Thursday, March 23, 2006

Movie Review

While we were on vacation, Josh and Kayci brought several movies. They are both very passionate about social justice, and so two of the movies they brought dealt with that issue. Perhaps you have seen them. If you haven't, I would highly recommend that you do (although they are not for kids). They are 1. Hotel Rwanda, and 2. Crash.

For those NASCAR fans who read this blog, Crash is not about racing (vroom, there they go again!) It's about racial prejudices. It may be the most intense movie I have ever seen. I will warn you -- the language is strong and you may want to fast-forward through one steamy scene. But when the movie was over, Beverly and I just sat there. We felt like we had been through a workout. Hopefully, this movie will reawaken the America's dormant social conscience.

Hotel Rwanda relates a true story from the events of civil war in Rwanda back in the early 90s. Josh told me he had read that Bill Clinton said the greatest regret he has from his presidency was not stepping in to help in this situation.

I like the trend I am seeing in the church to the awakening of our social consciences. We need to be more creative in coming up with strategies to help the oppressed. We must push past prejudices and biases to empower -- not enable. And by the way: It's not the government's job. It's ours. Scripture is filled with warnings to those who turn their eyes away from the poor and needy. And it is filled with promises of blessings for those who reach out to the downtrodden.

Let's think outside of the box for God!

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