Tag Archives: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Don’t Stop the Healing

The origin of Journey’s classic song “Don’t Stop Believing” was a joint effort among the group’s members.   Co-written by Neal Schon and Steve Perry, the inspiration for the lyrics occurred during experiences on the sunset strip.  However, one sleepless night in a Detroit hotel, spawned words based upon the shadows seen from street lights below.  Since this album’s debut in 1981, Don’t Stop Believing has been embraced by individuals and teams searching for faith and hope.

There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged Jesus to place his hand on him, Mark 7:32.

Jesus was a rock star of the first century in name only.  Instead of groupies, desperate souls similar to figures on the land of misfit toys in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer flocked to Jesus seeking some form of healing.  When doctors couldn’t help these people, they followed Jesus by land or sea just to get a glimpse or fit through the masses to touch Jesus’ cloak.  While there is no indication of a mantra coming from these crowds, I can imagine some crying out to Jesus singing, “Don’t stop the healing!”

People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak,” Mark 7:37.

Today, financial issues, a struggling economy and unemployment have caused many to doubt if miracles still exist.  These skeptics often cry out without experiencing or seeing any tangible answers to prayer.  If these pattern continues, I would not be surprised if believers lose hope and possibly stop believing completely.  When these periods of unbelief arrive, don’t forget the Jesus jingle, Don’t Stop the Healing.  May the thought of previous miracles spark new life to hurting souls.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

A Land of Misfits

One of my favorite Christmas classics is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  While the movie focuses on the secular side of Christmas, the story of Rudolph is one that most people can relate to in life.  Many of us have unique, strange or unusual gifts like a shiny red nose, yet we do not know how or where to use this gift.

As Rudolph leaves home with his new acquaintance, an elf who yearns to be a dentist, they set out on a great adventure, searching for answers and meaning to life.  This journey leads them to the Land of Misfit Toys.  During America’s current recession, many people likely feel like Rudolph, thrown aside to the curb, unwanted and broken inside.  These toys, like the unemployed, are desperately waiting for someone to recognize their hidden gifts.

During this period of uncertainty, people experience a wide range of emotions.  In fact, like many of the toys in the movie, people give up hope that they will ever find the right match, person or position to bring meaning back to their life.  The apostle Paul’s message to the Romans was similar to the answer Rudolph was seeking.  “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given you, Romans 5:5.”  As you continue your journey living in a land of misfits, may God lift you up, fill you will peace and provide joy to you and your family in the near future.

by Jay Mankus