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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: LOVE (08/03/23)
How many times do we have to watch this? It’s so yesterday already. What am I talking about? I’m talking about this scene that shows up in romances, rom-coms, thrillers, dystopian works … everywhere.

Two basically strangers meet. They feel “something” for the other. Before too many scenes pass, we find them nearly swallowing the other whole, tearing their clothes off and crashing into some flesh on flesh convulsion.

I’m sorry. Maybe you see the beauty in the scene. It can be a writer’s way to help us understand the passionate nature of the characters. You may criticize me as a prude for describing the scene with such negative language. If that is so, you wouldn’t like my novels which include some romantic involvement within them.

I add the romance purposely. First, I enjoy seeing that interest in stories. I even include a little sexual tension in my novels because I think that’s realistic of most romantic encounters. Two very different personalities struggling between surrender and survival.

Most of all, I create a romance within the adventure because it depicts in an imperfect way the relationship between Creator and humanity. Two very different personalities struggling between surrender and survival.

I do believe the Gospel is the ultimate definition of love. Jesus is not only quoted as saying, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬). He also surrendered his life and momentarily his relationship with the Father (Matthew 27:46) not only so that all humanity can survive, but thrive here on Earth and eternally.

This creates the tension for any to believe. Jesus also said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬) and “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” (John 15:10 NIV).

Keep his commandments. That takes a huge paradigm shift for us humans first to believe and then to love God. We continue to struggle between surrender and survival.

First, to believe we have to surrender the notion that we have something to do with our survival. Then, we surrender our personal lordship and make Jesus our Lord.

Even for believers there is this constant struggle between complete surrender that the circumstances we face, the decision we need to make or the issues at hand are best overcome by doing it God’s way.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV).
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This, at least for me, takes a constant surrendering of my mind, body and spirit to God several times a day. It begins by remembering the mercies of God - how much God loves me unconditionally and eternally. Even then, sometimes I fail to completely surrender. Yet, God keeps on loving and pursuing the best for my life.

God wants the best for your life, too. Because Christ surrendered His life once for all, God will not surrender His love for you (Romans 8:38-39).
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Ed Arrington
08/13/23
I know as a Christian writer I have a tough time writing a fiction piece that includes even a medium amount of things and words that I would not say in normal everyday conversation. You are a well-spoken writer who would interest me even more if you could stay within the realms of what God may expect from Christian writers. You have the talent, I am sure to write Christian fiction that would completely honor God and keep the reader eager to stay with you. May God bless you in your endeavor.
Philippa Geaney
08/14/23
Very poignant article.
I certainly agree.
IN fact I think my remote clicker is wearing out as I search for an entertaining yet realilstic movie or series that doesn't have as you so succintly write - them devouring each other. In addition and much worse is the constant use of the Lord's Name. Sometimes such great plots ruined by that lost love and reverence for our Creator.
Avigail David
08/16/23
I get your point. God designed sexuality and intimacy as a pure and holy gift to give pleasure to husband-to-wife or wife-to-husband for the purpose of procreation (children) acted in godly love as God meant it to be.

Casual open sex with anybody isn't how God designed love and intimacy between a man and a woman. And loose existence and pratices are being promoted in movies/films and books. I identify with your disgust.

You've chosen the Bible references quite in context and appropriately.



C D Swanson 
08/16/23
You are an excellent writer and have approached the topic in an interesting and realistic way.

To be honest, I only watch Christian movies, to avoid just what you have so aptly described in your article.


You did a very nice job!

God Bless~