“Strange Things Are Happening”

Do you remember the song “Strange Things” from the first Toy Story movie?  It’s the song that plays during the montage of how Woody’s life changes when the new toy–Buzz Lightyear–takes over Andy’s room as the coolest toy in town.  Woody feels rejected and alone as he sees all of his friends become so fascinated with Buzz that they ignore him completely.  The scenery of the room changes to “outer space stuff” everywhere.  Consider the lyrics:

“Strange Things”

Written by Randy Newman

I was on top of the world
it was right in my pocket
I was living the life
things were just the way they should be
When from out of the sky like a bomb comes some little punk in a rocket
now all of a sudden some strange things are happening to me

I had friends,
I had lots of friends
Now all my friends are gone
And I’m doing the best I can to carry on

I had power (power)
I was respected (respect)
But not any more
And I’ve lost the love to the one whom I adored

Let me tell you about the strange things are happening to me
Strange things
Strange things are happening to me…
Ain’t no doubt about it

You got someone you think you know well
It turns out a stranger
The minute you turn your back
You’re in it all by yourself

They laugh at your jokes,
You think you’re doing well
But you’re in danger, boy
You end up alone, forgotten, way up on the shelf

Strange things are happening to me
Strange things
Strange things are happening to me
Ain’t no doubt about it

Strange things are happening to me
Strange things
Strange things are happening to me

Strange things (x2)

When I read these lyrics from a spiritual perspective, it reminds me of Peter’s advice to the early Christians who were going through difficult times as they were being persecuted for their faith.  Read I Peter 4:12-19 (emphasis mine)

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.  If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.  Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?  And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?  Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” (KJV)

In the NASB, I Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; ” (emphasis mine)

This verse is frequently referenced in sermons and books, which deal with facing trying times or circumstances such as:  illness, family issues, job problems, false accusations, financial difficulties, death of a loved one, and spiritual persecution.  I’ve heard this verse quoted so many times over the years all the way back to my childhood in a Christian home, church, and school.  Of course, I didn’t get it until high school, but since then, I’ve endured my own personal share of “strange things” as I am sure you have as well.

There have been so many books written trying to explain or answer our desperate questions as they relate to suffering and the “unfairness” of life.  Our questions range from “Why me?” to “Why not the other guy who doesn’t really love God like I do?”  If we’re truly being honest, some of our questions, asked only in the silence of our minds, are harsh, angry, and judgmental.  We judge God for not treating us “well.”  “Hey, I’m faithful.  I teach small group. I tithe. I set up chairs every week before the service. My family did 3 shoeboxes for OCC this year. My kids are in AWANA.”  We judge non-Christians for not suffering “as much” as we are suffering.  “God, why is my car stalling at every red light when my mean-spirited neighbor, who not-so-subtly brags about his “tax shelters,” has a brand new convertible and is going on a cruise next week.”  We judge fellow brothers and sisters in Christ for their “perfect” lives.  “Lord, why do the Youth Pastor and his wife have six beautiful children and a great life when we can’t even get pregnant and we’re fighting all the time.” We judge the people in the Bible by our own modern standards.  “Look God, things weren’t like this back in the Old Testament.  I mean, those guys didn’t have to watch their daughter being bullied on Facebook or attacked on Twitter.  My daughter cries everyday, and why can’t You do some Old Testament thing like open the concrete at her school and swallow up the cyber-bullies?”

We’re hurting.  It’s okay to ask these and other questions.  Based on all the biblical evidence and principles, it’s okay to be angry when you’ve been hurt and/or when your life is falling apart (see Job, David, and any of the prophets).  Job questions God chapter after chapter as he sits there covered in sores surrounded by his judgmental friends.  David shows strong evidence of being clinically depressed in many of the Psalms as he begs God for help to fight off both his external enemies of his kingdom and the internal enemies within his own family.

I’ve had moments where I’ve screamed, beat on a pillow, and once, when I was really upset and frustrated about all the trials that were literally hitting me from every direction; I went out into the woods and beat a dead tree with an old shower curtain rod until the tree broke in half (Don’t stop reading; no one was hurt, and the tree was dead). I’ve scribbled in journals with both words, long paragraphs, and mindless doodles.  I believe it’s important to let the anger go since the Bible’s teaching on anger is that it’s okay to be angry; it’s not okay to sin because you’re angry.  Ephesians 4:26 states, “Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down upon your wrath,” (NKJV).

It’s not going to be easy to get through the trials you are facing now.  You will come out with some scars, bruises, and pain; however, you will survive.  Scroll back up to the song “Strange Things,” and read it again.  I love Toy Story.  The trilogy is one of the best series ever made, and the first movie, is one of my all-time favorites.  I even dressed up like Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl, for a skit at church one Sunday morning.

I look at the song “Strange Things” in a totally different light than I did when I saw the first movie as a recent high-school grad.  I see the song as a perfect metaphor for our reflex response to the “strange things” which come our way on our life’s journey.  If you’ve seen Toy Story,  you may remember that, in the end, Buzz and Woody become best friends; and each of them has accepted that they are loved by their owner and by their friends regardless of how “strange” things become.  In Toy Story 3, both Buzz and Woody face, and eventually accept, that painful changes may come, but the end result can have surprising and wonderful results (see Romans 8:28).  In a much more profound and magnificent way, you and I are loved by our Creator.  His love will never change.  Unlike the toys in the Toy Story trilogy, He won’t donate us to a thrift store, sell us at a yard sale, or give us away to someone else, when He’s “outgrown” us.   In fact, just as both Woody and Buzz have “Andy” written on the bottom of their feet, as a sign of ownership, possession, and love; so to do all Christians.  The names of all those people who have put their faith and trust in Christ are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (see Revelation 13).  Luke 10:20b says, “but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” (ESV).

There are sometimes “bad guys,”  like Sid in the first Toy Story film, or terrible circumstances that seem to enjoy taking us down, destroying us, or metaphorically, strapping us to a rocket, as is Buzz’s fate.  We will survive.  We will go on.  It is up to us to decide if we thrive.  Are you going to stay angry and hide under the bed like Woody did or are you going to brave each day, each move (Andy moves twice in the trilogy), and each moment that is not what you expect and most of the time, certainly not exactly what you want?  In Toy Story 3, the main characters/toys, literally face a “fiery trial” as they are nearly incinerated at the landfill, yet they are saved.  They come out stinky, smoky, and not quite as pretty as they were, but they make it; and they later realize that they are still loved very much.

Back to the real world of trials, I keep going though the trials continue to ebb and flow. I may have to go find another old shower curtain rod at some point, but I’m not quitting. I know that I’m loved, that I’m precious to God, that I’m worth dying for, and that I’m accepted.  God loves you so much.  I can’t explain why this trial is happening to you right now, but I encourage to trust, not that it all work out how you want it to, but that God will work it out for His glory and for your personal growth.  One of my favorite Bible professors in college taught that God allows everything for a “purpose” not a “reason.”  Over the years, so many well-meaning people have said to me, “God has a reason for this.”  My professor said that “a reason for it” is the wrong way to look at it.  He said “a purpose” implies much more.  He went so far as to correct all of his students when we would say, “God had a reason.”  He would hold up one finger, and say, “No, God has a purpose.”  His teaching changed my perspective, and I now humbly correct my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ when the opportunity is appropriate.  I want them to feel the freedom I’ve felt since embracing “God’s purpose” over “God’s reason” for something happening in both my and others’ lives.

The next time, a trial starts in your life or even now, as you are facing a trial, sing the chorus of “Strange Things.”

Strange things are happening to me
Strange things
Strange things are happening to me
Ain’t no doubt about it

After that, follow it up with by reading or quoting all the Scriptures you can find regarding trials, temptations, fear, and anxiety.  Then, finish up, by singing your favorite hymns and spiritual songs.  “Google” Christian songs about fear and trials until you find some new songs to add to your repertoire. Learn these new songs.  Be prepared to face what’s coming.  Do not let the “strange things” take you down.  If all else fails, pick up your foot and look at the bottom of your shoe or bare foot and envision the names of God and Jesus written across it.  You are His child; His heir. You belong.

“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4: 6-7 (NASB)

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 (NIV)

Zombie Follower? Check. Vampire Follower? Check. Christ Follower? Check???

I’ll admit it.  I follow all 3, but not in the order mentioned above.  As a writer, who happens to be a Christian, I follow Jesus Christ first.  He is the One, whom I owe my life to and whom I worship and adore.  As an American girl, born in the awkward transition between Generation X and Y, although technically, I’m Gen Y, I love film, television, and pop culture.  In it, I find the true barometer of where we are as a culture.  I’m fascinated by all the sophisticated serial-drama that has been made recently and/or is being made currently.  I love to peruse many of the amazing, super-natural, Sci-Fi films, YA books, and TV shows that have come out in the last 10 years or so.  But, two things I’ve really enjoyed are Zombie shows and films and The Twilight books and films.

I particularly love The Walking Dead, but I also love the films–Zombieland (2009), Dawn of the Dead (2004), I Am Legend (2007), and most recently, World War Z (2013).  According to Time.com, The Walking Dead is the most popular cable show ever and set a record when its recent season premiere brought in 16.1 million viewers.  With the follow-up show, Talking Dead, the original graphic novels, toys, costumes, and social media followers numbering in the millions; it’s safe to say, that we, as a culture, are Zombie Followers.

In the past few years, I’ve worked as both a middle and high school Literature teacher; thus, I felt I had to read and watch The Twilight series.  The first book was not my favorite—too gushy, mushy, over-the-top obsession with one boy; however, I liked the series as I read further.  Overall, I enjoyed the films as well.  It was also a lot of fun to be able to talk to my students about the characters and to use the books and films to examine, teach, and compare literary archetypes, sacrificial love in literature throughout history, and the elements of great storytelling.  With the 4 films in the Twilight franchise world-wide gross exceeding 3.3 billion (boxofficemojo.com), it would not be overstating it to say that we, as a culture, are Vampire Followers.

My question is “why?”  Why are we so fascinated with these undead or un-aging or eternal or nearly-unkillable beings?  I’ve examined my own heart to try to understand my motivation for never missing an episode of Walking Dead.  Why do I read about the TWD when it comes across my social media feed? Why am I and so many other people posting, tweeting, and story-syncing while watching the show. Why are there so many Zombie 5-Ks?  And were just talking about Zombies. What about all the people who have Vampire tattoos, who have their teeth-filed to look like vampire teeth, or who have Twilight-style weddings?  What about all the people who avidly follow all the vampire movies, TV shows, and novels that are pouring out of Hollywood and the presses of New York?

I have come to the conclusion that in these characters, we are able to explore our deepest questions about life:  Is it possible to live forever?  What happens after I’m dead? Would I survive if there were an apocalypse?  If it came to down to me or the “other guy” dying, would I sacrifice myself for him or her? Would someone die, so I could live?  Can my deepest fears become reality?  Can I cheat death?  In the end, will I be left alone to face a hostile world that doesn’t care?  Who will remember me when I’m gone?

Toward the beginning of this article, I mentioned that I’m first-off a Christ Follower.  This means I have placed my trust in Jesus Christ, who sacrificed Himself on the cross, so that not only me, but also all humans could have the opportunity to live with Him in Heaven forever.  This means that I believe 100% of the Bible is true, real, accurate, and complete; and that the Bible is a guidebook for humanity, not only telling us how to live successful, fulfilled lives; but also in answering all of the questions our hearts ask when we are being truly honest with ourselves.

Are we eternal beings?  Yes, Genesis 1:27 tells us that we were “created in the image of God.”  God is eternal; therefore, we are eternal.  We will live forever.  It is up to us to choose where we will spend eternity.  Would someone die for me?  Yes, John 3:16-17 explains that Jesus came into the world to die for all humanity in order to give all people the opportunity to spend eternity with Him in Heaven.  Verse 17 says that Christ didn’t come “to condemn the world . . . but to save it.”   Can I cheat death?  Sort of, Hebrews 9:27 says that “each person is destined to die,” so yes, you will die; however, you won’t stay dead.  Spoiler Alert:  Just as anyone who dies in Walking Dead comes back to life in an altered form, so will you.  You won’t be the same as you were on earth nor will you be a grunting, foot-dragging, one-track-mind, Zombie; however, you will be “judged.”  Hebrews 9: 27 goes on to say that after your death, you will be judged.  Were you a Christ Follower or were you the Follower of something or someone else?  Perhaps, you followed your own whims and desires.  Perhaps, you believed in mysticism.  Perhaps, you tried to be good enough all the time, so that you could be given sanctuary in Heaven or some other awesome place after you were gone from this Earth.  Romans 5:8 tells us that “Christ died for us.”  Christ is the ultimate Hero.  He is the only person in History to ever actually cheat death and live to tell about it (see John chapter 20 and 21).  Christ, the son of the Only, High God, died for you.  He loves you.  He is better than any leader in any Zombie apocalypse.  He is greater than any powerful Vampire.  He cannot be killed.  Most importantly, he wants you to join His “group.”  If you’re familiar with the Zombie/Vampire genre, people are always either “in or out.”  You have to be “worthy.”  You have to prove yourself to be “in.”  The group asks, “what skills can you bring to our survival group to help keep us alive?”  According to Christ, you are already “in.”  You don’t have to prove anything in God’s group of “survivors.”  And the best thing is, no matter what you ever did or ever do, you will always be “in.”  Being part of God’s and Jesus’ family ensures your acceptance into the ultimate safe place—Heaven.  How do I join this family?  You don’t have to answer Rick’s 3 questions from The Walking Dead.  You don’t have to promise the vampire family that you won’t tell their secrets to the rest of the town.  All you have to do is place your faith in Christ.  Believe that Christ is the Son of God.  Believe that He came and died for you.  Believe that Jesus would have died on the cross if you were the only person He could save.  Believe that He will take you to Heaven when you die, and that even now, He is preparing a place for you (see John 14:1-6).  Here is all you have to do according to Romans 10:9 “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (ESV).  Christ wants to be the Leader of your life.  He will be your ultimate protector in every situation.  He will give you freedom from anything that is weighing you down, ruining your life, or holding you back.  He’s better than Walking Dead’s Daryl and Rick combined.  He’s mightier than Twilight‘s Edward Cullen and Dr. Carlisle Cullen put together.  Dracula has got nothing on Christ.  No Zombie horde could ever defeat Christ.  Although these are fictional characters, I hope you get my point.  I love heroes.  I want to see them win.  The difference for me is I found my ultimate Hero.  His name is Jesus, and he’s waiting to meet you.  Will you introduce yourself to Him?