Rarely, when I watch a movie does the audience applaud, but today after Son of God, the crowd was more than happy to show their respect. I was captivated by the man who played Jesus. His eyes had me at hello and even though I knew how the story was going to end, I sat quietly in my chair and secretly hoped it would end another way.
I feel many things after this particular film and I have many thoughts. In some ways I believe the world has not changed a bit. Although many years have passed and technology has become more and more advanced, I believe as a people, we haven’t advanced in our own growth. There are lessons, that for one reason or another, we just haven’t seemed to learn.
It’s hard to admit that we engage in actions and words that knowingly strip someone of his or her dignity. It is hard to admit when we disagree with someone’s beliefs we celebrate their misfortune. And it’s most hard to believe that when someone needs our love and support most, we forsaken them. We see people need our help and yet we often choose to do nothing. We jump in defense of someone who doesn’t deserve our admiration and respect while we stand there watching someone scream out in pain. Power in numbers, that’s what they say. But what happens when a number of people look the other way?
Ive learned that we all have a cross we carry through this life. No-one can carry it for us and I believe no-one would even if they could. People will turn and look away when the world around us becomes heavy, but Jesus reminds us to have a forgiving heart and to not cast stones at someone unless we have never committed a sin ourselves. He always sides for peace and not criticism, hate, blame or revenge. My eyes are open and I am going to try very hard to follow his way. I will remind myself that I am one of many and I have to stop my human urges for power and control. I am not always right and admit I am somewhat clouded by the real picture that becomes tainted by my human vision. We are all flawed and who do we think we are to look down upon or judge another. Don’t mistaken this for choosing on the side of right or making a stance. I believe that is a test of our character during our short lives. What do we do when no-one is watching and more importantly, what do we do when everyone’s watching? Do we fight for another’s dignity or do we hide behind our fear of not wanting to get involved? Do we stand up and fight for the good of fellow human beings when everyone is screaming at us to sit down? We have a choice, a free will and it is how we choose to use that free will that brings us closer to God or drives us further away. We must be more respectful and compassionate and kind to one another the way we were meant to be. We must be an example to those around us that are a different level of spiritual growth.
I believe we are not here to change the world but perhaps the pattern of behavior that has plagued our souls for hundreds of years. I believe we are here to learn and know better and do better instead of looking the other way and repeating the same mistakes. We must hold ourselves accountable for our words and actions if we believe there is a shred of evidence that God really does exist. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard of human interaction if we are to break out of the chains that have bound us for years and years. We must quiet our minds and our mouths and learn to think and speak with our hearts. We must do better. We must be better and not accept excuses to be anything less than the person we know we can be.
I loved the movie and it is worth checking out. There are so many important reminders and important lessons one can take away. But more than anything, it was a captivating story and one that will stay with me always.
