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Oscars vs Martyrs

Posted on March 11, 2024March 14, 2024 by Pam

I save, rinse, and re-use unspoiled ziplock bags. I’ve mentioned before that I was raised by good people of the generation from the depression. The “poor” principles were inconsistent but applied. So when I read that it took 10,000 hours, or some other crazy number, to make a dress for a star to walk the red carpet it seems extreme. I have not watched the Oscars for years because I don’t have all of the bells and whistles on my cable tv. A competing show was an event by Voice of the Martyrs. I chose to watch both. The contrast was even more offensive. I love talent and enjoy the Hollywood glamour because I do not often go to the movies. I had a friend (using that term loosely) who loved going to the theater and challenged me that I was remiss in not insisting he see more movies. I don’t get it but I do enjoy the film clips and overpriced/valued dresses. Last night the worst was a green lizard/dinosaur inspired piece with too much chest showing. I immediately thought of the emperors new clothes – that we will believe anything if it speaks to our vanity. There was also a red carpet host who was a man dressed as a woman. I’m not mad, but, if every cell in your body maps male – a dress won’t change God’s intention for your life. You are missing the mark. Then one designer commented that the theme of shells on so many dresses is “everything”. No – nothing you wear is everything. I love dress-up and good clothes but, “They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire.” – Matt 6:28-33. There is nothing new under the sun in regard to beauty. We tweak but God is always the true inspiration. There were many mermaid-inspired pastel dresses but they are not ‘everything’. I also took offense to a remark by one actor when asked what he would like people to know and his answer was “Black life is human life.” I’m sorry if you feel inferior or have been treated badly but that truth is as old as dirt. You are standing in front of a camera in a tuxedo and are at the top of this game. You, sir, are a misguided broken record. Final complaint. One actress opened her acceptance speech with, “God is Good – God is Good”. All summary re-casts have filtered her remarks. That is pure evil at work in the television editing booth. Isaiah 30:21, – “And your ears will hear a word behind you, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ wherever you turn to the right or to the left”. The women with sketchy dresses were told by someone that they looked great – whether they did or not. It is the emperors new clothes, AGAIN. Being authentic and original and special was interpreted in many ways but it matters who you trust. If someone you preferred to win an award did not it means that your opinion was in the minority and no one ‘stole’ anything from anyone. Being a sore loser seems more acceptable than it should be. Someday we will lose our lives to save them or we will save our lives and lose them. I appreciate the reality of a Sally Field walking like a woman her age and I hope the young’s took note. The darlings on the exterior need beauty on the inside too. The Voice of the Martyrs program was all about others and not about glorifying self. I’m certain the presenters also gave some thought to their appearances but not 10,000 hours. God was glorified and valued. This was life and death and nothing frivolous like sea shells. I’m glad I watched both because I am more solid in what is real and it will outlast that which is not. Hollywood, thank you for being good actors. I would pat you on the top of your heads if I wanted to.

"Thoughts from a genuinely evaluative mind."

Pam writes so that must make her a writer. Recently retired, she can now fill days with family, friends, missions, writing, creating, and showing up for whomever needs her. Pam loves the Lord and people. The Bible is God’s love letter to us (and who does not need more love) so she studies and writes some more.

Pam lives in the Pacific Northwest but was home-grown in Southern California. She attended San Jose Bible College and finished a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry at UCLA. She became a teacher, then a Research and Development Chemist, then she built two successful real estate businesses in two states. Pam also pursued study at Fuller Theological Seminary and just completed six months serving in missions abroad.

Pam has two amazing children, married to two precious in-laws, and five sweet grandchildren. Pam is a gifted connector and communicator and the Northwest has the perfect climate for staying inside and writing – or baking! She has been writing since a wee one and is currently converting many years of blogging, by topic, into ten books. The first is a collection from 2011 titled, Beautiful Enough. The second is a yearly day-timer titled, Weekly Planner - Lessons in Life, Glory, and Grace. Number three is in progress with the working title, Christmas Today.

Ten facts about Pam in no particular order:

  1. On the team that developed an insulation for the Alaskan oil pipeline.
  2. Loves looking at homes, decorating, and has flipped five homes.
  3. Likes being tall.
  4. Films have helped define her vocabulary.
  5. Comes from Colorado tenement farmers with history traced to Wales.
  6. Was lost but now is found.
  7. Baking makes her happy – as does eating sweets with coffee, of course.
  8. She thinks mission work is the most important work in the world.
  9. The church started in Rome so she is learning Italian.
  10. Pam is a work in progress!

“I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.” Isaiah 46:4

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