I like movies and I’m a woman who, if given the option, reads the book first.  I love to get lost in a good story.  When I first read Unbroken a few years ago, I was completely captured.  I was (as were millions of others) utterly moved by the story and the life of Louis Zamperini.  Like many others, I really looked forward to the movie. 

And…it’s good. It tells a powerful story. For me, the scene with the most impact occurs after the movie ends.  That’s when my tears came.  And no, I won’t give it away.  Except for this…if you know the whole story, you know the screenwriters and director missed the heart and the soul of the story—Jesus. He is central to Louis Zamperini’s story. But Jesus didn’t make the final cut. 

In movies, in stories, and even in conversations, he often doesn’t.

Have you noticed how much easier it is to say “God” then it is to say “Jesus”?

Saying you believe in God may feel daring but it’s actually rather safe.  Movies like Unbroken can attribute things to “faith in God” or simply to “faith” or “God” and stay on inclusive, non-offensive ground.  Say the name of God and heads nod.

Say the name of Jesus and the earth trembles.

There’s power in the Name of Jesus.

There’s power.  There’s healing.  There’s redemption.  There’s LIFE.

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:9-11)

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. (Acts 3:16)

But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:31)

God has a Name.

It’s bold to use it.  To pray in it.  To speak of it.  To proclaim it.

A bold, dear, praying friend of mine sent me a holy email exchange today.  She had been asked by a mutual acquaintance to contact a woman whom she did not know and offer her some kindness.  The woman is dying.  The following is their email exchange.

Dear ***,

I heard from D. about where you are on the journey of life.  I just want to let you know that you are tucked in my heart and prayers.  It is clear that you have journeyed well, and I pray that you know that.  It is clear, too, that you have influenced many on the journey.

May these days be layered in hope, the kind that is eternal.

Blessings,~

Dear ~, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words of encouragement. I am fortunate that I know and love my Savior, Jesus Christ and I will be with Him soon. I thank you for writing and supporting me at this time. It is a great way to lift up my spirit at this time. Thank you again, ***

Oh ***, I am so grateful you know Jesus. As I pray for you I will imagine the wholeness and life you will experience as soon as our Jesus takes you by the hand and dances you into the Kingdom. 

I'll see you there!  With prayers and anticipation of glory,  ~

~ Don't ever be ashamed to speak His Name, even if you don't know if a person is saved or not. I have learned that over the years that the Holy Spirit will go before you and will work in the person's heart if they aren't saved. He will even put the exact words they need on the paper through your fingers. Pretty amazing. I knew from your email that you were one of Jesus' followers. So, yes, we will meet again probably sooner than any of us think! And I miss being able to dance, so I am sure I will be dancing with legs and arms that work! Thank you for your prayers and sweet note, ***

Speak his Name.  My dear friend was gently corrected and wept.  I too cried when I read the final email.  The invitation is to Life in Jesus Christ.  Our faith is in Him.

Jesus Christ is LORD.  Let the earth tremble.  Let knees bow.  Let hearts rejoice.  Let him be exalted.  Let his Name be lifted high.

If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:14)