Virtual Reality
Virtual (vűr' choo -ul) adj.
1. Existing or resulting in essence or effect though not in actual fact, form, or name.
2. Existing in the mind, especially as a product of the imagination.
I love that word. Ad agencies used to use it in television commercials a lot, as a way to mislead us into thinking the represented product would remove every spot, stain, blemish, germ, dander, or whatever it was supposed to eradicate from our lives if we would only buy it. But did you ever notice how the animated illustrations they used in those commercials would leave behind one tiny, little spot? That’s where the word ‘virtual’ comes in. “It does but it doesn’t.” “Hear me now and believe me later.” I haven’t noticed lately if advertisers still use that same tactic. I think they’ve gone for broke and given us the no-holds-barred lie. Dropped the word virtual and given us depictions of a full-out, blemish-free world which is ours for the having, and no apologies for the price tag. The devil does that.
And sometimes I buy it. Sometimes I place my faith in something that may not result in the promised outcome. Pie in the sky by and by. 'Unrealistic expectations,' as our pastor often says. And the end product always disappoints.
I don’t want to put my faith in virtual realities. I want to be grounded in reality. I don’t mean set my sights lower and settle for less. But like the apostle Paul, learn to be content in whatever circumstances I am. That sounds healthy to me. Instead of placing my faith in some ethereal essence or effect; in might-be’s or I-want-it-to-be’s, my goal is to plant my faith in Reality. And I’m virtually there!
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 (NASB)
About the author:
Joye says, "I have THE best husband, and 2 very, wise children with precious spouses, and 3 beautiful grandchildren who are geniuses. Heard enough to trigger your gag reflex?" She blogs regularly about her life at Joyeful Things
