I just saw the film "Slumdog Millionaire" last night. Honestly one of the best movies I've ever seen. It takes place in modern-day India, and starts off in a slum in Mumbai (I recall ... ) There are three characters in the film—two beautiful, orphaned brothers (one named Jamal) and a precious girl named Latika. Jamal grows up and finds himself on the Hindi version of "Who wants to be a millionaire" with a chance to win several million rupees, all to find that as he answers more and more questions correctly, he is accused of cheating. Everyone knows it is impossible for such a slumdog to be so smart. This film will break your heart, and inspire you to new depths of life.
My whole heart cringes at the pains of this story, because I know how many countless faces have had this same experience ... How do I (as a removed and distant American) hope for things to come when there are so, so many who loose hope in honest pursuit of redemption? There is so much love and heartache I can barely stand it.
How on earth do we deal with caste? I see it's perverse face in every corner of our world, from high school popularity contests to entire nations— there is such sorrow in the dominance of another person's heart. I see my own darkness, I see my fault in this and I weep bitterly. And in my sorrow, I see such a powerful and oppressive force so widely accepted.
God have mercy on me and on us! Please let us surrender ourselves to become the least of these. Oh Christ! let us take the place of those who have no hope so they may know your kindness. We can be the lowest if we have you! I pray that you will make us a presence of light that burns this wicked oppression and leave all hearts ablaze with your love. Forgive me for my arrogance my gracious father. I have not seen these precious, precious children the way that you do ... Here's to seeing your eyes as I look into theirs, and being in love with your children!
My whole heart cringes at the pains of this story, because I know how many countless faces have had this same experience ... How do I (as a removed and distant American) hope for things to come when there are so, so many who loose hope in honest pursuit of redemption? There is so much love and heartache I can barely stand it.
How on earth do we deal with caste? I see it's perverse face in every corner of our world, from high school popularity contests to entire nations— there is such sorrow in the dominance of another person's heart. I see my own darkness, I see my fault in this and I weep bitterly. And in my sorrow, I see such a powerful and oppressive force so widely accepted.
God have mercy on me and on us! Please let us surrender ourselves to become the least of these. Oh Christ! let us take the place of those who have no hope so they may know your kindness. We can be the lowest if we have you! I pray that you will make us a presence of light that burns this wicked oppression and leave all hearts ablaze with your love. Forgive me for my arrogance my gracious father. I have not seen these precious, precious children the way that you do ... Here's to seeing your eyes as I look into theirs, and being in love with your children!
posted by jonbarrick at 8:50 AM
1 Comments:
I felt the SAME way when I walked away from that movie! The gravity of it is almost strangling to my soul. There are days in my job that I see and hear more than I feel prepared for. And I wonder how we can make any difference, even with God's help. It just feels overwhelming. My prayer has become..."God, let the Light you shine through me be enough to cast a shadow of grace on the darkness surrounding me." You are not alone in this fight, my friend. Just thought you'd like to know. :)
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