Lars and the Real Girl

August 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment

It’s always nice to stumble upon a movie and really like it. You know what I mean? You hadn’t planned on watching a movie, there’s not one that you’re just dying to see, so you go to the video store or you pull up the On Demand channel and just see what’s there. But even after you look at the options you can’t find anything that you were really wanting to see.

Rachel and I had that experience a while back with Lars and the Real Girl. This movie didn’t completely come out of nowhere for me. I remember that it was well received by critics and that it received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay and that Ryan Gosling was nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Actor. In addition, it had been recommended by friends whose opinions I respect.

And still I wasn’t rushing out to see it. I think because I had misunderstood what it was about. I knew that it was about an awkward introvert (Lars/Ryan Gosling) who is so socially anxious and yet so lonely that he resorts to ordering a life-sized doll on the internet. I thought this was going to be some mad-cap comedy, a farce. I was wrong. What happens is extremely funny, but it’s also very moving and humane.

I don’t want to say much more about it other than the fact that Rachel and I both came away thinking it was one of the best movies we’d seen in a long time (particularly because it was such a surprise). I’ll give you time to see it and then I’ll say more.

The genius of the film is the way that “the real girl” actually becomes real and in the way that this small town reacts both to her and to Lars. I dare not say more, because it’s best seen for yourself. I’ll just say that there are lessons to be learned from this movie about kindness and compassion.

They may be lessons that are coming soon to a Sunday morning near you.

Posted by Robert | Filed Under Amen Corner, Blog 
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Who Are You?

August 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment

I’ve always wanted to be somebody, but I see now I should have been more specific.

–Lily Tomlin

It’s good to be back.  As I write this on Thursday, I’m assuming that I’ve continued to feel better and that, on Sunday morning, I’m actually with you again.  I have no specific reason to think that this won’t be the case.  I’m not sick as I write this.  But then again, I didn’t write last week’s article thinking I would be so “indisposed” when Sunday actually rolled around (I hear Keith had a more colorful description of my status).  Thanks, by the way, to Keith for stepping in.  It’s nice to have somebody like him around-someone who thinks enough and who thinks well enough to have something worth saying at a moment’s notice.

So here we all are once again, whoever “we” is.  If you’re reading this, then you are among the “we.”  If you’re not reading this, then…why am I even talking to you?  I guess I’m actually not.  That made my brain hurt a little bit.

It’s really amazing how much I assume.  I am typing this out on Thursday assuming that there will be a Sunday in a few days.  I am also assuming that, on that Sunday, I will be at Norfolk Church of Christ.  I am assuming that I won’t be the only one there.  I am assuming that some of you will be joining me.  As I type it, I can imagine the specific people who will be here and reading this on Sunday morning.  In doing that, I am making two assumptions: that you have actually made it, and that you, the one I’m picturing, are actually reading this.  I’m not exactly crazy for making these assumptions.  If the past is any indicator (and it usually is), I can make some reasonable assumptions.  But, still, I could be wrong on all of these counts.

I guess what I’m saying is that we all have to make assumptions-a lot of them.  We have to make them in order to keep from going crazy, in order to have some sense of reality and security.  Can you imagine how scary the world would be if we couldn’t reasonably expect some things to happen?  If all of life were chaotic and random?

This includes my identity.  I have reason to believe that I am still me.  Every morning I wake up and the person in the mirror, although he has changed over time, is still me.  But even though I’ve known myself as long as anyone, my knowledge is still limited.  You might even say that every day I have to rediscover who I am.

And sometimes I lose sight of who I am.  I forget.  The same problem is happening with the church in Colosse.  One of the reasons that Paul is writing is in order to remind them about who they really are, that they “have been raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1).  My hope is to remind those of you who are followers of Christ that the same is true of you.

Posted by Robert | Filed Under Amen Corner, Articles 
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Steven Curtis Chapman Interview

August 8, 2008 | 1 Comment

Man. How does 2 months go by without a post? (Not including bulletin articles, that is. Thanks, Ray.) And what could possibly draw me out of my hibernation? This interview with Steven Curtis Chapman, his wife, Mary Beth, and their oldest three children.

As you no doubt remember, Steven’s and Mary Beth’s youngest daughter was killed in an accident back in May. One of their sons, Will Franklin, was pulling into the drive way when five year old Maria ran in front the car.

This interview appeared on Good Morning America on Wednesday, 08/06. Go get yourself a box of tissues and have a look. I know I have a reputation for making folks cry, but I’m not just trying to get you all worked up here. I am in awe.

I am in awe of how this family is courageously grieving this unimaginable loss. I am in awe of a dad who could have the presence of mind to show such Amazing Grace to his son, even in the early moments of this tragedy. I am in awe of these parents and kids who are finding a way to grieve and how yet how their faith remains intact.

I don’t know if I would be that strong. I don’t ever want to find out.

When you have ten minutes or so, go watch it by clicking here and then leave a comment below. Astounding.

Posted by Robert | Filed Under Amen Corner, Blog 
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