I Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

The Place where Cartoons (and Other Funny Characters) Are Saved

This morning I cautiously throw caution to the wind and officially announce, “I’m in.” In what you might ask. It seems despite my best efforts to remain uncommitted to a church EVER again; I have decided to participate in a basic fundamental practice of Christianity. After four weeks of regular attendance (sitting almost in the same spot) hearing four amazing sermons; after worship led by some ladies who glow with God’s love (hands lifted, heart full); after attending two small group meetings (feeling a sense of family); after helping move a few chairs (feeling overjoyed), after being drawn by the Spirit and led by the Spirit to pray for others in that place, and after sealing the deal by actually smiling and telling one who I believed to be a “visitor” it was good to see them yesterday, I thought, “That’s it, I’m in deep.” Despite my desire to simply go and observe, old habits of participation have arisen within me. Funny.

Now all of this might sound funny, but when you have been on the outside, empty and searching for that which was lost, longing to belong once more, you would understand this is big. After becoming a church orphan four years ago, I have attended over 30 churches that I can recall the names of. I have been determined to be “in church” on Sunday morning despite everything. However, I haven't felt truly at home in four years, or that I belonged at any of these. Funny

On the walls of this new place of worship, which is used for other purposes during the week, there are 16 by 20 pictures of military cartoons. My first time in the building I thought, “Funny, looks like they would cover those up.” Each visit I noticed another cartoon and continued to wonder about them. The building is connected to the military, but still, my inquiring mind pondered their purpose.

While volunteering Saturday, moving a few chairs, I saw more cartoons in an office. “Lana Lace” certainly was not dressed very respectfully and looked like anything but a “church girl.” I mumbled under my breath, “Well, maybe she will get saved.” At that moment…REVELATION! Chris Rice had a song quite a few years back, “What if Cartoons Got Saved?”

The lyrics were mainly about how different cartoons would say hallelujah. For instance … “And that little bald guy, Elmer Fudd: "How-ay-woo-yah" So perhaps all these cartoons on the walls of this building used for worship will get saved! Not. For as the song goes on to say at the end…” But there's a lot of praisin' to do And cartoons weren't made for that It's our job So, let's sing hallelujah”

Now as I look at the cartoons on the walls, I look at them differently. I know why they are uncovered. These are here as a reminder that I have the ability and the freedom to sing hallelujah, to praise God here, or at any church, I choose each week. These cartoons don’t have that freedom obviously. They remind me of so many people in so many places around the world who aren’t free to worship. The soldiers these cartoons are fashioned after fought and continue to fight to assure us that right.

And Lana Lace? Even people who aren’t what we think of as perfect are welcomed and can be saved in this place. They are the reason we are here. That is, for all the imperfect, funny misfits (like me) who need Jesus and a place to call home. We are supposed to help all the Lanas of the world see Jesus. Who knows Lana might become a “church girl” someday. Sing Hallelujah!