(all proceeds benefit the Red Cross)
There are a lot of misconceptions about the Mormon faith, most people don't know much about it except for what they've heard or seen in movies. So it makes sense that they would make a movie to get the word out. Yes, they are Christian, no they don't drink coffee or alcohol. This is a documentary, but a lot more fun than I had planned to have!
I don't know what I was expecting, maybe a dry, educational 90 minutes. But it starts out with a trendy, bleach-blond cute girl in Times Square doing quick on-street questions about Mormons, then several short movie clips (I wasn't planning to be laughing at this movie!) followed by a series of short personal interests stories. What wonderful people they showcase. It really makes me want to be a better person.
I was surprised and delighted with the fun people they chose. First was a young, black bishop (a service leadership position in the church) from Atlanta. Trendy, fun to know, beautiful wife, doing a pretty crazy cool African rooted dance with the youth of his area. By day he is a college counselor. I love his perspective he shared about Christ and how his faith shapes his decisions daily. It ended with a BBQ rivalry at a backyard cookoff.
There's a cute mom of two in Costa Rica with her hubby and their cute life, a more traditional view you assume. They talk about supporting each other and loving family life, and next thing you know she is taping her hands and jumping in the ring to fight another chic! Wow! They own a boxing gym and do tons of charity work. I love her big smile, she just radiates happiness. I like how they showed her connection with her Catholic parents, and that becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) doesn't mean leaving behind nourishing relationships.
How about the coach of the United States Navy football team? A Polynesian husband and father continues to lead his team to excellence, being called by name by President Obama in the film as he is recognized as a champion. He has taken a stand to have no Sunday team meetings, getting to work at 4:00am on Mondays instead to honor the Sabbath. I love seeing a big, tough football coach sit down with his family and read the Bible!
The Candy Bomber - now 92 years old and still going strong, this man shares his story of being a pilot in World War II and seeing the needs of sad and starving children in the east block of Berlin. He tells how he was inspired to begin dropping candy with tiny parachutes to bring happiness to the people there, and started a huge movement that may have shaped the course of the war.
The beautiful mountains and colors of Nepal are showcased as a western educated man comes back to his home country to do humanitarian projects like bring running water and schools to remote villages. I love seeing good people in action and it makes me realize I don't have to be wealthy or special to contribute. Just do what you can where you are. What a humble man with a good heart. "I am perfect at one thing. I am perfect in trying" he says.
And a Cinderella story to end it. Teen mom has a daughter who becomes a teen mom. The downward cycle of poverty, this time though with a beautiful ending. A woman who at 16 decides to keep and care for her baby, finds hope through missionaries, and though she has many heartbreaks on her path, is able through her faith to find happiness and ultimately marry a good man and have a happy family of her own. An uplifting story of personal growth that ends in her sending that son she had cared for out as a missionary himself. The faith that he talks about is so impressive too. "Now I have a better understanding of how to find peace" she says.
These are stories of some amazing individuals, no matter what faith they happened to be a part of. I like how they subtly answered many questions people might have about the church. As a Mormon myself, I wanted to support an objective film, especially one promoted by the church itself, as a way of educating people on our beliefs. If you'd like to know more you can visit www.mormon.org.
No one is perfect, and many Mormons have a long way to go, but as a whole we are trying to be loving, giving, tolerant, give service, and help people have a better relationship with Jesus Christ, the giver of all good things.
No comments:
Post a Comment