Lifeway Christian Store

Considering a southern town where there is a church on every corner like a 7 – 11 convenience store, I was surprised that no one had reviewed this Christian bookstore yet. We entered this bookstore because my dad, although he has no idea what the Christian fish symbol means or the history behind it, likes the way that it looks. He recently bought a new vehicle and wanted to replace the signature fish. Everything in the store was unique, and sparkled with some sort of shiny design or catchy encouraging phrase. There were multiple paintings of Jesus, some inviting, some downright scary! Multiple figurines lined shelves, and there was a bible verse on almost every object.
Manicure sets, cups and mugs, rings, bracelets, mouse pads, cellphone cases, backpacks, and aprons were far from the typical «JESUS LOVES YOU» t-​shirts and bumper stickers. T-​shirts were now current and catchy with phrases like, «Jesus is my homeboy» and «Jesus sweet savior» on an orange colored t-​shirt resembling a Reese’s Pieces buttercup wrapper.
«His way» was boldly stated on a SUBWAY sandwich logo look alike. And who could resist a baby faced KirK Cameron from his «Growing Pains» days centered in a yellow t-​shirt stating, «I’M BANANA’S FOR JESUS».
As I walked through many isles I realized how much Jesus is a commodity. I laughed to myself as I recalled Matthew 21:12−13
Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. «It is written,» he said to them, «‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’»
As I looked at a Jesus bumper sticker, I wondered what Jesus would think of these kinds of stores? Would He go «ham» on the merchandise and start overturning the isles? Would He go right up to the register and flip it over for us sinners making a mockery of his Father’s house? I shuddered to think… after all; I had purchases in my hand!
There was a small café-​like area with tables and chairs and I thought it was cool that it was probably a place for small groups to meet. Even though I wondered if Jesus was being exploited within these types of organizations, something good still manages to come out of them. While my dad was paying for his products, I noticed a prayer box leveled in the center of a beam. I scribbled a prayer down and placed it in the anonymous box. I fantasized about a blessed employee blind folded with an embroidered colorful catchy phrase on top, «He gave sight to the blind». I could see the other employees spinning him or her as if it were a game of pin the tail on the donkey. Then with excitement, reaching into the clear Plexiglass box and pulling out my prayer. They cheer with zeal as they join hands and send my prayer up to God! Woo hoo!
Not only was I excited about possibly winning the spiritual lottery, but holy moly! My dad was in a Christian bookstore! Miracles DO happen! All for a fish symbol he thought looked cool! After finding his car magnet, he couldn’t help but look around and check out other interesting righteous knick knacks! He even said he wanted to buy a ring. I didn’t DARE tell him it was a PURITY RING! Haha!
To me, my dad entering Lifeway Christian bookstore was a start, an introduction, a glance into the world of believers, and sometimes that’s all it takes.