Another glitch in the matrix, a surprising way that love is overcoming hate, and a glorious Ring of Fire in the sky.
A glitch in the media matrix…again
A few weeks ago we commented on the teleprompter problems at the Golden Globe Awards and the slip-up with Mariah’ Carey’s equipment on New Years Eve. We said how these seemingly small things are signs of a greater shaking within the world of media. We compared this to a “glitch in the media matrix” and said that we could expect to see more things like this and that they “are all signaling an underground shaking that in 10 years will prove to be an unprecedented earthquake of change.” This change is all geared toward bringing more truth, joy, and creativity into the world of arts, entertainment, and broadcasting.
Well, the glitches continued as Sunday night brought about what multiple news organizations have called the most shocking moment in Oscar history. In almost 90 years of history, nearly a century of shows, people are saying that this was the worst mistake ever made. As you may have heard, during the most important part of the night–the giving of “Best Picture”–the wrong film was mistakenly announced.
The incorrect film that was announced was LaLa Land, a movie which ironically gives a glowing and positive outlook on Hollywood and media (the “La” is symbolic of Los Angeles, the “city of stars”). But in reality, the real winner was Moonlight, a film that is centered on issues of social justice and human transformation.
In a similar fashion, L.A. is being shaken up to make way for a more healthy and powerful impact on the world and its many-faceted issues.
A surprising response to hate
A group of Muslims have raised tens of thousands of dollars to help repair Jewish cemeteries that have been vandalized recently. What began with a goal to raise $20,000 has now brought in 7 times more than planned. The overflow is going to Jewish community centers and synagogues that have also been affected by anti-Semitism.
In a world that is often focused on the things that divide us, it so important (and healthy) for us to be aware of stories like these and to be praying that similar measures of love and unity continue to multiply in the face of hate and division. For those with eyes to see (which includes having a heart of hope), love has, is, and will overcome all hate. Do not be bogged down by the vicious bark of hate these days. It’s teeth are falling out, and we are discovering the conquering love of Christ, even in very surprising places.
Ring of fire
On Sunday, a “ring of fire” crossed through the southern hemisphere, visible to parts of South America and Africa. This beautiful phenomenon is similar to a total eclipse where the moon passes in front of the sun and completely blocks it for a period of time. This event is slightly different because the moon is a little closer to earth, which leaves a sliver of the sun still visible around it–thus forming a “ring of fire” in the sky.
Some readers may not know that one of the most astounding facts about our place in the solar system is the size and position of our moon. The moon is 400 times smaller than the sun and it just so happens to be 400 times closer to earth than the sun. Therefore, its alignment forms these perfect and beautiful eclipses for the people of the earth to see and enjoy (and for centuries, eclipses have helped humanity learn more about the sun than would have been possible if the moon was slightly different in size or position).
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