A church member told me a good story about his childhood here in Lake Charles. Many years ago on a Saturday morning when he was around 8 or 9 years old, his father took him to the movies at a theater in downtown Lake Charles, the Paramount Theater.
The movie was “Frankenstein.” Obviously, it was a scary movie, especially for a young child. But that day, it was extra terrifying.
After the movie was over, the curtain to the stage came up and the announcer said, “Today, we have for you the real Frankenstein monster.” Then a table was brought forward, with a huge lifeless figure on it, the Frankenstein monster.
The lights in the theater were suddenly turned off. It was pitch black inside. Nobody moved. About a minute later the lights came back on, but Frankenstein was NOT on the table. He was now at the top of the steps and coming down the stage with his arms waving.
Everybody screamed. The lights went off again for a few seconds. When they came back on, the monster was gone. Wow, those were the days.
My friend told me, “Somehow, even with everyone screaming, in the dark, I was not really afraid because I was holding onto the arm of my dad.”
Isn’t that awesome? The presence of his father, even with Frankenstein coming down the steps, made a difference.
You know, fear has a way of coming to each one of us. Today, may we hear the whisper of our Heavenly Father: “Fear not, for I am with you. Don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10) Whatever you are facing today, hold on to God!