Watching ‘Star Wars’ again after a lapse of over a decade brought back a flood of memories of the original series and the prequel. We got to reconnect with Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca and the adorable R2D2 and C3PO. Fresh on the scene was BB8, a new bubbly bouncy droid. Though much older now, they did justice to the movie and held us spellbound for over two hours!

The central theme that held this and previous ‘Star Wars’ movies together was the continuing struggle between good and evil. The Force versus the Dark side. We can relate to this in our world today. The fear, terror and disrespect of human life and dignity is so evident that evil is prevalent in our midst.

Our teenagers are lured by hedonism and loose morals and ape the lifestyles of their pop idols that propagate drugs, casual sex and alcoholism that often result in divorce or suicides. God is also dead to these people as one definitely cannot serve two masters. Some get back on track after hitting rock bottom but for many it is too late. The dark side has a firm grip over our children and there is no return. They are lost forever as Han Solo discovered.

Very often we think we are strong and can build our empires based on our own human strength. We do not need anyone, more so to acknowledge an unseen God! We act on our pride and that is our biggest downfall. We overestimate our strength and underestimate evil.

Without the ‘Force’ behind us a moment of weakness will break the weakest link in our armour and everything else will crumble. We will spiral downwards to a point of no return.

The ‘Dark side’ will repeatedly strike back. This is spiritual warfare. Our human strength is no match.

Just like our handphones that need to be recharged daily, so do we need to pray to fortify our bodies and souls against evil. As much as we want to believe we are masters of our destinies and always in control there are many things that are very much beyond our control. We have to acknowledge we need spiritual help to guide, protect and deliver us from all evil and harm.

Parents with children overseas will understand this better as they are on their own and need wisdom to make right choices to stay focused and on track. The bright lights are definitely attractive and alluring.

As parents, we can only pray and be humble enough to trust in a superior being that knows and sees all things. A being that through His grace we have what we have today. We came into this world with nothing and will leave with nothing. All we have is temporary. It can be taken away in a flash. One wonders then if this is all there is to life.

Those with a faith to believe, communicate and trust in a God will find their lives more meaningful, joyful and crosses easier to bear. The deeper the relationship with God the more fulfilling life is and all worries and fears will be dispelled. Spiritual people also can’t help but radiate an inner glow from within. A positive attraction.

In this new year let us be thankful to our Creator for the gift of life and our loved ones. Let us be more fervent in our prayer life and recharge ourselves daily to face all evil and danger. To be able to see and feel beyond the ordinary.

May the Force be with you!