Dragon*Con 2011

Well, it's that time of year again.

Every August, anyone who walks into my usually-spotless dining room is likely to stumble over bags of fabric, cans of spray paint, 12-foot rolls of mesh wire, endless toolboxes and a very frantic me, trying to finish up whatever labor of craziness I have convinced myself I can accomplish within the next three weeks. Lists are being made, coolers and suitcases are being dragged down from the attic, 185-page schedules are being printed. Every penny we spend is being watched and diagrams are being drawn on how to pack the car...well, not really about the car thing, but we should. You comic and fantasy veterans who have been there are either suddenly sweating in a panic at my words "three weeks" or jumping up and down in a fit of pure excitement. And for those of you who haven't been there, let me enlighten you on the glorious annual phenomenon that is Dragon*Con.

My first clue that such a gathering existed for all of us sci-fi/fantasy nutcases was back in 1996, when my one-day-to-be husband walked into our Wednesday night college group worship service in spiked shoulder armor and matching gauntlets. Yes, that's my man. Non-conforming and fearless. I can’t be sure, but he may have even been wielding a sword. We were barely friends at the time, certainly not yet dating; in fact, this type of "weirdo alert" behavior gave me good mind to avoid him at all costs. Obviously, I couldn't for long. I was drawn to him like a kid to an amusement park, and came to discover that he enjoyed the same movies, music and artists that I did. Then when I found out that he had read the entire Elfquest graphic novel collection, I knew it was destiny unbound.

Michael introduced me to D*C  in 1997, and I was ecstatic to see that there was a place where I could meet other people who shared the same love for fantasy genres and costuming as much as I do. I have met some of my favorite authors, artists and actors there. It was there that I fell in love with various aspects of Japanese culture, and in 1998 I was delighted to see that I could screen different series’ of anime before I jumped over to the dealer’s room to purchase them. Around 2000 I became engrossed with the advancement of digital graphics in gaming, and found that at D*C I could test just about every game currently on the market to see if it was something we might enjoy before we took the plunge and bought it. There are live performances around the clock from bands with just about every style of music you can think of from classical, to hard rock, to 80’s, to swing, to radio theater. If you are an artist or an art appreciator, you will find some of the most stunningly talented artists of our generation and their displayed works in a ballroom-sized art show. It is nearly impossible to go home from this four-day extravaganza and not be inspired to do or create something.

 

Over the years, I have tried to find a balance between my faith and love for sci-fi/fantasy genres. When I first became a Christ-follower in high school, I was ostracized for some of the music that I listened to, movies I watched and books I read simply because they were not Christian-labeled artists, authors or themes. In a frenzy, I remember throwing everything deemed “un-Christian” away, worried that my love for fairies, wizards, Pern and Enya would cause me to bear false witness in some way. I thought that my love for Jesus would completely change my convictions and interests, and on some things, it did. I let go of many of the darker-themed genres I had been exploring, as well as music by bands inspired from places of anger and violence. I was firmly convicted about these particular things, and felt peace about letting them go.

But the thing is, I reeeeeally wanted to read Harry Potter.

For a long time, I struggled with things like this, and felt like I was always on the fence. Am I a real Christian or not? As a Christian, was it okay for me to be reading books about wizards and magic? Is it okay that I still love some heavy metal music? Is it considered “New Age” that I am into fairies and folklore, or the fact that I am fascinated by middle-eastern culture and belly-dancing? After lots of prayer, council from Christian mentors and good friends who share similar interests, I have a much clearer vision now about the things in my life that are acceptable and unacceptable as a Christ-follower. First, I have come to terms with the fact that our loving God is not out to condemn me and have me live a guilt-ridden life. He created me, and He knows me inside and out. He is the ultimate Creator and has made me in His image, instilling a portion (however small) of His creativity within me. He delights in my creativity and is certainly not out to crush that within me! So...what if a band or a graphic novel I like is questionable? I have discovered that when my eyes are set on Him, He always points me in the right direction; He reminds me to never do something based on how it’s rated in popular culture, but always based on what He is telling me. Every subject is worthy of His attention and prayer. And I can honestly say that when I am digging into scripture and close to Him in prayer, He never steers me wrong.

I found peace about my love for Harry Potter long before the first movie came out, and I have found that several of the bands that perform at D*C lift my spirits and inspire the heck out of me to write more myself. But as the convention bombards me each year with other avenues and expressions of creativity, I find myself again turning to God to show me what is good and pleasing to Him. I love to enjoy others' creativity, and have a yearning to create just like my Father in heaven. If I am willing, I know He will use that gift for His glory.

"Energy and time are precious, limited entities. Therefore, use them wisely, focusing on what is truly important. As you walk close to Me, saturating your mind with Scripture, I will show you how to spend your time and energy. My word is a lamp unto your feet; My Presence is a Light for your path."

-Jesus Calling by Sarah Young