Stockholm Syndrome

Posted on August 16, 2024 by Jan C. Johnson

Nobody’s perfect, right? Right. But don’t think this is a throwaway line, an excuse for the wrong stuff we do. The fact is, we’re all guilty. We’ve offended God and deserve judgment. We can’t pay our own penalty. Thankfully, God has provided the remedy. Jesus himself paid our penalty, so he can forgive us, if we simply believe him enough to ask.

Well, recently I began wondering why we humans so often resist God’s free offer of forgiveness. The trouble is, guilt doesn’t feel good. Because guilt feels bad, we jump to the conclusion it is bad. So we rationalize… go into denial. “There are worse people,” we say.

We also assume God doesn’t have our best interests at heart. If he tells us we goofed, we may react as if he’s fighting against us.

I remember when God kept telling me I needed forgiveness. At that time, was he fighting against me? No, he was in the process of rescuing me. I was a captive to the enemy of my soul. To Satan.

God was fighting my captor.

You’d think I would I jump at the chance to be rescued from destruction. So, why did I resist for so long? Well, Satan would do anything, tell any lie, to keep me from accepting God’s offer of salvation. That’s just how he rolls, pretending to be on our side, while plotting our downfall.

The trouble is, the lies sound appealing because Satan tells us what we want to hear. With me, it was “You’re already okay. You got baptized, remember?” (Click the link to read about my epic fake-out.)

Besides, it’s human nature to resist any radical change. We’re used to being the way we are. What would happen if we let go of our current way of life? The idea is too scary.

We start identifying with our captor.

It’s kind of like Stockholm Syndrome, where hostages come to fear the SWAT team rather than the bad guy. We may even move to protect our captor, forgetting we’re in the hands of someone who would just as soon kill us as not.

So if you think Jesus is meddling in your life trying to ruin it or whatever, and you want to resist, I hope you’ll consider what he himself says on the subject…

“This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

(John 15:12-13)

I’m happy to report that I did finally sort out lies from truth. As I wrote earlier, the Lord rescued me, and the standoff ended.

Thanks for reading,

Jan

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Trafficking U, by D. Greg Scott

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Jan C. Johnson

For someone I’ve never met in person, Greg Scott sure has cost me a lot of sleep… You see, once I start reading one of his novels, I can’t put it down! His latest, Trafficking U, is no exception. It starts with Jesse Jonsen, a fraud analyst who uses the internet to trap financial predators. Then she encounters a predator of an even worse kind. Can she adapt her strategy to trap sex traffickers? Maybe–with a little help from some fed-up victims and her old ally, cybersecurity expert Jerry Barkley.

Trafficking U is Scott’s third novel. There are a couple of characters you’ll meet in two or all three, and the stories take place chronologically. Otherwise the books are only loosely related. Each stands alone just fine, and each qualifies as a Great Weekend Read.

If you like mystery, suspense, and a bit of IT, you’ll love Scott’s books. Discover more about Bullseye Breach, Virus Bomb, and Trafficking U at his website, https://www.dgregscott.com/.

Thanks for reading!

Jan

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Things That Make Me Laugh, Part 2

Posted on December 2, 2023 by Jan C. Johnson

I just looked, and it’s been SIX 1/2 YEARS since my “Things That Make Me Laugh” post. Never fear, though… I’ve continued to snap photos of funny things. And in my last post, I told you the super sad story of an embarrassing moment I experienced while taking such a photo of a humorous billboard. I also promised to show you the incident-worthy billboard. Well, the day has come!

First, some of the chuckles I collected earlier. Here are two I found while grocery shopping: a very motivating sign in the ladies’ room, and a near-miss in my quest for “Hamburger” dill pickle chips.

Speaking of signs, here’s one for some really unappetizing “snacks,” then an unfortunate juxtaposition… maybe the dining area could’ve been placed a bit farther from the restrooms?

I love mailboxes with personality! Here are a couple of fine specimens: 1: Air Mail 2: Fish Mail.

From our recent trip to Sicily, 1: Oh, the seat in front of mine was broken. That’s why we weren’t seated together! 2: I didn’t think this gas station sign was funny, until I realized it depicted a fire-breathing dragon, NOT a cute dog catching a Frisbee. I didn’t count the legs, okay?

Okay, HERE, by popular demand, is the billboard that brought about my previous post:

Yeah, it may be a little grim, but I can’t help admiring such a clever business name.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a few laughs with me. At this writing, it’s December. Have a joyous, merry Christmas and all the other holidays you celebrate!

Thanks for reading,

Jan

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Photo… Bombed

Posted on October 30, 2023 by Jan C. Johnson

Y’all… I can be such a doofus! If you know me, you know I’m fueled by humor. Or I’m easily amused… whatever. Anyway, twice in the past I’ve posted photos of things I found hilarious or people who make me laugh.

Not long ago, I was riding my bike along an access road lined with industrial-type businesses–auto body shop, pipe yard, that sort of thing. There in front of me was a clever billboard. I’d driven by it on the highway several times, always wishing I could stop the car and take a photo for my next “make me laugh” post. But now I was on the access road. This was my chance, right?

Seeing nothing along this section except some scrubby bushes and a chain-link fence, I rode off the shoulder onto the gravel and stopped. “I won’t be in anyone’s way here,” I said. Too lazy to go lean my bike against the fence, I just stood over it and pulled out my phone. As I jockeyed around with the zoom, steadying the bike with one hand while trying to snap a photo with the other, an air horn honked directly behind me, as gently as an air horn can honk–which, I assure you, is not especially gentle.

Startled out of my wits, I bobbled the phone but miraculously did NOT drop it, then turned. There stood a whole 18-wheeler rig, right-hand turn signal flashing, with the driver giving me an apologetic grin and a shrug.

Seriously? HERE?

Flashing my own apologetic grin, I duck-walked the bike forward a few yards, barking my ankle bone only once. The truck pulled toward the fence. Where does he think he’s going? The driver hopped out, went to the fence, and opened this giant chain-link gate that I hadn’t noticed until just now.

Oh.

“I can’t pass up a funny billboard,” I explained, pointing to my would-be photography subject. He laughed, climbed back into the cab, and waved as he drove through the gate.

Self-inflicted traffic jam cleared, I took my photo and resumed my ride home.

I would show you the billboard, but I’m saving it for my next “Make Me Laugh” post.

Thanks for reading. And until next time, watch out for stealth 18-wheelers!

Tailwinds,

Jan

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Heart of a Warrior SERIES, by Kariss Lynch

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Jan C. Johnson

I just looked back and saw it’s been a whole year since I published a “Great Weekend Reads” post. I’ve read quite a few books, but have been holding out on you in the recommendation department. Well, now I’m making up for it–here is a three-fer, a series from the talented Kariss Lynch.

Book 1: Shaken. Recent college graduate Kaylan, marred by a tragic loss, wants safety more than anything–for herself and for everyone she cares about. But Nick, the man she’s growing to love, is a Navy SEAL. His team can never guarantee they will survive any given mission.

Book 2: Shadowed. Nick’s SEAL team is hot on the trail of a dangerous and slippery terrorist. But who’s chasing whom? And why does it seem Kaylan’s life is the one in peril?

Book 3: Surrendered. Kaylan really, really needs to learn to trust–challenging as that is, with Nick off on an extraordinarily dangerous mission just weeks before their wedding.

This whole series is remarkably captivating. I love the way the main characters hold strong faith, but struggle with tough emotions–no plastic smiles here. The mix of community, family, and romance in the story anchor us readers as we bite our nails through danger after danger. Altogether, Heart of a Warrior gets my enthusiastic recommendation as a Great Weekend Read — maybe even three weekends! You can pick up all three books via her website – click here to visit her!

Thanks for reading,

Jan

PS: I’d love to hear your book recommendations– Your comments are always welcome in the “Your Turn” box way, way down below the little blurb about me.
jj

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Am I On Tour Now?

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Jan C. Johnson

You tell me…

May 20: Book Signing in Glen Rose, Texas

Janet, who owns Rhythm & Co. Books on the courthouse square, invited me to hold a meet-and-greet at the shop. I met some lovely people, welcomed a few longtime friends, and signed several books. I also enjoyed spending time with Janet and her guide-pup-in-training, Shanti.

June 1-2: Texas Homeschool Coalition

$1 Earrings to go with my skirt~
Booth Display~
With Candi Summers~

~I got to The Woodlands too early to check in at the hotel, so I had lunch at the mall and roamed around for a while. My roaming was rewarded when I found these earrings that fabulously complement my colorful Liberian skirt. (You don’t see them in the third photo because I forgot and left them in the car.)

~We five volunteers, led by BESTWA director Candi Summers, unloaded our stuff at the Convention Center exhibit hall and got set up in time before the doors opened.

~I enjoyed handing out No Small Thing info cards and bragging about how well BESTWA serves children in Liberia. A most rewarding moment of my time there was after a young teen boy asked if he could keep the information card, for his parents. Of course I said yes, and let him examine a copy of the book. After looking at the photos on the back cover he pointed to mine and asked, “Is this you? Did you write this?” He seemed impressed when I affirmed he was right, which made me feel a little like a rock star. I’m thrilled to offer a story that young men find intriguing!
Another rewarding moment came some time later, when a woman stopped by our booth and asked me about BESTWA and No Small Thing. We chatted a while, and I told her my passion for the project, that Daniel’s story speaks for those who have no voice. She not only bought a copy of the book for her husband, but also thanked me for writing it.

Date TBA: Southwest Assemblies of God University

The campus bookstore manager at SAGU in Waxahachie has officially invited me to participate in a multi-author meet-and-greet-and-reading event, to he held some evening after the fall semester begins. I’m excited about some of these ministry-minded students–and maybe their professors?–absorbing Daniel’s story. After all, he is of one of their own denomination’s unknown heroes.
Now, if only I could read a few scenes in Daniel’s cool African accent!

So far, I’ve visited a few places fairly close and had lots of fun. If that counts as being “on tour,” then count me in!

I’d better get back to work. The record-keeping part of the job is calling…….. which definitely does NOT make me feel like a rock star.

Thanks for reading,

Jan

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