Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Life Ends and Begins



Thoughts on Heath Ledger's Passing

I was saddened to hear of the passing of actor Heath Ledger. Although I never saw "Brokeback Mountain" and don't plan to, I recognized that he was a very talented actor. One look at this trailer from the upcoming Batman movie, "The Dark Knight," illustrates that fact vividly.

At this writing, the results of an autopsy on the actor are inconclusive, and his family is maintaining that the death was an accident.

Whatever the cause of his death, it saddened me to read that Ledger had been unhappy for some time and may have had substance abuse problems.

I had to note that he was not much older than my oldest son. Really, a young man. And now his two-year-old daughter, Matilda, is without a father.

Every time I read a story like this, the words to this song come to my mind (click on the song's title to hear the entire song):



Thoughts on the 35th anniversary of Roe V Wade:



My grandson, Payton, in his mother's womb over a year ago

I can't believe I let January 22nd go by without blogging about this! I think it's the first time since I began this blog that I didn't mention it.

So, belatedly, I am talking about it. I am unashamedly pro-life. I do like a quote from Bryan Kemper, president of Stand True Ministries--he says his organization "seeks to be lovingly pro-life rather than angrily anti-abortion." I wholeheartly concur with that approach.

According to this article, pro-lifers are getting younger and younger. Kemper says they see themselves as survivors of abortion, because many of them have siblings that were aborted.

I just received an e-mail from my sister-in-law in California that one of my nieces will have her labor induced tomorrow. My prayers will be with Tabitha, and I rejoice that a new life is coming into the world...one that will be welcomed with open and loving arms.

I realize that all babies don't have that privilege. But I do know that there are thousands of couples who would give anything for one of those lives that are thrown away. May God bless the women who choose to carry their baby to term, despite the sacrifice, so that loving parents will have the joy of raising that child.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Cindy, I first heard this song sung years ago by Dallas Holmes. Love it, and the message never grows stale. It's the bottom line to every problem any of us will ever face.

These 3D ultrasound pics are absolutely amazing. Gives me chills.

Donna-Jean Breckenridge said...

So vital that our 'first response' to hearing news like this is a spiritual one, as yours was. That should be how we think on everything - with the mind of Christ.

Your sonogram image is terrific. I've used one from a mom in our church on our powerpoint pictures now and then, and especially this past Sunday, to remind everyone just what we're talking about.

Praying this election brings us a candidate who is passionate about this, too!

Betty said...

I wasn't familiar with this actor, but it is really sad that such a young life has been lost due to an apparent overdose whether intended or unintended.

Wow, bet you wouldn't take anything for that picture of your grandson.

Ashley said...

I was sad to hear about Heath Ledger's death. I had only seen 3 movies he'd been in, but I really liked them: 10 Things I Hate about You, with Julia Stiles; The Patriot, with Mel Gibson; and A Knight's Tale, based loosely on that portion of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. He was very talented.

My heart especially goes out to his 2-year-old daughter Matilda. From what I've seen and heard, he was a very loving father.

I am also unashamedly pro-life. Thankfully my mother is, too. When she got pregnant during her first semester of college, the baby's father encouraged her to have an abortion. Instead she gave the baby up for adoption. I've known my older sister for 9 years now since she found her way back, and I'm grateful for my mother's decision.

Ann-Marie said...

Ashley - What a beautiful comment and story!

Cindy - When you're an entertainment/movie addict like I am, it was like losing someone I actually knew when I heard Heath Ledger died.

I'm with the previous commenter who seconded the spiritual reaction. As sad as this is, it may be the turning point for someone in Heath's life to come to Christ. I immediately thought of his family, his daughter, and Michelle Williams.

Your grandson's 3-D ultrasound photo is beautiful! I can totally see Jonathan in the photo! Candice is down to 5 days!!! Can you believe it?! We're all on pins and needles!

Cindy Swanson said...

Thanks for the thoughtful comments, everyone!

I thought I'd better clarify...the ultrasound photo of Payton was from over a year ago. He was born on January 31st, and I'm headed down to Texas late next week to celebrate his birthday!

The 3-d ultrasound is truly amazing. I had the privilege of being with Jon and Daylyn for one of them, and we could totally see his little mouth upturn in what the ultrasound technician told me was a smile for his grandma! :) Amazing.

Real World Martha said...

I think it is so sad about Heath Ledger's Passing. I think Hollywood is just a huge (unblanaced at times) microscope of the world. There are so many people in pain and that need the Lord.
Debbie aka The Real World Martha(S)
http://realworldmartha.wordpress.com

Solameanie said...

I made a few comments on the Ledger death over at The Seventh Sola. And yes, they'll probably get me in trouble.

This hasn't been a very good year for the entertainment industry. I hope they begin to do some serious reflection.

Matt Brown said...

I certainly want to echo everyone's thoughts on Heath Ledger's passing. I enjoyed his acting in "The Patriot" and (yes, I did see it) "Brokeback Mountain" (in which he did give an incredible performance, particularly his final scene). I'm still looking forward to his version of The Joker in "The Dark Knight."

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