spirits that speak

2.16.2007

Everybody Hurts

i don't quite understand what's happening, but after reading a few things today i had to respond.

two of the most important women in my life are having a very difficult time right now, and i'm not quite sure what to do. there's my wife and my sister. i mean, yes, i believe in the power of prayer and will engage in that...but i really want to do something additionally.

i really can't think of what to do. normally i want my blog posts to be profound and to really say something but what they are going through isn't typically helped by words. so i have been resigned to writing something simple.

i want both of you to know that what you're experiencing in your lives right now is not just observed by those around you. well, perhaps i can't speak for everyone so i should just speak for myself. i want you both to know that my spirit is anxious for you. my heart is there with you. my prayers are there with you. neither of you could know what your influence in my life means, but it's foundational. i suppose the profound part of this post is what you both mean to me.

so, since i really have no words and would continue to babble endlessly if i didn't stop myself, i will leave you with this. please watch the entire video. the words are meant to express the things i'm feeling, and the images are meant to inspire you to hold on. this is no joke by the way, i don't joke when people i love are going through hard times. but at the same time i have my optimistic side, so take this as i intend it.

so here's the video, for tanya and helen. make sure your speakers are on and the volume is up...

2.08.2007

Is this the best we have to offer?

Well, we've done it again. Another film, based on a source written by a Christian, is being released. The description is as follows:
The Last Sin Eater
When a mysterious man "absolves" her grandmother's sins by eating bread and wine at her grave, 10-year-old Cadi wants the same redemption---while she's still alive! But in her quest for deliverance she uncovers a dark secret that threatens to divide her family. What will happen when the two face each other---and the One who can truly save them? Based on the award winning novel by Francine Rivers.

I don't think this is something we should really be trumpeting. Why can't we do better? This film is being promoted by Christian book stores and is being released as a "major" film.

I have a theory on this. I think we do have better content to offer and are doing so, but not necessarily on the same avenues. It's well known that Christians are involved in every facet of Hollywood productions. Involved in actual culturally relevant films, music, and tv. They may not have a controling interest in all situations, but their influence is pervasive and contributes significantly to the form that a lot of these works take.

This leaves the remainder. Those whose ideas fail to fall outside the box and can really only be given any positive buzz within the Christian community. While I certainly think the effort is noble, it falls far short of being relevant to anyone but Christians.

If many of our artists efforts only really make a difference when they're "preaching to the choir", are those efforts all 100% worth our time?