What Do You See?

5/19/24

Do you remember those games in books from childhood where there’d be a drawn outline of a simple picture that at first glance might look like a pair of lamps or vases near to each other, but when you look again you see something totally different, such as the profiles of two people facing each other?

Isn’t that a very simple analogy of how each of us can perceive people, situations, religion/Christianity differently too?

There’s a rock singer named Ronnie James Dio who died a few years ago due to stomach cancer. Many considered him a satanist.

Before becoming a solo artist he took over Ozzy Osbourne’s place as lead singer in the band “Black Sabbath’.

During his tenure in Sabbath he wrote a tune called “Heaven and Hell”; It’s been one of my favorites for many years. It’s a dark song about the dichotomy of perspectives on religion, and the choices we make. Essentially, it’s up to us to choose whether we follow, without question, the dictates of certain harsh religious, or others, who only see sin and tell people (other than themselves, of course) why they’re going to hell? Or do we ask questions, think for ourselves and see the truth of what God/religion is supposed to be ~ love with moral standards.

The opening lines to the song are “Sing me a song, you’re a singer; do me a wrong you’re a bringer of evil . . .” It’s an acknowledgement of how others perceive him; is he a musician who brings his truth and empathy into the world or a sinner because he does it in a way that’s different than some think he ‘should’, so he must be evil? 

Dio’s credited with ‘creating’ the hand signal of a fist with the index and pinky extended. 

Some people see it as the horns of satan; others, a sign (language symbol) of love or acceptance.  

What do you see? 

Would it help if I told you he didn’t do drugs and was considered one of the nicest guys in rock? And in 1988, looong before most people cared or even knew about it, he received “The Children of the Night” Philanthropist Award for doing so much work with them? “Children Of The Night” is an organization that rescues children out of sex trafficking and gives them a safe place to heal.

What do you see now, or maybe the better question is, who do you see? 

He always wore black and heavy metal jewelry, was a short guy with a loud voice, unapologetic opinions, thinning long hair, and was known to don a long black leather trench coat. 

I still see a hero.

(You know what’s kinda funny? Was just wondering why I was writing about this guy since I hadn’t really thought about him for a long time. Decided to look up his date of death – May 16. It’s weird how the subconscious works sometimes, isn’t it?)

I know I can be quite judgmental at times. If the initial thoughts I’ve had about some situations rose up out of my head in a bubble for all to see, well let’s just say, more people would wonder why God hasn’t smote (smitened?:)) me years ago (ahem). 

Frequently, later on God’ll grant me a different perspective and I’ll mentally cringe, again, for being so – um – ‘uncharitable’, and I’ll renew the vow to keep changing (but no promises about ‘completely’!:)). 

(Although at times, some people {including me???😱} do need to be, at the very least, slapped upside the psyche, and at the most – incarcerated!)

None of us will ever be perfect, and all of us mortals could be considered sinners and hypocritical at times. It’s up to us if we deem that should keep ‘others’ out of church or Heaven, or be grateful that Grace applies to ALL, including ourselves, even if we do need to be reprimanded.

In actuality, in the end, it’s only up to each one of us as to where we’ll be in eternity – simply by choosing God/Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, or rejecting Him.

Dear Heavenly Omni-Everything-Including-And-Especially-Love Abba ~

Thank You that You can see past our outer trappings and situations, and into our heart – even if what’s in our hearts isn’t always something to be proud of! 

Thank You that You know our mortal frailty, and in fact, created us this way (so You’ve got no one to blame but Yourself!) (Um – Have I been smote (smitened?) now?? 😳) 

(And thank You that You have a sense of humor – I hope!!!!)

Thank You that because we chose You, You show us Grace as we learn to do better, and will still love us no matter how we’re judged by others, including ourselves. 

AMEN!