Now I want to hear your thoughts on Last Battle- because it was a game changer for me, too. (Although I was that weird SciFi/Fantasy loving kid who’s favorite book of the Bible growing up was Revelation because of all the imagery and epic elements that reminded me of those novels.)
I'd love to circle back to The Last Battle sometime. Do you have a few moments to tell me what it meant to you? And I love that Revelation reminded you of your favorite stories!
Always love talking about Last Battle! There are a lot of thoughts and feelings that come up for me reflecting on that book- a lot of it is intertwined with my first time reading it as a kid, some of the things I have better answers for now, and there’s some things I still return to asking questions. The first part has helped me in wrestling with the world today; in trying to understand those that claim Christianity and yet veer towards fear, anger, or a desire for power instead of helping those in need; in accepting the unexpected with death and sickness. I still return to the conversation between Aslan and Emeth, and the problematic aspects of Susan. Reading about the new Narnia helped my fears of heaven as a kid (hey, the unknown can be scary!).
For me this book felt more applicable to what I knew of the world I lived in then the rest of the magical fantasies of the series. I would love to live in the epic battles and sea adventures... but instead it’s trying to see through the murk of the world, trying to follow Christ’s life without him or apostles living right next to you, and dealing with how this isn’t the world God intended but it’s where I’m supposed to be actively living and engaging in it.
Yes, the idea of going deeper and deeper into what life really is seems the best image that I still have for heaven. And heaven can be terrifying to kids. I agree with preferring epic battles and I think part of my work is realizing there is an epic battle and I just can’t see most of it. By my work and my obedience makes a difference. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa, I LOVE this beautiful post so much. You articulated why I love story in ways that I couldn’t figure out but reading this was like a big, “That’s exactly it!” moment. Thank you for writing this. Every week on Instagram I’ve been doing something called ’Middle-earth Monday’ where I share videos, facts and articles relating to Tolkien and I can’t wait to share this with everyone next week!
First, I do hate that I’m missing Middle-earth Monday for sure. I feel honored that you would share the post. I’m so glad this gave words to something you feel as well!
I am here from Breanne’s Instagram :) I loved that you tied RoP in with exactly where I’m at in motherhood and ministry work! It’s a very small life indeed, but I trust that it matters in ways I may never know this side of history. And I’m so excited to “meet” someone else who loves Surprised by Hope. That was a total game changer for me in the best way!
Now I want to hear your thoughts on Last Battle- because it was a game changer for me, too. (Although I was that weird SciFi/Fantasy loving kid who’s favorite book of the Bible growing up was Revelation because of all the imagery and epic elements that reminded me of those novels.)
I'd love to circle back to The Last Battle sometime. Do you have a few moments to tell me what it meant to you? And I love that Revelation reminded you of your favorite stories!
Always love talking about Last Battle! There are a lot of thoughts and feelings that come up for me reflecting on that book- a lot of it is intertwined with my first time reading it as a kid, some of the things I have better answers for now, and there’s some things I still return to asking questions. The first part has helped me in wrestling with the world today; in trying to understand those that claim Christianity and yet veer towards fear, anger, or a desire for power instead of helping those in need; in accepting the unexpected with death and sickness. I still return to the conversation between Aslan and Emeth, and the problematic aspects of Susan. Reading about the new Narnia helped my fears of heaven as a kid (hey, the unknown can be scary!).
For me this book felt more applicable to what I knew of the world I lived in then the rest of the magical fantasies of the series. I would love to live in the epic battles and sea adventures... but instead it’s trying to see through the murk of the world, trying to follow Christ’s life without him or apostles living right next to you, and dealing with how this isn’t the world God intended but it’s where I’m supposed to be actively living and engaging in it.
Yes, the idea of going deeper and deeper into what life really is seems the best image that I still have for heaven. And heaven can be terrifying to kids. I agree with preferring epic battles and I think part of my work is realizing there is an epic battle and I just can’t see most of it. By my work and my obedience makes a difference. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa, I LOVE this beautiful post so much. You articulated why I love story in ways that I couldn’t figure out but reading this was like a big, “That’s exactly it!” moment. Thank you for writing this. Every week on Instagram I’ve been doing something called ’Middle-earth Monday’ where I share videos, facts and articles relating to Tolkien and I can’t wait to share this with everyone next week!
First, I do hate that I’m missing Middle-earth Monday for sure. I feel honored that you would share the post. I’m so glad this gave words to something you feel as well!
I am here from Breanne’s Instagram :) I loved that you tied RoP in with exactly where I’m at in motherhood and ministry work! It’s a very small life indeed, but I trust that it matters in ways I may never know this side of history. And I’m so excited to “meet” someone else who loves Surprised by Hope. That was a total game changer for me in the best way!