To Fight or Run?
This past weekend I spent time in Wonderland with Alice and her misfit crew then met up with country singer Bad Blake (“Crazy Heart”) somewhere in the Southwest. It was a colorful whirlwind of passion, adventure, tragedy, and hope. I was able to escape reality on one hand, but then was abruptly halted by it on the other. I left the weekend with this: Are we ready to face the battle that may interrupt our dream chasing?
As I sat in that dark theatre, both times wishing I had gotten popcorn, I thought about the similarities between my friends in Wonderland and in Sante Fe. Both stories are based on dreams and both have an enemy that tries to thwart the character. For Bad Blake, the alcohol is his opponent, or really it’s himself. For Alice, it’s the Red Queen & Jabberwocky. I can literally still smell the popcorn.
Monday came and so did my thoughts (I gladly blame Tim Burton’s wild imagination). Can I really relate to these two completely different characters? Watch me try! Something gets in the way of both characters “dream.” They must choose to fight or run.
What gets in the way of my dream? I do. My fear and pride beat me up (I’m like Bad Blake). Then they become my Jabberwocky. It then comes down to choosing to fight. In “Alice in Wonderland”, she is told she must kill the beast with the Vorpal Sword. One of my favorite lines paraphrased by me is the Vorpal sword knows what to do, just hold it steady. Alice holding the sword is the only thing that can beat the enemy. In my life, I know I can’t face these opponents alone (I’m like Alice). Thankfully, I have a God who willingly becomes my sword and defeats my enemy. Then He moves me forward closer to the dream he has for me. Fight after fight, I just have to keep holding on and not be afraid. Bad and Alice are both desperate. I am desperate. They don’t fight alone and neither do we.
For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. Psalm 18:31-35
Has there been a movie that was more enlightening than you were expecting? What was it and how did it help?
Love this post Sara and now Im so sad i havent seen the movie yet
The Wrestler…tough to see how we get in the way of ourselves
Yes, there has been a movie that was more enlightening than expected. I was really moved by the movie "Everybody's Fine." It made me think about how we tend to hide our pain from those who love and want to help us. And if we could just let them in, it would draw us closer and give us someone to help bear our load.
I completely agree – my very same thoughts on that movie!!
I like the idea of thinking that God provides my "muchness".
Sarah ~ This is such a brilliant post! Love your perspective from two movies I haven't even seen yet somehow I understood the point you were making! I don't know why we ever thought our dreams would come easy!? Thanks for the reminder that we don't fight for our dreams alone! I love that we have a God that not only gives us our dreams but fights alongside us to achieve them! Great post!
Love this post Sara and now Im so sad i havent seen the movie yet
I completely agree – my very same thoughts on that movie!!