Up gets down to business

The Pluggedinonline movie review said that the film Up could be used in college literature classes as a subject for analysis. I agree.

The film has such depth, such character, and symbolism that at one pass, the viewer can absorb enough meaning to fill all the old man's balloons and the blimp beside. The story alone is so rich it rivals the 3-D textures of the old man's ties.

For instance, the ties alone stand as a marker for the passage of time. The house, reminiscent of Christian's burden in Pilgrim's Progress, represents the old man's baggage from the past and his inability to break free. The bottle cap pin represents the need to pass on a spirit of adventure to others--especially the young.

The old explorer and his ideals (pride, ruthlessness, a conquering spirit) are juxtaposed against the young scout's ideals (curiosity, sympathy and love). This creates a moment of realization for the viewer when the boy says that the jungle isn't what he thought it would be. It's not safe and fun, but dangerous and difficult. In other words, a safe and fun world could be faced with that old ruthlessness but the real world must be challenged with empathy and friendship.

These are just a few examples of the themes in Up. As with any good work of art, it is a pleasure to see on first glimpse. But it is art because it continues to reveal itself again and again on increasingly deeper levels.

Advancement

I have recently made several advancements in my writing career--nothing where I sign any papers, but significant nonetheless.

I am now done with the second draft of my novel (not including rewrites that were done while completing the first draft). Friends and fellow writers are reading it while I wait for feedback.

Also, several writers' groups have welcomed me into their ranks so that I can enjoy the help and fellowship of my illusive peers. One such group held a conference where I met a several successful writers and gained some more precious knowledge about the world of writing, publishing, and losing-my-mind.

Nathan Bransford rocks

If you are a writer, you need to read this.

http://nathanbransford.blogspot.com/2009/03/ten-commandments-for-happy-writer.html

Come What May

This film addresses an uncommon topic: overturning Roe v. Wade. The micro-budget movie is the first movie this new company has made. I look for great things from them in the future.

Read this now from christianpress.com

"A person's a person, no matter how small."
Dr. Suess

Really?

Some people laugh and I wonder if they're really laughing. I think, Are they doing what they would do if they were watching Bill Cosby? Surely not--it's too slow, like an engine turning over without a hope. Other people come on so strong I think, She's flirting with me. When I hear her laughing the same way with an ugly guy, I'm glad.

Sincerity.

It isn't just being rude--wearing sweatpants every day (even to a wedding), or telling people off just because. Sincerity is making your actions, you words, you life mean something. Don't be polite because you want that one annoying guy to leave you alone but because you want him to stick around. Forget wearing a tie to church because that's how your father taught you. Wear a tie (or refrain, depending on your nature) because you want to make the day special--your day to rest before the knees of God.

Into the war room with pride

In the same way that Stuart comes into the room and stands before Lee, the man in charge of all Confederate forces, we walk into the presence of God, full of pride and reasons for our righteousness. Lee wants to hear none of Stuart's excuses. Only one fact matters--Stuart had a duty, regardless of circumstances, at which he failed. We too fail God, whether we mean to or not.

Lee points out Stuart's guilt, not even allowing Stuart to speak. The guilty general's response is still proud, though it appears humble. To relinquish his sword is to be punished. We would rather be punished and pay for our sin than be forgiven.

At this, Lee's anger flairs up. The situation is dire, going beyond honor and Stuart's pride. Stuart has lost sight of the war and only cares about his own situation. We too ignore the bigger picture of God's holiness. Instead, we focus on our own weakness.

In the end, Lee forgives Stuart, not allowing him to even thank the leader. The forgiveness is so final, it's as if the offense had never happened. True forgiveness is not easy to accept. It demands humility and silence. True forgiveness goes one way.

Many Christians who have grown up in the church have trouble understanding this because they have lived decent lives in the eyes of the world and have never felt the deep need for forgiveness from men. Therefore, they fail to grasp the depth of their own salvation and continue to walk into the war room with pride.