Halloween, Harry Potter and the Heart

Five years ago, you would not have seen me make something like this.

Hogwarts Robe

Or this:

DIY Magic Wand 2

That is because I was on the road to being a "Super Christian" and Harry Potter and Halloween were bad. But something happened to my heart. Jesus reminded me that he preaches the "spirit" of the law, not the "letter."

I spent so much time making a show about what I "would not" do that I overlooked the things I should do. Like love others, not take self-glorifying positions, and stopping to look beyond the surface (to name a few).

This year, my little girl wants to be "Hermione" from the Harry Potter books and movies.  And, I am not only letting her, I am helping her!

That's right, I'm a Christian and I'm making a Magic Wand. (can get an Amen?)

I'm looking at this differently now. I remember a good friend told me her daughter wanted to be Hermione several years ago, and I bristled and was rather pious about it. She countered with how the character was strong, smart, and brave, all great qualities for little girls to model. I wasn't hearing any of it. I was one of "those" Christians.

I owe her an apology. 

I couldn't do anything but "act" how I thought "Christians" acted. Now I know better, now I really understand. Love your neighbor. Love. He is all about Love. I was all about Me.

Since my apology can't happen easily, I think of this costume as a form of making up for that moment.

DIY Gryffindor Crest for Halloween Costume

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Who knows. Maybe my friend will get her elbows in front of a computer one day and see this post.

But for now, I look at Halloween, Harry and Hermione differently these days. I love God, love others, and don't sweat the small stuff (and it's all small stuff anyway). In a few days, a little girl will don this hand-made costume and be filled with joy, and the empowerment that a strong role model can bring. And I'm gonna smile, and let her have her fun. 

And you know, I might just have some fun too.

I made this

(hint)