I went to watch the movie "A Winter's tale." I don't want to give away the story and I won't but if you are super sensitive to things like that you may want to stop reading...
This was really a lot different than I expected. I was expecting a traditional love story with a twist. And at the core of it, it was the love story with a twist. But it was so much more. It had great implications of faith and "good" vs "evil", heaven and hell. Their was a love story intertwined in this battle that exist in humanity and in life.
The story shows the battle that goes on and some of the behind the scenes action that "force" us to pick a side. I think the most intriguing thing for me was asking myself the question, "Are there demons among us that look like you and me?" Are there those who truly are good that resist and fight evil in their very existence? Is there a force truly pulling us away from God? Or is it our humanity that grabs a hold that separates us from God?
I won't really share more about the movie, but it left thinking about why we find ourselves in places and situations? Is it luck or chance? Or is it by some bigger plan or "scheme"?
The fundamental questions: Is there evil in the world? A negative force that is pulling people toward it away from God? Personally, I go back and forth. I think there are times you wonder how a person could do such horrible things to others? You wonder how anyone with any humanity could do the horrible things you see, hear, and read about? There must be some force that "makes" them do it. I think so often people use this thinking to avoid personal responsibility. If something else made you do it, you can't be held accountable and it really is not your fault... BULL! But if you go this route... then where is God? Why would God allow such evil to exist? Can God not over come the evil? Does God choose not to or is God unable? And then Why?
Even though the good vs evil makes for a good movie, I am more inclined today to recognize evil as the separation from God. Evil happens because people choose to stay away from God, avoid God, or don't believe in the existence of God. It does not mean that all people who claim God does not exist are evil. It just means there is a better chance for evil to happen because God is not recognized and sought. I believe God is still there holding on and even guiding these toward God.
Sometimes the separation comes from people who believe that God does not exist or have had such evil happen in their lives that they can only think of the dark places in which they have found themselves in. There are some that cannot see or choose not to see the beauty in that which God has created.
So is there a "hell"? Where is it? What is it? Again you get different images, the one that sticks with me is Sheol. The garbage dump outside of Jerusalem. This is the imagery used. It isn't a place where people would want to live. My best understanding of hell is separation from the God that created us. Connection to God, you find beauty, grace, hope, and promise. Separated from God you find darkness, pain, misery, and evil.
Is there more to it? Sure, but I truly believe that God has created all to be good and all that is good. I believe God allows us to choose how we live life and those choices produce the evil we meet. Now that does not mean that if bad things happen to you it has to be your fault for a past sin. That would mean God is hateful and vindictive. The God I experience in scripture and in the incarnation of Jesus is neither vindictive nor hateful. The God I understand is loving, compassionate, and yearning for relationship with the created.
The pain and the joy I experience in life is from living life. The joy I see in my every day is from allowing myself to be open to where God leads me. I am aware of God's presence in my sorrow and God's presence in my joy. When I seek to experience grace and mercy, I am blessed and able to bless others. When I am depressed, angry, or just tired and forget my outlook on life and faith, then I notice the separation I have allowed. Evil or sin can happen.
I choose to experience joy. I hope you do as well.
I truly believe we have free will, but also believe that God puts us in places and with people and in situations where we are supposed to be. So many times we think we are there to bless or help someone else. But we have to stop and think that sometimes maybe we are there because we need the blessing, we need the miracle!
So often I ask God, "how can you use me today? What can I do today to serve you?" I normally overlook the times people therein my life to share their miracle with me.
In the "Winter's Tale" I would say I give it 3 out 5 stars. It is intriguing for the explanation of Good vs. Evil and heaven and hell. But it is slow in points. Also it is filled with pain and disappointment. But it shows life in an interesting and thought provoking perspective.
In my own "winters tale", I am so thankful for the snow that fell that allowed me 3 days with my 4 amazing kids. The snow fort, the sledding, and the joy I see in them makes me ever so thankful! I hope and pray, that you experience the "Good" that God shares with humanity every day!
No comments:
Post a Comment