Thought for the Month - November/December 2006

Madonna with child - By Pastor Ian Wilson

Madonna has never been far from controversy during her career. Her album, Like a Prayer, and its title track was given so much publicity as a result of its music video, featuring Madonna wearing a thin slip, dancing in front of a burning cross, and kissing an African American saint, that Pepsi cancelled its sponsorship of her tour and the commercial that she had done for them because of complaints from religious groups.

Madonna realized that scandal equals sales. So she used similar techniques to boost ticket sales for her Blonde Ambition Tour in 1990, her documentary in 1991 (called Truth or Dare) and her x-rated book, Sex, as well as her album, Erotica, in 1992.

Recently she has courted further controversy. Her adoption of Malawi boy David Banda has drew much criticism. The singer said it was her wish "to open up our home and help one child escape an extreme life of hardship, poverty and in many cases death".

Debates have been raging as to the rights and wrongs of the case. I have no problem with people adopting children from foreign parts and giving them a better lifestyle. I think childless couples in particular would be thrilled to have a child. My concern would be the suitability of Madonna as a mother. As I mentioned earlier much of her material is x-rated and her lyrics and behaviour are often outrageous in the extreme. Is that a good foundation for bringing up a child?

If being a millionaire makes you a good parent then she qualifies, however I fear for the child’s moral upbringing and would question Madonna’s suitability as a parent.

Recently I was in Ukraine where I visited many orphanages and saw heart rending situations. In one of the orphanages an American couple from New York were in the process of adopting a child. I am not fully aware of the process. On a previous visit to Ukraine a colleague told me how a little girl approached him tearfully and begged him to “pick me.” She had been overlooked for adoption by so many Americans she felt no one in the world loved her.

I am glad that God loves all of us and he is no respecter of persons.

Acts 10:34 "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons"

Jesus loves us all He died on the cross and became the Saviour of the world. No one should feel unloved and unwanted because God will accept all who come by faith.

John 6:37 "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out"

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!