I saw The Skeleton Key tonight. Good movie overall. I like scary movies and this one has a few good "jumps" in it — where you butt may leave the seat. 🙂

What struck me most was the spiritism pervading the Old South. Living in the Land of Many Churches, I sometimes forget that this is also the Land of VooDoo and folk religions of many kinds.

The movie reminded me of my time in Ethiopia. How the witch doctors there work in conjunction with the Ethiopian Orthodox church, handing out "blessings", spells, amulets and all manner of things to ward of evil spirits, heal sicknesses and ensure long life and good crops.

As a western culture, and as Americans especially, we tend to forget what the rest of the world knows: the spirit world does exist and really does interact with the physical one. Spiritism and folk religions are alive and well in America — and impacting and influencing people all around us every day.

Ignoring it or not believing it has any power, as the movie clearly points out, does not negate its power. And don’t be fooled, it does have power. God allows Satan and his minions to "rule" here on earth. As spiritual/supernatural beings, they do have power. That’s why it is so vital that we as followers of Jesus step into the lives of others and envelope them with His love. We are like candles in a pitch black room illuminating the Truth so others may find their way to Him.

On my way home my mind began turning over what I’d seen and contemplating what God would have me do to help those blinded to the Truth of His love and His redeeming power. I was so deep in thought I hardly noticed when I arrived home. I guess I am still a missionary at heart, ’cause all I could think of was, "Jesus, how can we reach them? What will it take? What needs to be done?"

Sometimes I just need a little kick in the pants from God to remind me how wide the field and how ripe the harvest, and that it’s right in front of me.

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. — John 4:35-36