Media related to suffering: Expanded Version

We told you on page 18 of this month’s issue to check the blog today for an expanded edition of Anna McKenzie’s article, “Music, Music, and Books about Suffering.” Well, here it is, for your reading pleasure.

Movies

AMAZING GRACE
2006/FOUR BOYS FILMS
An engaging and heartfelt drama, Amazing Grace tells the story of William Wilberforce, a member of the British parliament and a strong Christian who took on the mission of abolishing the slave trade in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. He endured a great deal of criticism and opposition and suffered from a chronic illness which hindered his progress. This modern classic depicts Wilberforce’s persistence and reliance on God’s strength, which -carried him through the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stood in his way.

END OF THE SPEAR
2005/EVERY TRIBE ENTERTAINMENT
This is the story of Jim Elliot and fellow missionaries who brought the gospel to a violent tribe in Ecuador. Doing so cost five of the missionaries their lives. It’s sad but also hopeful.

Songs

"IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL"
WRITTEN BY HORATIO SPAFFORD, COMPOSED BY PHILIP BLISS
Horatio Spafford underwent a great deal of suffering prior to writing this well-known hymn. His 4 year-old son died, then he lost a lot of property investments in the Chicago Fire of 1871. Two years later, in 1873, his wife and four daughters were on a ship that sank; his wife alone survived. In the midst of his grief over the loss of his children, Spafford found comfort in God’s grace and salvation. He knew that despite all that might happen to him on earth, it was well with his soul.

"OH MY GOD"
JARS OF CLAY (GOOD MONSTERS, 2006)
This powerful song describes all the kinds of people who call out to God, whether genuinely or taking His name in vain—from “liars and fools,” to “pilgrim saints and lonely widows.” It probes the depths of doubt that can accompany suffering, unabashedly questioning hope and wondering how God will respond. The song finishes with the ultimate cry of humanity, “Oh my God,” which leaves all eyes on God, our only hope of restoration in a broken world.

Also check out:
• “Faith Enough,” by Jars of Clay (Who We Are Instead, 2003)
• “Blessed Be Your Name,” by Matt Redman (Blessed Be Your Name, 2005)

Books

THE PROBLEM OF PAIN
C.S. LEWIS
In this book, C.S. Lewis tackles the great question of why God allows suffering in the world and what that means for humanity. He approaches this difficult subject logically and honestly, without trying to gloss over the issue. Instead, he addresses pain head-on with a theological and philosophical viewpoint, while his straightforward style remains accessible to the modern reader.

THE HIDING PLACE
CORRIE TEN BOOM
During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her Christian family hid Jews until they were taken away to concentration camps themselves. In The Hiding Place, Corrie recounts her experiences of Nazi brutality and how she was able to keep her faith during even the bleakest of circumstances. Through the darkness and cruelty that she felt and witnessed, Corrie found that God was still present with her—and it gave her hope and a hard-won peace even in light of intense personal and global suffering.

Also check out:
• If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn
• Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey

Director's cut: Conflict in movies

If you've seen the July print edition of ec, you know that our cover story deals with conflict and conflict resolution. With that in mind, we thought it would be a fun idea to take a look at conflict in the movies. So that's exactly what ec writer Justin McCord did in his article on page 30 of the issue—and now you can read it here!

“Life imitates art far more than art imitates life,” wrote Oscar Wilde, the famed Irish poet and writer.
Does life imitate art? Do our lives regurgitate the contents of the movies, TV, books, and culture that we consume? Or does art imitate life? Are the movies that we watch simply reflections of the world around us? (Deep, huh?) 

Have you ever thought about how movies handle life issues? Yes, most movies are fiction, but characters still deal with the same conflicts that we do in everyday life. In fact, movies can give us examples of how we should (and shouldn’t) handle conflict.

Napoleon Dynamite
(Fox Searchlight Pictures, 2004)
Lovable, yes, but let’s be honest—Napoleon is ­different. He deals with a lot of the same pressures we all do in high school, and he’s kind of an outcast. He has a different look than the other kids, and he spends his downtime ­doodling mythical creatures like the Liger.
Among Napoleon’s many conflicts is the pressure to fit in. Napoleon isn’t an athlete. The cheerleaders don’t pay attention to him. Napoleon could have easily conformed to the world around him. Napoleon could have chosen to dress and talk like everyone else around him. He could’ve chosen to blend into the crowd. But he didn’t.

Napoleon chose to be himself even if he was different. By choosing to be himself, Napoleon found friends who liked him for who he was rather than who they wanted him to be.
First John 2:15-17 tells us to avoid the cravings of sinful man. Certainly, the desire to be well liked and popular is something we all face. Instead of conforming, look at the example of Napoleon Dynamite, who chose to always be true to himself. Even if that meant wearing moon boots.

Twilight
(Summit Entertainment, 2008)
Bella and Edward. (Sigh.) Like Romeo and Juliet, these two star-crossed lovers find themselves bound together but torn apart. Their conflict rests in that they shouldn’t be together. He’s a vampire. She’s a human. Bella and Edward have to put barriers between them to make sure he doesn’t break out in an ice-cold vampire sweat, thirsty for Bella’s blood.

Temptations take on many forms in relationships. We know that we, even as ­believers in Christ, are going to be tempted.

In fact, Jesus Himself was tempted. In Matthew 4, Jesus goes into the desert to be tempted. Remember, Jesus was flesh and bone like we are. He faced the same temptations that you and I face.

You’re going to face temptations, but know that Jesus did, too. Instead of giving into temptation, choose to glorify God through your life choices.

The Breakfast Club
(A&M Films, 1985)
This movie chronicles a group of students from different social circles stuck in detention together on a Saturday. There’s the jock. The nerd. The criminal. The princess. The outcast.

The five spend their eight hours and 40 minutes gradually opening up to each other, discovering that they have more in common than they realized. They all have strained relationships with their parents and don’t want to make the same mistakes they’ve seen the adults around them make. The group comes together and realizes they are individuals, no longer confined to the stereotypes or cliques in which they’ve been living.

Have you ever considered the lives of Jesus’ disciples? They were fishermen and tax collectors (See Luke 5). It would have been easy to pass judgment on these men based on the labels we give them. Jesus saw them for something more. He saw their potential for changing the world, which is what they did in the Book of Acts. (See Acts 1–2.)

You might think you’re just a label: Jock. Princess. Criminal. You’re not. Like the disciples, Jesus has a bigger plan for your life.

The expanded story: Movies, books, and music about suffering

In case you haven’t picked up on it in this month’s devotions or the ec cover story, suffering is a big theme in this issue. That’s why we asked Anna McKenzie to help us find some movies about true suffering that also point to the hope only our God can give. Want your faith to be encouraged? Check out her picks!

Amazing Grace
2006/Four Boys Films
Starring Ioan Gruffudd
An engaging and heartfelt drama, Amazing Grace tells the story of William Wilberforce, a strong Christian and a member of British parliament who took on the mission of abolishing the slave trade in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. He endured a great deal of criticism and opposition and suffered from a chronic illness which hindered his progress. This modern classic depicts Wilberforce’s persistence and reliance on God’s strength, which ­carried him through the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stood in his way.

End of the Spear
2005/Every Tribe Entertainment
This is the story of Jim Elliot and fellow missionaries who brought the gospel to a violent tribe in Ecuador. Doing so cost five of the missionaries their lives. It’s sad, but also hopeful.

“It is Well with my Soul”
written by Horatio Spafford, composed by Philip Bliss
Horatio Spafford underwent a great deal of suffering prior to writing this well-known hymn. His 4 year-old son died, then he lost a lot of property investments in the Chicago Fire of 1871. Two years later, in 1873, his wife and four daughters were on a ship that sank; his wife alone survived. In the midst of his grief over the loss of his children, Spafford found comfort in God’s grace and salvation. He knew that despite all that might happen to him on earth, it was well with his soul.

“Oh My God”
Jars of Clay (Good Monsters, 2006)
This powerful song describes all the kinds of people who call out to God, whether genuinely or taking His name in vain—from “liars and fools,” to “pilgrim saints and lonely widows.” It probes the depths of doubt that can accompany suffering, unabashedly questioning hope and wondering how God will respond. The song finishes with the ultimate cry of humanity, “Oh my God,” which leaves all eyes on God, our only hope of restoration in a broken world.
Also check out:
• “Faith Enough,” by Jars of Clay (Who We Are Instead, 2003)
• “Blessed Be Your Name,” by Matt Redman (Blessed Be Your Name, 2005)

The Problem of Pain
C.S. Lewis
In this book, C.S. Lewis tackles the great question of why God allows suffering in the world and what that means for humanity. He approaches this difficult subject logically and honestly, without trying to gloss over the issue. Instead, he addresses pain head-on with a theological and philosophical viewpoint, while his straightforward style remains accessible to the modern reader.

The Hiding Place
Corrie ten Boom
During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her Christian family hid Jews until they were taken away to concentration camps themselves. In The Hiding Place, Corrie recounts her experiences of Nazi brutality and how she was able to keep her faith during even the bleakest of circumstances. Through the darkness and cruelty that she felt and witnessed, Corrie found that God was still present with her—and it gave her hope and a hard-won peace even in light of intense personal and global suffering.  Also check out:
• If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn
• Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey

11 Great Valentine's Movies (that won't scar you for life)

by Julie Sallee Partin

It’s February, which means Valentine’s Day is here, right? And we’d be fooling ourselves if we didn’t recognize that some of you are spending the evening with that special someone. Or maybe you’re spending it with some special someones in the form of your closest friends.

For many of you, though, your Valentine’s Day festivities will include movies. So, we thought we’d ask Julie Sallee Partin to share her thoughts on some romantic movies that won’t pollute your purity, put you in an awkward situation if you’re watching with your date, or lead to embarrassment of any kind. Check out her suggestions! 

1. Pride and Prejudice
(2005) / Universal Studios
Starring Kiera Knightley, Matthew MacFayden, Donald Sutherland, and Judi Dench
Many consider the book this film is based on to be the mother of all romance novels. Fortunately, the movie does not disappoint. A strong-willed young woman refuses to marry for anything less than love, much to her family and suitors’ dismay. Extremely beautiful and marvelously acted, it makes every modern romantic wish they could have found love in 18th century England.
(Also, if you’re Valentine’s Day celebration is a girls’ night and you have awhile, we suggest checking out the BBC’s miniseries adaptation of the book. Be aware: it is hours long!)

2. Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken
(1991) / Walt Disney Pictures
Starring Gabrielle Anwar, Cliff Robertson, and Kathleen York
An inspiring true story about a runaway with big dreams. She gets a job working as a stable hand for a girl-and-horse high diving act. Her boss’ son helps her train a wild horse and becomes impressed with her spirit and ambition. The two devise a plan for her to become a star. And, of course, they fall in love. With a perfect mixture of suspense and heart, this one is watchable over and over again.

3. Ever After: A Cinderella Story
(1998) / Twentieth Century Fox
Starring Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, and Dougray Scott
The story of Cinderella, without all the magic. Drew Barrymore portrays her version of this damsel in distress as full of spunk and fight. The real charm is being a part of a world only heard of in fairy tales that seems surprisingly realistic. With creative cultural references and subtle humor, rooting for the underdog never felt so good.

4. A Walk to Remember
(2002) / DiNovi Pictures
Starring Mandy Moore and Shane West
A high school bad boy is forced to do community service after getting into some trouble. While at these events, he meets a kind, quiet pastor’s daughter. Her softness and his sense of adventure turn out to be a perfect match, and the two unexpectedly fall for each other. The story is full of sweetness and ­sorrow. It will leave you believing that love has redemptive power, and change is indeed possible.


5. Wall•E
(2008) / Pixar
Voiced by Fred Willard and John Ratzenberger, among others
Who would have known that a trash-collecting robot and a space robot falling for each other would be so sweet? In this futuristic tale, humans have ­polluted the Earth to a point that it’s uninhabitable, and they must live in outer space. Left behind is a little so-ugly-he’s-cute robot. He ends up entangled in a romantic space adventure attempting to save his girl and planet. Full of imagination, innocence, and sweet romance, this movie is impossible not to love. 

6. The Princess Bride
(1987) / Act III Communications
Starring Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright Penn, and a very young Fred Savage
A classic fantasy filled with adventure, this movie has been quoted an inconceivable number of times. Princess Buttercup is kidnapped by a band of vicious thieves including a giant, evil genius, and skilled swordsman. They are then pursued by The Man in Black who may or may not be Buttercup’s true love. There is a good reason this movie stands the test of time. It is entertaining and great for a group setting.

7. While You Were Sleeping
(1995) / Caravan Pictures
Starring Sandra Bullock, Peter Gallagher, and Bill Pullman
A lonely woman saves the life of a ­gorgeous man she has been crushing on from afar. While he is in a coma, his family believes the two are engaged and accept her as one of their own. The situation becomes even more comical and complicated when she begins to fall for the man’s brother. One of the biggest hits of the 90s, this creative story is everything that a romantic comedy should be.



 8. Stardust
(2007) / Paramount Pictures
Starring Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Robert De Niro
An adventure that exists in a countryside bordering a magical world. Evil witches, blundering princes, and spoiled town girls all desire to possess a star that happens to be a young woman. This out-of-this-world love story is told through a whirlwind journey that has the stunning special effects to back it up.

9. Pillow Talk
(1959) / Arwin Productions
Starring Doris Day and Rock Hudson
This oldie-but-goodie relies on the out-dated technology of the party line (ask your grandparents or Google it), but it’s still good! Career girl Jan shares a phone line with songwriter Brad Allen who’s always on the line with one of his many girlfriends. Jan despises Brad, but after some twists and turns—and Brad disguising his voice—the two actually start to talk. Romance blossoms, of course, but you’ll have to watch to find out what happens!

10. Sabrina
(1995) / Constellation Entertainment
Starring Harrison Ford, Julia Ormand, and Greg Kinnear
To the Larrabee boys, Sabrina was just the chauffeur’s daughter. But when she returns to the family’s home after two years away, both brothers are intrigued by the sophisticated, intelligent, beautiful woman she’s become. Will she end up with Linus or with David. You’ll have to watch to find out. (And if you like this version, check out the original starring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.)

11. Sleepless in Seattle
(1993) / TriStar Pictures
Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
The son of a widowed father calls a national radio show trying to find his dad a girlfriend and himself a new mom. Across the country an already-engaged woman decides that this anonymous man and his son might be her destiny and she simply must meet them. The sweet hopefulness in the face of reality results in a relationship built upon blind faith. It becomes a wonderful story of family and optimism. (Also, give An Affair to Remember a try. It will help you understand Sleepless in Seattle.)

Going for the Gold

If you've flipped through the June issue of ec, you've seen the first article in our summer series on the Olympics, which are set to start August 8 in China. (Set your DVRs! And if you haven't seen the story, check out page 36.)

All that talk about the Olympics got ec production editor Emily thinking about sports, medals, movies, and all things Olympics. That led to this:

OK, so the Olympics are coming up. A quick search through the Internet Movie Database (a GREAT site!) revealed that there are lots of movies that reference or center around the Olympic Games. Who knew the Olympics were such popular movie fodder? Check out our list below and see if any of these ring a bell. (But don’t think we’re advocating that you should watch any of them. . .why don’t you get outside and start practicing for the 2012 Olympic Games instead?)

• Munich (2005)—ec editor Mandy once did a history day project on the events that inspired this movie.
• Miracle (2004)
• Ice Angel (2000)
• Without Limits (1998)
• Cool Runnings (1993)
• The Cutting Edge (1992)—"Toe pick!”
• Chariots of Fire (1981)
• For Your Eyes Only (1981)
• Dawn! (1979)
• International Velvet (1978)
• A Separate Peace (1972)
• One in a Million (1936)
—Emily