Tonight I was lucky enough to be able to go on a date with my husband. As usual, I was left with the decision of what movie to see. I chose "Amazing Grace", the story of William Wilberforce and the abolition of the slave trade. I really wanted to see this movie on the big screen, and let me just say that I am so very glad that I did! I don't remember the last time that I have seen a movie that was so moving and inspiring. So, before I continue, let me just say that if you haven't seen it, you need to see it. If you have no plans to see it, rearrange your plans...NOW.
I must admit that my own current life situation has greatly affected how I saw the movie and now how I am responding to this movie. The writers, directors and actors did an amazing job of showing how Wilberforce's destiny was never completely in his own hands. It was an awesome thing to see how God used others to propel him towards his destiny from the time he was boy, through college, through his early years in government and ultimately to his marriage and the passing of the bill to abolish the slave trade. In light of this, I must say that while I left this movie personally inspired about the destiny that God has for me, I was also deeply moved by Wilberforce's wife.
I consider myself to still be quite new at this wifey thing. That's probably because I am. But, when you add children into the mix, there is a whole different set of things to be concerned with and about. Lately though, my heart's cry has been to learn how to be a better wife, to learn how to support, uplift, pray for and truly partner with my husband. I know that the movie shows a shallow portrait of what their life was together, but she was truly one of the inspiring forces that moved Wilberforce along towards the destiny that God had designed for him. In this new age of women's liberation and equality, it sometimes feels to me to be such a fine line that I walk between this strength and this "submission" that God's word speaks about. My prayers have centered so much around understanding the balance that Wilberforce's wife seemed to possess. Granted, I do realize that this was only a movie. But, it seems to me that there was so much more there.
On another note, it led me to the thoughts of how intertwined our destinies are. Wilberforce was the voice for nation, but was his wife's voice any less just because it was not the vocal piece that was seen. It was obvious to me that without Newton, Pitt, Barbara (his wife), he would not have succeeded. But, oh how hard it can be to be the one in the background (and is it truly the background or is that just how our views have evolved ~ or become warped might be a better use of terms). Some people don't have a problem with this. In fact, it seems to be natural for them, almost to the point of seeming like oppression. Needless to say, I think every day things are happening in my life that are leading me to ask some not so easy questions with not so easy or comfortable answers.
But, I recently read someone who said this, "one aspect about growth is that it is often painful. That pain can also lead to many questions such as, "Lord, is this really You?", "What did I do wrong?", "What are You trying to tell me?", and "What will happen if I stop?" Sometimes, the thing to do is to press past the questions (as opposed to insisting that they be answered prior to taking another step), do the thing at hand, and trust that every question will be answered in the right time." This phrase has helped me more than anything else I've heard/read in a long time. Sometimes I think we spend so much time looking for the answers that we forget what we are supposed to be doing. In turn, we stunt our growth and become haunted by the things we didn't do. My point, I think it is just this that differentiates those who fulfill their detiny from those lie dormant. Wilberforce is the perfect example of one who pushed past the questions to achieve that God-given destiny. I too want to be that person, and I want to accept that destiny in the form that it comes, whether it be the mouth piece or the inspiration behind it. If the movie is true to his memoir, then Wilberforce is also proof that great people don't sleep. There is something to be said for making the most of the time we are given.
Amazing Grace is full of terrific one liners and sermon topics. With all the good stuff inside, I could possibly take up preaching. I wouldn't run out of material for a while. The movie was also proof that an annointed song crosses the boundaries of time, music genres, etc. Hearing that song throughout the movie was so powerful. Every time it played I got chills. Of course, maybe there is still just enough tradition in me to appreciate it so much. I tend to believe the former to be more true. It was a statement of what true greatness is about. And, of course, the underlying themes that I have expounded on above. I'm no movie critic, but I think this is one of those timeless movies that is somehow able to speak to each person where they are currently and will continue to speak to generations to come.
So, if you're on the Dave Ramsey plan, pull out your entertainment money, break open the piggy bank...heck, bust open the emergency fund if you must...this is one movie you just don't need to miss!
