Precious pearls
by Darren Pope
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‘For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding’ (Proverbs 2:6).
Popcorn in hand and lights down, here comes another blockbuster movie fix. Okay, bring it on!
Being immersed in a movie transports us to another time and place where our emotions, senses, conscience and values can be deeply engaged, challenged, or even affirmed. Character traits, circumstances, consequences and conclusions are relatable by design. Creative directors pour over scripts to ensure that they portray lighting, angles, action and emotion just right so that each moment reaches out, pulling every single movie buff into and beyond the big screen.
Immersion is transformative. Influential characters impart precious pearls of superlative wisdom that seep into our subconscious for future reflection.
‘All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.’
—Gandalf, The Fellowship of the Ring
‘Books! And cleverness! There are more important things — friendship and bravery.’
—Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
‘Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.’
— Rafiki, The Lion King
Have you ever found yourself popping out a movie quote or two in a conversation? It’s amazing how they seem to fit so well in a moment that we don’t even need to think; they just reappear! It’s just as amazing that the characters portrayed as wise have their own journey going on in the movie. Most often, they are actively seeking answers to massive questions or ultimately pursuing wisdom itself.
Often, life imitates art; however, our loving Lord contradicts our need to seek, do, and find for ourselves. The struggle is real, as our broken humanity constantly falls into doubt or worry. ‘When you look to the dark side, careful you must be, for the dark side looks back’—Yoda, Star Wars.
As grace is a free gift, given unconditionally and personally, our amazing Lord gives wisdom. Our Lord imparts precious pearls of superlative wisdom that seep into our subconscious for future reflection. He gives us intelligence, reasoning and personal choice where our emotions, senses, conscience and values are deeply engaged, challenged and affirmed as we move into action.
God has created each of us to be in constant relationship with him. It is from his mouth that we grow in knowledge and understanding. Immersion is transformative. Listen and rest in the deep comfort of his wisdom.
Action!
Living and true God, it’s a new day. Thank you for being patient with me. I know I have so many questions, doubts and fears, but I just can’t help it! Thank you for coming to me again today, reaching out in love to draw me close to you. Be with me in my thinking, my relationships, my decision-making and my actions today. Thank you for your wisdom. Amen.
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