This week, we switch gears just a little bit. It’s been quite a few weeks since we looked at any interviews with Alice. Songs and lyrics can be used to paint parallels to scripture, but transformation is most clearly seen in Alice Cooper, the man, not his music. The self-proclaimed ‘poster boy for what you shouldn’t be’, who has fully embraced and embodied the parable of the Prodigal Son. His mission and walk is defined by that transformation (Galatians 2:20).

Transformation is the key. As we walk further and further with our Lord, we begin to see His Will guiding and directing our path. A road we would dare not tread is one that becomes the obvious route (Matthew 7:14). The road with less malice. Less strife. Less ego. Less self. (Matthew 5:1-12) In fact, that road becomes more enjoyable than anything we could or would ever imagine. It becomes one worth sharing. One worth walking with others. Something we espouse to be. As Sheryl puts it, “an outward expression of an inward transformation”. It’s a surreal experience that seems unattainable, but it most surely is. It only requires that we ‘show up’.

In the video, Parkside Church’s Pastor, Alistair Begg, introduces Alice and Sheryl Cooper as ‘missionaries of the arts’. How profound is that? The arts, in and of themselves, are parables. They tell stories. Whether It’s through painting, sculpting, dancing, acting, playing an instrument, singing, etc., they are outward expressions of inward thoughts and feelings. It’s in those expressions that we begin to understand one another and if we look close enough, our Lord as well. In fact, it’s in the arts that we often find our connection to Him. An intimate connection. For we are His creation. His work of art (Ephesians 2:10).

However, the arts don’t only connect us with our Lord, but they connect us to one another and society as well. Alice and Sheryl understand that and have reached out to their own community through the arts. Targeting the teens in Phoenix, they have established their own ministry – an outreach organization designed to take ‘extra time off their hands’. A place where those teens can find meaning and purpose in the arts, in their communities, in Christ. As Alice puts it, “Jesus Christ is not much more than a swear word” to some of their attendees. But when they see a group of people ‘showing up’ in His name to help, teach, and mentor them, that’s when things start to get interesting. In fact, Sheryl addresses this point. She states that many of those same teens want to know ‘what’s the catch?’ She admits, “the catch is for you to show up”. And that’s true, the teens have to show up, but that’s what He asks of us as well. Just show up! Be willing to allow Him to use you, change you, transform you (Matthew 5:16).

I know what some of you are thinking… What if you aren’t ‘artistic’? But notice something. Pastor Begg calls Alice and Sheryl ‘missionaries’ of the arts. Have you ever heard that before? Have to admit, I haven’t. But it’s so true. We are all ‘missionaries’. We’ve all been called and placed somewhere. Maybe it’s pouring coffee at the local café. Maybe it’s working in the medical field. Maybe it’s in a garage fixing vehicles. Maybe it’s developing software. Maybe it’s cleaning toilets at the church. Whatever it is… it’s something he placed you here to do. The mission field is full of job descriptions in need of fulfillment. If you have accepted Christ, you’ve been called on a mission (Mark 16:15, 1 Chronicles 16:24, Psalm 96:3, Acts 13:47, Matthew 28:19-20). Work on finding ways to spread His Word. Not only the spoken Word, but His Word in action (James 2:18). Where has the Lord placed you? What’s your mission? Are you using the talents and tools He’s given you?

In conclusion, almost all of us are linked to the arts in some form or fashion. Whether we participate and/or just enjoy them, they are still a part of the fabric of humanity. They connect us in ways that most things cannot. In fact, our home church walks through a series of messages each summer about the proverbial stories we find in movies. During this series entitled ‘Faith Flix’, our pastors draw examples and parallels between those movies and the scripture. It’s amazing how many of the stories we tell parallel the Word. It only takes us fine tuning our minds and allowing us to see things through the eyes of Jesus and His Spirit to understand and see that. It’s pretty evident that a good portion of the world is looking for a savior. We see stories of redemption, forgiveness, heroism, love, and many other scenarios played out on the big screen, and most of those stories are nothing new. They’ve already been carried out by our God through and by His Word. This blog is an example of that. The story of Alice Cooper parallels the lives of many. Maybe you are one of those people. However, have you also come to the realization that you truly need an intervention? Not just any intervention, but a spiritual one. A self-sacrificial one that places you at the feet of Jesus. Humbling yourself before Him and allowing Him to lift you back up to your feet. Then taking His hand. Allowing Him to lead, guide, and navigate you through the biggest adventure of your lifetime. Are you ready? It’s time for you to ‘show up’. Soli Deo Gloria! To God Alone Be The Glory!