MOVIE & BOOK CORNER

Last month, we came across a gem of a film called, The Gift of Hope; the story of Tony Melendez

As a result of Tony’s mother taking the prescription drug, Thalidomide, he was born with no arms. That hasn’t stopped him from enjoying life to its fullest.

I first saw Tony on the TBN network performing on the show called “Praise the Lord”. I was stunned when I saw a young man singing and playing guitar with his feet. Yes! His feet!

The Gift of Hope is part concert footage but more of a documentary showing Tony’s life and ministry. Although he has no arms, his spirit soars, inspiring others with his music and his courage. Today he is known around the world for playing the guitar with his feet but the story doesn’t end there.

He was thrown into the limelight when he performed before Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles in 1987. Visibly moved by Tony's performance the Pope rushed into the audience to embrace him.

In this program we meet Tony and see him perform in many locations. After hearing his inspiring story, you'll understand why he has appeared on numerous television shows including "Good Morning America," "The Today Show," "The 700 Club," and many more. He has also received several awards including the Inspirational Hero Award from the NFL Alumni Association at Superbowl XXIII in Miami and the Branson Entertainment Award for the Best New Artist in 1999.

Tony is a powerful speaker and is frequently invited to give presentations to young people on drug abuse, the importance of self-esteem, disability awareness, cultural awareness and family support. Tony's inspiring story will challenge viewers to embrace life and give hope to those in need.

I couldn’t get over his enthusiasm and joy as he plays to stunned audiences. I know that if I get my friend, Mark, who I call Mr. Bassman, to watch it, his wife, Pam will catch him trying to play his bass guitar barefoot. I’m sorry Pam; I’m just writing about a good DVD. I can’t prevent what Mark will do.

Thou shalt not curse the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind, but shalt fear thy God: I [am] the Lord.
Leviticus 19:14

Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the Lord do [that which is] good in his sight.
1 Chronicles 19:13

LIFE IN CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 1:6

“And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

There will always be times of trouble in our lives when we expect the worst possible outcome. I probably would have felt that way in Paul’s shoes when troubles beset him in Rome.

In prison, he knew many deprivations and faced serious uncertainties. The city was in turmoil and the very cruel Nero was still in power. Awaiting trial, Paul did not yet know what troubles the authorities would bring him, or even if he would live.

Yet his letter to his beloved converts conveys no complaints. It tells only of confidence that the Father who began a good work in them will bring it to completion. Paul knew no worst outcomes, only the best outcomes for believers. He was chiefly concerned with “higher things”, not the mundane. He sent joyful thanks to the Philippians for their gift, for sharing the Gospel with him, and he expresses love for each of them. He conveyed the hope that through his trials, he will always continue to witness Christ’s power.

Living his life so deeply in Christ, Paul dwells on the power God delivered to the world through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Rooted in Christ in good times and bad, we, too, can rest assured that our Lord Jesus will bring to completion the plans He has for each of us.

Father, let our lives witness to Your love. Amen.

In time of reflection let the 23rd Psalm be first on your list.

*A Psalm of David.*
¹The Lord [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. ²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. ³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23