Comments on: Avatar, Parsnips and Aboriginal Agony

By: Chris Lane

Chris Lane — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:57:23 +0000

Steve:

I am a mountie of some 28 years. Sent you an email several years ago… lyrics … probably sucked however… back from a heart attack… died three times… still here… you met me at one of your concerts in regina and said that you looked at me and seemed to know me. Long story short… I would like to share with you some things I have learned along the way. I have had the opportunity to sit with ” Cat Stevens” during my tour in Bosnia …ya I know Yusaff Islam”… and I have spent so many years in the north with our first nations people.. Should you find time and should your heart feel so inclined I would love to chat. We have crossed paths several times once in your town of Manitoba while I was working on a police file. Hope that you might make contact. God bless Steve.

Chris Lane

By: Brian Jones

Brian Jones — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 05:48:59 +0000

“Nobody wants to see us do they?” She said sadly.

I know this was not the intent of your message, but while I was thinking about this story about how your foster daughter pointing out that only white people appear in commercials, I had this thought. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing that aboriginals are not featured in TV commercials. For example, if you look at how white males are portrayed in commercials, we’re simply reduced to a stupid insensitive gender stereotype who says and does stupid things. Same goes for women, but they also get attacked by a one dimensional idea of beauty.

Maybe we could just simple do away with commercials. Just a few cents I thought I’d share.

By: bambino

bambino — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:56:39 +0000

AVATAR is the best movie EVER! it speaks truth about how we should cherish the simplest beings in our world. We have to respect our mother nature and live with her; not to subdue her.

By: Ted Hill

Ted Hill — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:14:20 +0000

Steve … your insight and authenticity are a “means of grace.” Thank-you for allowing God to embrace us and surprise us with moments of beauty along with moments of awakening to the needs around us.

I have been preaching a lot lately on the goal of surprise and shared your Robin’s Donuts story … you didn’t ask for it, you were not seeking it … it was pure grace! God surprises us to get our attention. Jesus filled the boats of a few weary fishermen and BOOM they are on a journey of their lives!!!

We need to be a community, a “symphony” [as you say in the ESO video] of celebrating the God who surprises. I think we are becoming dead to the presence of God – maybe even as a church along with the culture around …

Anyway … thanks for the stories! Be blessed in your ministry as you continue with a deep and gentle authority!!!

PS – Jean Vanier is quite the gift to humanity!!! Have you ever read the lectures he gave at Harvard? I forget what year – they are stunning; filled with simple revelation!

By: AVATAR: 4 Perspectives on the Top Grossing Film Ever | James Henley

AVATAR: 4 Perspectives on the Top Grossing Film Ever | James Henley — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:03:57 +0000

[...] Steve Bell, reflects on one particular aspect of the movie where, within the culture of the alien Na’vi [...]

By: Catherine Anderson

Catherine Anderson — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:01:07 +0000

Thanks to Steve Bell for this moving personal faith story. The story “pulled at the heart strings” and stretched the spirit wide. Life by its nature is filled with ordinary moments. At differing places in life one becomes surprised. In this case it was through the “encounter” of Steve and Jean. I believe it is pure grace, a moment often immersed in silence, that speaks louder than any words. She, the Spirit, hovers where She will,weaving paths in people’s lives. It would seem that day an invitation was offered to Steve because another saw, listened and responded to the unique dance of life in Steve. As we are marked deeply by our woundedness so too by a holy affirmation. This affirmation responds, oh yes I see, know something and believe in the depth and yearning of your soul.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:20:17 +0000

Wonderfully written. Your description of Kenny and her words are profound and resounding. Like most of us, I have experienced both being seen and unseen. I know a gentleman in our church who “sees”. He is a gift. I have learned from him how to see others.
Thanks so much for this post.

By: fran McDonald

fran McDonald — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:07:04 +0000

Thank you for the stories.
My husband and saw Avatar this passed Sat. I was struck by the very same words” I see you”
I You are a see er. And am moved to scan the 61 years that I have lived so that I can remember the people who have “seen” me, and helped me to accept my gifts.

Happy new year Steve and all of the people that have been touched by your vision.

By: Jean K.

Jean K. — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:17:10 +0000

I LOVE Parnsips but haven’t seen Avatar, yet, in order to compare and contrast. Have you ever tried thin parsnip slices on pizza? Exquisite. Oh, and I put them in my Vita-Mix with roasted garlic for a mashed potato substitute. YUM.

My sister, a Canadian citizen, turned me onto you. Even tho I don’t share the Christian religion, your music resonates soundly within. Thanks for your offerings.

I am glad Kenny had/has you. I hope she is still in your life…

Jean

By: Danay

Danay — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:26:14 +0000

It is always thought provoking to take these mental and emotional journeys with you! Thanks for always sharing your heart your life and your talents!