We returned from a wonderful vacation at sea. Whether you love Disney, hate Disney, support the company, or boycott them, we were inspired by the influence they have on the globe. We took a holiday at sea on the Disney Cruise Line and found ourselves on a ship with a crew numbering around 1,500 which included representatives from approximately 65 nations. We began to ask, what can the church learn from Disney? How did this company's influence see the results and success that makes it so popular? How can a mouse have such a great impact? It's a prime example of how art and entertainment can change the world. We observed closely how every detail was given special attention. The staff were over-the-top friendly, never rude, and always accommodating. They went above and beyond to ensure our cruise was memorable for all the right reasons. Everything was on purpose.
Each and every turn we took, Mickey Mouse was there... and was often subtle. It was a classy art-deco ship. But the subtleties were everywhere to make sure the Disney image was intact. Walt Disney was known for saying, "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." For us, this life was started by Jesus. Just as Disney communicates the "happiest place on earth" message, everything we do should be with purpose to reveal Jesus in excellence, in creativity, and with a message that God is over-the-top good and that the Gospel is a sugar-coated message for those who believe it - dipped in caramel, drizzled with chocolate, slathered with a generous portion of whipped cream, a cherry on top, and an Oreo crust.
So let me leave my previous thoughts on the correlation between Disney and the church somewhat open-ended for now to share a testimony about praying in tongues (different than speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues + interpretation = prophecy... Praying in tongues - or as Paul often calls it, praying in the Spirit - is fair game!). Keeli, Anneli, and I were enjoying our dinner with another family on the cruise. Thankfully, the parents with small children were seated in the same section. This was a blessing as parents had more grace for one another should another kid have a meltdown... everyone understood! Anneli began pointing behind Keeli and making a noise to get her mom's attention. There was a man having what we believe to be a seizure. Keeli instantly began praying in the Spirit at our table and almost instantly the seizure stopped. She didn't give a five point lesson to the family we were sitting with about why praying in tongues is beneficial before she began. When it's hitting the fan, you're "in the soup", or something bad is going down, you don't have time to waste with eloquence or ceremony. You were given the power to act supernaturally where you are standing.
Jonathan Fawcett