As my chicks all arrive home this week – my heart
overflows with gratitude. Tears flowed this morning as I woke up to remember there
are six of us in the house, instead of just John and me. I feel blessed. My
family hasn’t been all together in two years—two years ago this Christmas.
There is something about family that is powerful. I can’t
explain the bond—it can only be felt. All I know is it feels good to be
together after such a long time of being apart.
This bond is something I saw as I watched, The Good Lie. This story starring an
incredible cast of Sudanese actors along with Reese Witherspoon, is powerful.
It’s a story where family will go to any length to reunite with one another. It
is a story of how families depend on one another to make it through
difficulties. It is a story of hope in the midst of horror.
The Good Lie doesn’t rush its message. It lays a
foundation of oppression of the civil war in Sudan (1983 - 2005) and follows the lost boys through unspeakable days and months as they travel over a thousand
miles to escape the persecution of soldiers. They encounter death, gunfire, and
a grueling journey. But, they stick together and do whatever it takes to reach
refuge.
After years in a refugee camp, they are taken to
America under a humanitarian effort, given jobs, places to live and begin
again. Their journey inspired me to think of those in other countries who are
persecuted because of their faith. It prompted me to cheer when reunited with
those they had missed. And I cried when these brothers sacrificed for one
another so they could experience freedom.
I recommend The
Good Lie for adults and families with teens – it would be great for
conversations about life, choices, hope, and faith (It is rated PG-13 for some
violence, language and drug use). This movie opened my eyes to the
circumstances of this Sudanese oppression and the hardships they faced, as well
as the culture shock they encountered when they arrived in America. Watching The Good Lie is like going on a mission
trip or Peace Corp venture. It will open your eyes to experience compassion for
fellow brothers and sisters of other cultures.
What I experienced this week with having my family gather
together – extends to what I felt when these lost boys were brought together
again after being away from one another and their homeland. The power of family
speaks through The Good Lie – and its
voice will touch your heart.
The Good Lie also tells a story of brothers and sisters
who are connected by the Spirit of God. Your heart will be changed by their
story and empowered to see the world in a different way—the family way.
So, this Christmas, will you pause and pray for those
who are far from you? People all over the world who live under oppression need
it. We have brothers and sisters who are near who are divided by circumstances.
There are others who only know persecution. And, we have families who need the
healing power of family love to bind age old wounds. There is only one remedy
for all of these—
Jesus Christ
This is why Jesus came, born as a babe over 2,000 years
ago. He brought healing and wholeness to reunite us to our Heavenly Father. Jesus
went to great length to bring peace and a sense of family to those who He loved
with all of His heart.
Merry Christmas to you all and I would love to hear
what you think about The Good Lie. Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy. The movie releases on DVD December 23rd.
Order your copy of The Good Lie:
