So why "Flying Monkey Sermon"?

That is a good question. When I was a kid, the "Wizard of Oz" would come on TV every year. My sisters and I would get so excited about it. Now this was in the days before 3000+ boutique channels to cater to every viewing desire. So we sit three inches in front of the tube so that we would be immersed in the full radiation experience (in Technicolor). I think that is why I wear glasses for night driving now, but I digress.

The only problem was the "Flying Monkeys" scene. It scared me every time. I usually hid behind my sister Sharon. I don't know why it bothered me so much. I mean, they didn't eat Toto or anything. They just looked scary.

Now that I am older I know that they were only make-believe. A creation of a craftsman. A special effect, nothing more. And nothing to fear.

Much of that which we fear in this world is the same. If we lean on Christ and not on what seems apparent - in other words, we live by faith and not by sight - then the flying monkeys have no power over us.

Flying Monkeys, metaphorically speaking, are a fact of life. When I think back now, "The Wizard of Oz" would not be the same without them. It is the Flying Monkeys that challenge us and help us grow - or cause our spirit to be stunted by fear. It is this principle that James was talking about when he said "Count it all joy when we face all kinds of trials . . . "

This is not to say that life is without real challenges. Life can be tragic. But it is never hopeless.

I like the Flying Monkeys now.