yep, i really do love the TMNT. still. i faithfully watched the action adventure cartoon after school every day at 4pm. for my 30th birthday, two of my closest friends treated me to a night at the nickel arcade. Adam and i beat the TMNT game, even with two malfunctioning controllers. when time allows, i watch the newest cartoon version on Saturday mornings.

this Saturday, however, boosted my appreciation for these amphibious amigos. they were in an epic battle (as usual) with The Shredder, a malevolent armored alien (as usual). The Shredder intended to destroy the earth (as usual). "I will recreate this planet in my image," he growled with cybernetic fury.

hmm, i’ve heard this phrase before. then, Raphael booted up their video Skype to warn a fellow superhero (of sorts). the truly odd part of this is that the person they warned about The Shredder’s imminent attack was actually a nemesis. BUT - with The Shredder on the scene, the nemesis has become a neighbor.

how much truth could a turtle tell if a turtle could tell truth? apparently, a lot.

i sense that every time i choose my own way i’m aligning myself with The Serpent and attempting to recreate this place in my image. in whatever way i seek my own kingdom, my will is evil. and we must warn all humanity that The Serpent is always attacking. our only nemesis is the darkness (Eph 6: 10-12). everyone else is our neighbor.

while it surely feels odd to experience spontaneous devotions with Michelangelo and his sensei, Master Splinter, i’m grateful. all truth is God’s truth, even truth from a hero in half-shell.