Disillusionment
This week many of us followed the story of the little boy and the runaway balloon. A friend watching the news sent a email requesting prayer for his safety. Millions watched the homemade device in flght, held their breath, hoped and prayed for the six year old’s safety. We cheered when he was found safe and sound. Then, all but diehard cynics became confused and disappointed as differing accounts of the adventure begin to point to a planned publicity stunt designed to secure national fame and fortune.
This week many of us followed the story of the little boy and the runaway balloon. A friend watching the news sent a email requesting prayer for his safety. Millions watched the homemade device in flght, held their breath, hoped and prayed for the six year old’s safety. We cheered when he was found safe and sound. Then, all but diehard cynics became confused and disappointed as differing accounts of the adventure begin to point to a planned publicity stunt designed to secure national fame and fortune.
Perhaps not the most devestating disillusionment ever, but a sad tale of possible exploitation and deceit. A disappointment that leaves us shaking our head and wondering what is becoming of our world, a painful reminder of the darker side of human nature.
I was reminded of a favorite quote of mine from a wise and godly woman who said, "Every disillusionment is a gift from God and an invitation to grow because illusion by definition is not reality and Jesus is perfect truth." Sadly the process of maturing will involve progressively becoming dis-illusioned. Growing in truth will reveal more and more reality about myself and about the world around me. Jesus lived and worked with no illusions yet loved in spite of disappointing realities.
The sad balloon tale reminds me that our world is celebrity saturated. It seems folks today are willing to do almost anything for their fifteen minutes of fame, no matter what it costs others as long as they accomplish their purposes. I think God is inviting me to consider where I may be deceiving myself and pursuing things that are just as fleeting and lacking in substance. Am I spinning my life to look good or spending my life for the sake of others? Am I too impressed with celebrities and missing some opportunities to enjoy the understated? What do I learn from this about my own realities? What about you?
Gwynne Johnson
Gwynne Johnson currently serves on the Board of Entrust, Inc., an international education and training mission where she authored the Entrust curriculum, Developing a Discerning Heart. She recently served as Co-Chair of the training project, Christian Women in Partnership, Russia and as Senior Director of Women's Ministry at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. Gwynne has a M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She currently lives in Huntsville, Texas with her husband of 58 years, Don. She works part-time in her daughter and granddaughter's bakery "The Best Box Ever," where she gets paid in cookies.
