This excellently written haiku series of variations sums up our times very well, Judy.
And the attitudes of most people in our times very well.
They even use the logic of the 1984 Orwellian world Big Brother mantra very well – a world in which FREEDOM IS SLAVERY and PEACE IS WAR and KNOWLEDGE IS IGNORANCE,
Your beautiful and poignant haiku put me in mind of Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Also, just watched an Alice Cooper interview where he says he thought his career was over once he found Jesus but because he proclaimed him, the opposite happened.
As you so succintly say,
‘What’s the point of life if cowardice is the cost? truth’s worth dying for’
and
‘The majority are afraid of making waves they won’t rock the boat’
I’m seeing that if you do call Satan’s bluff and rock the boat, amazing things happen.
Thank you, my friend. I love the Bible verse you shared, the Armor of God is my refuge and is greatly needed, in such a time as this. It really seems like the rulers of this world are corrupted by evil. I honestly don’t know about Alice Cooper, it’s between him and God if he’s sincere, I hope he is but I wonder though, why he still choses to look so ghoulish? I guess I would think that his Christian conversion would be reflected in a less macabre style or a dramatic change in his songs/ genre, but I’m not his judge, only God knows his heart. There are self-professed Christian ministers that look clean-cut and compassionate but aren’t, so who knows what’s real?
I’ve found that after I reaffirmed my Christianity, I lost friends, support (especially on WP), financial stability etc (when I was New Age all was going well for me), but there’s a Bible verse that says the world will depise/hate you for following Jesus, just as they despised and crucified Jesus, they will do the same to His followers. So the more hatred I receive, the more I take comfort and believe that I’m on the narrow, lonely, difficult path home to God.
I know what you mean, that dark gothic look that Alice Cooper has. but as far as I know, that’s all about his personal dress style and the stage persona. I believe he is very clean cut in his normal life and plays golf every day!
I know that doesn’t mean anything but this is an interesting video, where he gives his testimony. See what you think, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqkzpZYLwTs
As Jesus in Matthew 10:22 says,
‘You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.’
The more we are hated by the world, the more we are loved by God.
I’m finding it difficult too. I actually found this verse today which helped me.
‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.’
Romans 1:16
I think that it’s truly between God and Alice Cooper if he’s sincere, but I question his motives. Many celebrities say they’re Christian but it doesn’t reflect in their behavior. In the video clip he said that his character was the bad guy and therefore gets killed (beheaded) during the show but then he resurrects and reappears in a white suit with balloons? which I still find troubling, because it reminds me of an antichrist concept that imitates (replaces/mocks) Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus was a sinless sacrifice for humanity, not a villain. I don’t understand Cooper’s symbolism. If he had the villian repent it would make more sense but still be inappropriate. His macabre symbolism makes me think that he hasn’t changed or that he doesn’t fully understand the concept that after a person is Born Again (convert to Christianity) it indicates dying to the old self, old behaviors and identity; to me that’s what true repentance is, giving your life to Jesus, changing, living for God, not displaying your ego anymore. I think how we present ourselves even if it’s a stage costume, still reflects our inner selves. I’m glad he’s sober now but he’s also in a band with johnny Depp, called the Hollywood Vampires. Depp is someone I used to admire but now I think he’s very misguided/dark inside, he befriended the satanist (from the West Memphis three) their original conviction was overturned but I think they were definitely guilty of murdering/sacrificing a young boy, (I watch way too many crime shows) but a common thread of the killers is often occultism/satanism/porn/drug addiction.
I think you are strong, being Christian is a challenging and lonely path. This world truly is ruled by evil/satanic narcissists that seek power/self-worship/pleasure at the expense of everyone else. The world judges the poor and homeless but Jesus said the meek shall inherit the earth. The narrow path of Christ is humble, unsung/anonymous heroes, that’s why I think most celebrities are lost. Jesus said it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Ironically all of this wealth/beauty/lust/fame is temporary but most celebrities cling to their temporary power.
I appreciate your concerns and apprehension about Alice Cooper and other famous people because you haven’t personally seen a change in them. and that is important. As you say, it’s between God and them. I sometimes dressed in a punky way but it gradually felt hollow and empty and I realised that I was perhaps acting out for some reason by dressing up. I realised my more natural appearance was what God wanted for me and I saw how it freed me up and made me feel worthy and content with who I was. I’m much happier now without all that dressing up. I think it’s just a type of narcissism and a type of armour that you just don’t need when you find God. For me, I dressed up to make people approve of me but God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit love me unconditionally and they are my family. Why would I need anything else? It was a long lesson to learn. It still is. I’m still learning. I’ll never stop learning.
Pray to God for everything and about everything in Jesus Name.
‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. let your requests be known to God.;
-Philippians 4;6-8
God, embrace my friend (you)! with your love and warmth and guide her to your light to give her strength, comfort, support and protection in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen
Thank you, dear friend! Your gentle and kind prayer is much appreciated. I like the Bible verse too and admit that I need to trust in God’s plan and not worry so much. I guess I feel like I’m making up for lost time (I was lost in New Age spirituality for 29 yrs) and feel desperate to wake people up to the occult lies present in pop culture, politics etc but I think often people get turned off by my anger (or perhaps they think I’m nuts)—love is a better way to reach people. I used to dress in a punky way too, I had combat boots and bleach blonde, fuchsia pink, cobalt blue hair at different times of my life :). Now I dress super casually, tshirt/jeans, rarely wear makeup and have mostly gray hair. I agree with you that often clothes/appearance is for attention and it’s like a costume of (ironically) conformity to certain social groups. We humans can be so very vain/insecure. I agree, God doesn’t judge our appearance or status and He values a humble heart and a life of serving good. God bless you, Sue, I’m grateful for your friendship.
My mum was a self confessed and accomplished witch. She would boast about how she got revenge on people, places and buildings. She once cursed a hotel that had been successful for very many years and it burned down and she said to me, ‘See? I told you I would get my revenge on them.’ She would phone me and tell me she’d cursed me and know about really weird and paranormal stuff that had happened to me the night before that she couldn’t possibly know. It was like I was in a horror movie all the time. I became a Christian simply because of that really dark drama and occult activity which would follow me around. I was looking for actual physical protection against what was happening.
I found out accidentality that my mum was also sending me an incubus, which was causing my horrific nightmares. That was the last straw for me and I became a Christian out of pure necessity and desperation. After I found Jesus, all the crap stopped overnight, the nightmares stopped completely and all the paranormal stuff stopped and that was through praying demons away in Jesus Name. ‘In My Name they will cast out demons,’ – Mark 16-17.
I didn’t care why it worked, I just knew it worked and it worked like a dream. That was 20 years ago and no nightmares, or paranormal activity since. Bad things still happen, that’s life but it’s not paranormal any more. So as far as I was concerned, Jesus worked. He came through for me. If I hadn’t found Jesus when I did, I know wouldn’t be here today.
I didn’t know you used to dress in a punky way. I had my hair all colours too. Maybe we were just being creative and now we can relax and be ourselves now. You are very encouraging and inspiring and gently help draw people out. You are not angry, you are feisty, you are courageous. God Bless You in The Name of Jesus. I am grateful for your friendship too.
Your experience is powerful and inspirational. I think that your mom might’ve had demonic entities that were helping her to curse things, I’m so sorry you had to experience that. It shows that you have a resilient personality to not let it break you down, I love that you found peace/protection through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. When I dabbled in New Age nonsense, they always deceived by saying they were “llight workers” but all witchcraft is rooted in self-worship/manipulation/narcissism.
Yes, I think we were expressing creativity:non conformism but now we don’t have to prove anything to anyone; I enjoy that aspect of being older. Thank you, Sue. God Bless You too in the name of Jesus. Hugs to you my friend.
Serene Grace 
This excellently written haiku series of variations sums up our times very well, Judy.
And the attitudes of most people in our times very well.
They even use the logic of the 1984 Orwellian world Big Brother mantra very well – a world in which FREEDOM IS SLAVERY and PEACE IS WAR and KNOWLEDGE IS IGNORANCE,
They say being asleep is to be “woke”.
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The irony! Being asleep is being woke! 😅
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Yes, the irony. 😅
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😬
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Your beautiful and poignant haiku put me in mind of Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Also, just watched an Alice Cooper interview where he says he thought his career was over once he found Jesus but because he proclaimed him, the opposite happened.
As you so succintly say,
‘What’s the point of life
if cowardice is the cost?
truth’s worth dying for’
and
‘The majority
are afraid of making waves
they won’t rock the boat’
I’m seeing that if you do call Satan’s bluff and rock the boat, amazing things happen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, my friend. I love the Bible verse you shared, the Armor of God is my refuge and is greatly needed, in such a time as this. It really seems like the rulers of this world are corrupted by evil. I honestly don’t know about Alice Cooper, it’s between him and God if he’s sincere, I hope he is but I wonder though, why he still choses to look so ghoulish? I guess I would think that his Christian conversion would be reflected in a less macabre style or a dramatic change in his songs/ genre, but I’m not his judge, only God knows his heart. There are self-professed Christian ministers that look clean-cut and compassionate but aren’t, so who knows what’s real?
I’ve found that after I reaffirmed my Christianity, I lost friends, support (especially on WP), financial stability etc (when I was New Age all was going well for me), but there’s a Bible verse that says the world will depise/hate you for following Jesus, just as they despised and crucified Jesus, they will do the same to His followers. So the more hatred I receive, the more I take comfort and believe that I’m on the narrow, lonely, difficult path home to God.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean, that dark gothic look that Alice Cooper has. but as far as I know, that’s all about his personal dress style and the stage persona. I believe he is very clean cut in his normal life and plays golf every day!
I know that doesn’t mean anything but this is an interesting video, where he gives his testimony. See what you think, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqkzpZYLwTs
As Jesus in Matthew 10:22 says,
‘You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.’
The more we are hated by the world, the more we are loved by God.
I’m finding it difficult too. I actually found this verse today which helped me.
‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.’
Romans 1:16
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that it’s truly between God and Alice Cooper if he’s sincere, but I question his motives. Many celebrities say they’re Christian but it doesn’t reflect in their behavior. In the video clip he said that his character was the bad guy and therefore gets killed (beheaded) during the show but then he resurrects and reappears in a white suit with balloons? which I still find troubling, because it reminds me of an antichrist concept that imitates (replaces/mocks) Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus was a sinless sacrifice for humanity, not a villain. I don’t understand Cooper’s symbolism. If he had the villian repent it would make more sense but still be inappropriate. His macabre symbolism makes me think that he hasn’t changed or that he doesn’t fully understand the concept that after a person is Born Again (convert to Christianity) it indicates dying to the old self, old behaviors and identity; to me that’s what true repentance is, giving your life to Jesus, changing, living for God, not displaying your ego anymore. I think how we present ourselves even if it’s a stage costume, still reflects our inner selves. I’m glad he’s sober now but he’s also in a band with johnny Depp, called the Hollywood Vampires. Depp is someone I used to admire but now I think he’s very misguided/dark inside, he befriended the satanist (from the West Memphis three) their original conviction was overturned but I think they were definitely guilty of murdering/sacrificing a young boy, (I watch way too many crime shows) but a common thread of the killers is often occultism/satanism/porn/drug addiction.
I think you are strong, being Christian is a challenging and lonely path. This world truly is ruled by evil/satanic narcissists that seek power/self-worship/pleasure at the expense of everyone else. The world judges the poor and homeless but Jesus said the meek shall inherit the earth. The narrow path of Christ is humble, unsung/anonymous heroes, that’s why I think most celebrities are lost. Jesus said it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Ironically all of this wealth/beauty/lust/fame is temporary but most celebrities cling to their temporary power.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate your concerns and apprehension about Alice Cooper and other famous people because you haven’t personally seen a change in them. and that is important. As you say, it’s between God and them. I sometimes dressed in a punky way but it gradually felt hollow and empty and I realised that I was perhaps acting out for some reason by dressing up. I realised my more natural appearance was what God wanted for me and I saw how it freed me up and made me feel worthy and content with who I was. I’m much happier now without all that dressing up. I think it’s just a type of narcissism and a type of armour that you just don’t need when you find God. For me, I dressed up to make people approve of me but God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit love me unconditionally and they are my family. Why would I need anything else? It was a long lesson to learn. It still is. I’m still learning. I’ll never stop learning.
Pray to God for everything and about everything in Jesus Name.
‘Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. let your requests be known to God.;
-Philippians 4;6-8
God, embrace my friend (you)! with your love and warmth and guide her to your light to give her strength, comfort, support and protection in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear friend! Your gentle and kind prayer is much appreciated. I like the Bible verse too and admit that I need to trust in God’s plan and not worry so much. I guess I feel like I’m making up for lost time (I was lost in New Age spirituality for 29 yrs) and feel desperate to wake people up to the occult lies present in pop culture, politics etc but I think often people get turned off by my anger (or perhaps they think I’m nuts)—love is a better way to reach people. I used to dress in a punky way too, I had combat boots and bleach blonde, fuchsia pink, cobalt blue hair at different times of my life :). Now I dress super casually, tshirt/jeans, rarely wear makeup and have mostly gray hair. I agree with you that often clothes/appearance is for attention and it’s like a costume of (ironically) conformity to certain social groups. We humans can be so very vain/insecure. I agree, God doesn’t judge our appearance or status and He values a humble heart and a life of serving good. God bless you, Sue, I’m grateful for your friendship.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mum was a self confessed and accomplished witch. She would boast about how she got revenge on people, places and buildings. She once cursed a hotel that had been successful for very many years and it burned down and she said to me, ‘See? I told you I would get my revenge on them.’ She would phone me and tell me she’d cursed me and know about really weird and paranormal stuff that had happened to me the night before that she couldn’t possibly know. It was like I was in a horror movie all the time. I became a Christian simply because of that really dark drama and occult activity which would follow me around. I was looking for actual physical protection against what was happening.
I found out accidentality that my mum was also sending me an incubus, which was causing my horrific nightmares. That was the last straw for me and I became a Christian out of pure necessity and desperation. After I found Jesus, all the crap stopped overnight, the nightmares stopped completely and all the paranormal stuff stopped and that was through praying demons away in Jesus Name. ‘In My Name they will cast out demons,’ – Mark 16-17.
I didn’t care why it worked, I just knew it worked and it worked like a dream. That was 20 years ago and no nightmares, or paranormal activity since. Bad things still happen, that’s life but it’s not paranormal any more. So as far as I was concerned, Jesus worked. He came through for me. If I hadn’t found Jesus when I did, I know wouldn’t be here today.
I didn’t know you used to dress in a punky way. I had my hair all colours too. Maybe we were just being creative and now we can relax and be ourselves now. You are very encouraging and inspiring and gently help draw people out. You are not angry, you are feisty, you are courageous. God Bless You in The Name of Jesus. I am grateful for your friendship too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your experience is powerful and inspirational. I think that your mom might’ve had demonic entities that were helping her to curse things, I’m so sorry you had to experience that. It shows that you have a resilient personality to not let it break you down, I love that you found peace/protection through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. When I dabbled in New Age nonsense, they always deceived by saying they were “llight workers” but all witchcraft is rooted in self-worship/manipulation/narcissism.
Yes, I think we were expressing creativity:non conformism but now we don’t have to prove anything to anyone; I enjoy that aspect of being older. Thank you, Sue. God Bless You too in the name of Jesus. Hugs to you my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your support and understanding. Hugs and peace to you in the Name of Jesus.
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💖🙏🕊️
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