Saint C.S.

An Inkling

While the broader culture remembers JFK on the 50^th anniversary of his death, the church press is remembering another who died the same day:  C.S. Lewis.  I’ve been using a devotional this year with readings from his works.  With that daily dose I’ve been reminded again and again of the amazing gifts the Lord brought through Saint C.S.

In an era when liberal and conservative Christians rarely read each other’s luminaries, Saint C.S. is quoted by both.  He showed liberals that the great story really is true, and he showed conservatives that such truth need not be wooden.  And he did so with a flair and humor that also brought the great story home to thousands who didn’t yet believe.

Here are a few of my favorite Saint C.S. quotes:

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.  Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations – these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat.  But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit – immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.  (The Weight of Glory)

It would be rash to say that there is any prayer which God never grants.  But the strongest candidate is the prayer we might express in the single word encore.  And how should the Infinite repeat Himself?  All space and time are too little for Him to utter Himself in them once.  (Letters to Malcolm)

The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers and perturbations of love is Hell.  (The Four Loves)

Until you have given up your self to Him you will not have a real self.  Sameness is to be found most among the most 'natural' men, not among those who surrender to Christ.  How monotonously alike all the great tyrants and conquerors have been; how gloriously different are the saints.  (Mere Christianity)

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you?  Who said anything about safe?  ‘Course he isn’t safe.  But he’s good.  He’s the King, I tell you.”  (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)

And that’s the short list!  Thank you, Lord, for Saint C.S.

Read on!

Keith

How About You?

An Inkling

Let’s have a show of hands – who is AGAINST:

• Christian unity?
• Worship?
• Prayer for our city?

Just as I thought – not a hand.  Then you must be FOR Bless Richmond, where the three will be combined and the Lord himself present!  Our own James Anderson is the central planner of this event, and I’ve been part of the preparation team myself.

You can see the video here of last year’s event.  This year Bless Richmond is again at the U-Turn Sports Academy, at 2101 Maywill Street.  We’ll gather at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.  The price of admission is a can of food.

The Lord is showing up.  How about you?

Looking forward to it!

Keith