestruck, Lightning asks Sally why he’s never heard of this place.  Unfortunately, the completion of Interstate 40 bypassed this scenic overlook to save 10 minutes of driving time.  Thus, the same story holds true for many small towns in America, on the verge of extinction.

While searching for a place to eat, fuel and rest for the night, I stumbled upon several vacant towns along I 95.  Hotels were boarded up, gas stations closed and the majority of folks abandoned these once bustling areas.  If vacations don’t stop citizens from slowing down to enjoy God’s creation, Psalm 46:10, several small towns will be forgotten, fading away from our memories.  My wife’s words cut like a knife, “how can a hotel survive with only a few cars in the parking lot?”  She answered her own question; they can’t!

When I return home tomorrow, I will bring a new appreciation for the back roads of America, trying to support mom and pop businesses as much as I can.  By doing so, you are keeping alive someone’s dream as you savor a moment in time.  Life is too precious to be in hurry, rush through traffic or snarf down another meal.  May you and I remember the lesson of  this Disney’s movie, taking each journey one drive at a time.  Perhaps, these efforts might save a dying town in your neck of the woods.

Are there any small towns you like to frequent? If so, let my audience know.

by Jay Mankus

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