After years of playing bit parts, former Hollywood megastar Michael J. Fox is back on television, starring in his own NBC sitcom, The Michael J. Fox Show. Fox’s new show is especially remarkable because the former Back to the Future star has decided to make his very public struggle with Parkinson’s disease a central plot point. In so doing, he helps viewers better understand what it is like to live with a chronic degenerative illness. As God’s children it’s important that we make an effort to see the world from the perspectives of our brothers and sisters. We should strive to better understand their struggles, challenges, passions, and aspirations. When we are able to empathize with one another, we grow in love and in faith. Key Scriptures: Exodus 4:1-17; Matthew 25:31-46; John 9:1-41; Romans 12:3-17. NBC’s popular singing competition, The Voice, returned to television this fall. The show’s celebrity judges (all talented vocalists in their own right) assess the contestant’s talents sight unseen, judging them solely on the quality of their singing voice, not on whether they look like stars. As Christians we affirm that all people, regardless of what they look like, have been specially crafted in God’s image. We must not allow appearances or bad first impressions to keep us from seeing the reflection of God in each person we encounter. Next week LinC looks at ways that we can honor all people as beautiful and beloved creations of God.
