Sometimes I Write

I swear sometimes I need that shirt that says,
“Help! I’m talking and I can’t shut up!”

We spent a few days with friends in Wichita after camp. I got to sneak away for a bit and hit the bookstore by myself. (one of my favorite things to do) Well, there I was in a Family Christian Store, buying thank you cards and happily chatting with the salesgirl. A woman walks up with a book in her hand and interrupts us. (Strike 1) Her book was something about wizards, hobbits, and something else. I couldn’t read the title, but it looked cool. She asked the salesgirl, who I’ll call Amy – since I don’t remember her name, “Have you read this? I’m wondering if it’s for or against Harry Potter?” I said, “I hope it’s for it, I love those books” at the exact time she said, “I sure hope it’s against it!” Uh oh. If you know me, you know that I couldn’t resist the temptation to press the issue, not that the woman gave me a choice. She gave me a dirty look and started lecturing me on the dangers of witchcraft and sorcery. (Strike 2) Amy started looking really uncomfortable and I did my best to keep a poker face and plaster on a smile. I asked her if she had read any of the books or seen the movies. No. I told her it might be a good idea to have all of the facts before judging a book by it’s cover, or me by my choice of entertainment. She just kept challenging me! Man, Satan knows my weaknesses and he was hammering me! I found myself arguing with this woman over something that wasn’t going to be solved in a friendly manner if she didn’t back off. We bantered back and forth obviously thinking the other’s argument weak even though we both had valid points. Amy even chimed in here and there trying to calm this woman down who obviously had labeled me as hellbound by this time. Then angry woman told me that the world is full of darkness that I must be blind to and if I condone magic, I’m leading people to Satan. (Strike 3) I calmly (atleast on the outside) looked her in the eye and told her something like, “Ma’am, I’m a minister’s wife, I’ve been in youth ministry for 12 years, I work with homeless street kids in downtown Denver, I know about darkness. I’m surrounded by it. I would hope that as a BELIEVER (emphasis added) when you disagree with another BELIEVER on any issue you would do it in love and not be rude and nasty like you are right now. We are obviously not going to agree to adopt each other’s point of view, so let’s just end this now.” (Breathe Niki) She suggested I read Neil Anderson’s book Victory Over Darkness, and me being the dummy I am ALMOST suggested that she read Harry Potter. I guess I had a little bit of self control left in me after being so wound up!

I left the store after a bit more friendly talk with Amy, and went to my van to sulk. Satan had won that little battle. Even though I refrained from being a complete idiot, I had let myself be dragged into a losing, pointless argument. And for what? Just to argue? Why couldn’t I have just kept my mouth shut and let her say her piece without having to throw my opinion into the ring? She was the one who looked like a lunatic to Amy and the other salesman, but I was the one who kept it going by not shutting up and putting an end to the conversation. Why is it that even if people don’t agree with me I want them to atleast understand my point of view? Is that a pride issue or what? Why was I so bothered by her? Probably because I’m so tired of Christians taking a stand on things they know very little about because it’s the “thing to do”. I’m tired of the finger pointing, name calling, and judging done by “well meaning believers” in the name of Jesus. I’m tired of people like angry woman thinking it’s o.k. to bash other believers when they view things differently. I don’t want to be like that.

I have learned to look into stories whether they be books or movies, and find the spiriual truths that await me there. If you go looking for the bad, you’re bound to find it. I prefer to look for the good. I used to be indifferent to the Harry Potter phenomenon. I LOVED Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia. I read a book by Connie Neal, What’s a Christian to do with Harry Potter?, (it’s neither for or against though you know the author’s stance by the end) and saw the movies, and now I love those stories too. I just bought her latest book, The Gospel According to Harry Potter, and I’ve enjoyed talking about it with a few friends who don’t look for Truth in books and movies. Guess what? They will now. So, if you disagree with me, please pray for me and love me for the forgiven sinner that I am. If you agree with me, pray for me anyway that I’ll be wiser the next time I encounter angry woman or those of her kind. Either way, I welcome your comments. And please people…know what you believe and why so you’ll be prepared to defend, teach, or keep quiet when the time comes. I’m still friends with several people who are on the opposite side of this issue. We agree to disagree. It’s o.k. I’m o.k. (Deep breath Niki)