Random Ramblings #48: Gun Control, Lance Armstrong, Jodie Foster and The Impossible

Photo Credit: ABC News.

Every Friday we’ll leave the topic oriented post, and instead post some personal comments.

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A Cuppa Joe

Gun control seems to be on everyone’s agenda or hit list, depending on which side of the aisle you root for. The restrictions Obama’s proposing, in light of the Newton tragedy, look innocuous enough, and I personally am not afraid of background checks for gun owners or limits on sales of automatic weapons. What does have me nervous is the trend, which I doubt will end with these initial proposed laws, regardless of the fact they’re not likely to pass the House. When the right to elects one’s own health care gets compromised, then the right to bear arms can’t be far behind; that’s what gets me sweating. I’d prefer our Government to go on a diet, and for individuals to break their fast, because I sleep better in a country where the one reduces and the other beefs up.

Speaking of beefing up, Lance Armstrong came out on the Oprah Winfrey Network with multiple confessions of steroid use, professional vindictiveness and outrageous self-centeredness. He’s on my prayer list, both as a man grappling with disgrace and as someone whose achievements I’ve so admired. Is it really impossible to break records, athletic or otherwise, without breaking people along the way?

Jody Foster came out too, somewhat, at the Golden Globes ceremony Sunday. I don’t think too many jaws dropped over that. And while I can’t celebrate someone announcing their homosexuality, there’s a lot about Ms. Foster that I respect. She’s an amazing performer and director – Little Man Tate, which she directed and starred in, remains one of my favorite of all films – and she’s exhibited the graceful ability to keep her private life private, and to let her work speak for itself. But I’m especially interested in, and appreciative of, her friendship with two-time costar Mel Gibson. Mr. Gibson by all accounts holds traditional Catholic views on sexuality, a fact that doesn’t seem to have dampened their mutual affection. If they’ve discussed their differing positions on the issue (which isn’t much of an “if”) then I envy any fly on the wall who got to hear them. Anyway, props to them both for publicly and perhaps unintentionally modeling the ability to sustain friendship while disagreeing on one of the most divisive of all issues.

And speaking of movies, if you’re up for something intense but heroic, check out The Impossible. Some of it’s hard to watch, but this true story of a family pulling together amidst catastrophe is compelling and yes, inspirational. Naomi Watts best actress nomination, as the injured mother plowing through eternal mud and debris to keep family intact, sure makes sense.

Thanks for your prayers last week, by the way. The meeting at Harvest Christian Fellowship was well attended, and provided a ministry opportunity I’m hugely grateful for. 41 years ago I sat on the floor of a weekly Bible study led by a long haired cartoon artist named Greg Laurie, and his teaching then, as now, was solid, funny and relevant. What a blessing to speak at his church all these decades later.

And what a blessing to anticipate a three day weekend! Hope yours is terrific. Thanks for being here.

Love,

Joe