Celine Dion and the Common Grace of God

Ok, I am sure any of you who have read this title must think that I have really lost it! Or Karen and Mindy, you may be thinking I returned to the thought process of our college days when we thought every song could be turned into a worship song. (If you are not one of my college friends and do not know what I am talking about, please do not ask. Would rather just not go back there).

With that said, I am not going to tell you how Celine Dion's songs (which I am still s obsessed with by the way) are actually hymns in disguise. But I did want to comment on how what I saw, in the movie made about her world tour made me reflect much on what I was learning in school and on the glory of God.

I am in class this semester called Apologetics and Outreach which is really doing a work on my heart. One of the things that we have discussed in much detail so far in class is the Common Grace of God. One aspect of this common grace is that all people- both those who are believers in Christ and those who are not- reflecting something of the beauty and character of God, because all are made in his image! Indeed that "every human being is a clearer revelation of God than the most beautiful of sunsets" or any other glorious thing in all creation. That to look at another person, any person is to see something of the person of God himself. The result, that we have much to learn from and rejoice in in one another.

Last night, as I watched this film, I saw a beauty in Celine beyond the beauty of her voice and the songs I have loved for so long. I saw a beauty that reflected the beauty of God. I saw a reflection of his love for people, the dignity that he bestows on and treats them with. I saw a picture of what it looks like to honor people, to consider the dreams and details of their lives with utmost interest and respect. I saw a reflection of the beauty of moving beyond barriers, and moving towards people who are simultaneously much different and yet much like ourselves.

I am thankful for what I saw, because it stirred my heart and made me long for my own life to reflect our God in such a way. It made me long to better love and honor and respect people, for who they are as people and because our God has both loved and honored me.

I have no great ending to this post. These thoughts may be completely random. You may still think I have lost it. But hey, its my blog. I can write about what I want. I guess I close with two things...

Thankfulness that the Lord is continually using things and people to shape and humble and challenge us, even things we don't expect.

And then an encouragement to go see the movie, especially if you are a Celine fan, while you still have the chance!!