Hope vs. the Fear of Loss

My family and I went to see Disney Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” today (Fathers Day). It’s a cute animated story about a father who loses almost everything that brings meaning to his life, and how he is left with one thing, his son, and has to learn to deal with the potential loss of Nemo as well. It is amazing how much of a fine line there is between the fear of loss and hope. Perhaps that is what Jesus meant?

“Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” – Luke 14:25-27