Eric and I watched the movie ‘Precious‘ last night. This is a raw and difficult movie to watch as it follows one young girl’s life in the midst of physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of her parents. It exposes the holes and cracks that often exist in the social welfare system set up to protect children and families. It shines a light into the lowest, darkest corners of the sinful human condition. The movie is disturbing on so many levels. We both found ourselves holding our breath through many scenes and felt spent and numb as the closing credits rolled. Yet, the redemptive quality of this story is unmistakable. There is so much evil, so much depravity represented in the movie which will be offensive to many. However, if you can hang on through it, you will be left with a message of HOPE; a reminder of the power of LOVE! In the case of this young woman, it is a determined teacher who refuses to give up on her. There is a group of teenage girls in her class, a real group of social outcasts, who grow into a life-giving, life-saving community for one another. There are even glimpses, albeit brief, that point to the church as being a source of help and comfort to Precious (the very fitting name of the main character)
How much more does the HOPE and LOVE of Jesus Christ bind up broken lives, seek and save the lost and set the captive free? Even as powerful as this film is it pales in comparison to the story of what our Heavenly Father, Creator of the universe, has done for His children…US!
As uncomfortable as it may be, you will find yourself somewhere in this story. Just as all of us find ourselves somewhere in history…His-story. Hang on, the redemption and hope is unmistakable, if you will just look for it.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9
“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…” Ephesians 3:17-18
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!…” 1 John 3:1a
Great post honey! I agree completely. May each of us choose to be light in dark places. I especially love that image of Precious talking about how some people are just sources of light – we know that the source of all true light is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (colossians 1:27).