January 7, 2013 - "Blindside"

Galatians 4:7 So you are no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. I recently re-watched the movie, "Blindside." It was so moving and even though I had seen it a couple of times, the faucet in my eyes would not shut off. Sometimes our faucets need to run to remind us we are human. Yes? Many of you know I am a retired school teacher and watching the various responses from the teachers in the film stirred memories of past student encounters. I was always sobered by the fact that several of the 8th graders I taught were really "on their own" in life. For a mom, that concept grieved me! I do want to be understanding as I know some parents, especially single ones, have to work long and often complicated hours and being at home is not an option but my heart was still touched. No matter how large Michael (the main character in the story) was, he still needed to belong. I cannot comprehend his journey nor the beginning of his life, but he is proof positive that weak beginnings do not always project a failed ending. People can change if given the correct hope and motivation. Without that truth, my life's message is shattered. One major reality I captured from the film was that Michael was brought from the streets into a mansion and treated equally without question even though he was not related to the family nor did they actually have a relationship with him. The mom saw something in Michael and the rest was history. Such love! Another key component that resonated within me was the manner in which the siblings treated Michael. Again, baffling. I could distinctly see a correlation between the story and my relationship to God the Father and Jesus the Son. And, as the movie progressed my praise continued to flow...thank you God for CHOOSING me; thank you God for PROVIDING for me...thank you God for SEEING the best in me. If you haven't seen the movie, you probably feel I am rambling. I would encourage you to watch it as soon as possible, as I KNOW you will be so blessed by the plot. Anyway, as the movie drew to a close I remarked to our friends, "I need to be a foster parent." And then again I was flooded with emotions as I remembered that although I have been adopted into the family of God, I am no longer simply a bondservant; I am an heir. Just as Michael became a son - he also became an heir. Such a picture of God's redemptive work for mankind. Can you see it? Michael lacked nothing and his future was made secure by a family who loved beyond borders. That's God! Remember today if you are feeling isolated and lonely, abandoned or cheated - God LOVED you first and chose you in spite of you - in spite of me. Can you and I be "God-Like in offering life-changing hope to others today?" I promise - someone needs us to give them another chance at life. PK