"So you are now in anguish. But we will see each other again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one can can that joy away from you." John 16:22
Walk the Line, the biopic of Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) and his relationship with June Carter Cash (Reese Witherspoon), is a great Prodigal Son story.
This film succeeds because it is the classic story of love and redemption. Redemption seems to be the theme of so many movies because it is a story we all yearn and hope for in our own lives. We crave the redeeming power of patient love, and so we tell these stories over and over again to remind us that we have the capability of receiving it and giving it away.
What's even more impressive is that this film is not fictional. It is based on the life of Johnny Cash and June Carter's patient love that took him from walking the line to living above the line.
This means it's possible for each one of us, too.
What is God asking of us through this film? Are we the one struggling with our demons, with our past or present, in need of someone to pull us up and onto our feet again? Or are we the one placed in the path of another who desperately needs our love and support? Are we called to seek help or offer it up to someone else?
No matter who we are, either June or Johnny, we need to patiently take things step by step, because redemption takes time; but in the end, redemption is what we are here for. We are constantly being called to something greater. Our faith demands nothing less of us.
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1 comment:
Paul,
I was intrigued by what you wrote about struggling with demons and being in need of someone to pull us up or perhaps we are that to someone else. I think it is important to think about and especially in this time of Lent.
I hope that I am able to really incorporate the message of the movie into my own life.
Sometimes I am not sure where God wants me, but I know he always has a plan.
Thank you.
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