Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2008. All rights reserved.
Unlike my daughter, I’ve not read Stephenie Meyer’s book series — yet. But I was probably as excited as she was to see the first movie in the saga. And now I look forward to reading the books. I don’t think I can wait to see the next three movies to know the rest of the story.
I can understand how Meyer’s books have become a cultural phenomenon. Forget the intrigue of an unorthodox love story between a mortal and a vampire. My husband wasn’t able to get beyond that image and didn’t go with my daughter and me to see the movie.
The concept of a forbidden love affair between two people worlds apart has been around for centuries. My daughter says we can thank Shakespeare for that.
But perhaps the idea of wanting what you can’t have is natural to human nature. Even a toddler is passionate with that desire.
I’m not about to give away any details from the story. You’ll have to read the books or go see the movie yourself — if you are, like me before today, one of the few left in the world who doesn’t know the story. But my daughter said something after the movie that possibly sums up the extreme appeal of Meyer’s story. She said, “We all want to be loved that much.”
I can concur that by Twilight’s end, I had an overwhelming feeling of the love that had just been portrayed — a love that protects without regard for one’s own safety. A love that cherishes every moment shared with the object of one’s affections. A love that wants what is best for another even if it means sacrificing one’s own happiness.
In spite of the conflict the story begins to unfurl, this movie ended with my sigh as I basked in the deep love shown by someone who loves another more than self. Interestingly enough, I found myself contented and satisfied by pondering the purity of such love.
And why not?
Who doesn’t want to be loved by someone who gives love without conditions?
I feel loved in this way by my husband. But after watching Edward’s love for Bella, I’m compelled to ask myself if I show my husband the depth of my love for him every day of our life together.
With the holiday season upon us, I can’t help but also think about Jesus’ teachings on love. He taught us to love others regardless of how they treat us — even our enemies. He said, “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior. Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them!” (Luke 6:31)
A good guideline for any and all types of relationships!
In other words, if we want to be loved unconditionally, we must give our love unconditionally.
As I anticipate the next movie in this love story, I’ll continue to think about the love Edward feels for Bella. I’ll put Meyer’s books at the top of my Christmas wish list. And I’ll do my best to show my husband how unconditionally and passionately I love him.
Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2008. All rights reserved.
When life seems filled to the brim with loss, uncertainty and unwanted or unexpected change, it may be difficult to find reason for gratitude, much less joy. And yet the Bible tells us to “Be thankful in all circumstances.” (I Thess. 5:18) In all circumstances, you might ask?Recently I came across a blogger who asked the question, “Can we be thankful for the things we don’t want?” Perhaps I would phrase it, “How can we be thankful for the things we don’t want?” or even “Why?”
Country singer, Garth Brooks, once sang, “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers.” His song suggested that what he prayed for wasn’t what he really needed and God gave him what he needed, not what Garth thought he wanted at the time. Garth eventually realizes God’s wisdom and is grateful.
But what about when we’re coping with the loss of a job, or the end of a marriage, or the demise of our savings? Where is gratitude to be found among disappointment, sorrow and worry? As Thomas Paine wrote, referring to difficulties and hardships, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
And yet I have found the only way out of disappointment, sorry and worry is to count my blessings. No matter how dire my situation has been, there has always been something and someone to be grateful for.
Gratitude has the power to change our view from what we don’t have, to what we do have. And, inevitably, with this more hopeful perspective, we see the value of what is truly important, we expect good, and we appreciate progress. This vantage point leads us to new horizons and opportunities.
So perhaps what we most need in times of trouble is thankfulness.
When I ponder what I’m grateful for, I find myself also answering the question, “What matters most to me?” And it turns out how much money I have in the bank doesn’t make the list. What matters most are the people (and dogs) that I love.
Perhaps this is also why if I were faced with getting out of my house quickly — maybe because of fire or a tornado — besides making sure my family and animals were safe, I would attempt to grab as many photographs as possible. And I would hopefully get my computer, too, since many photos are stored there as well.
What matters most to me are not material possessions but those near and dear, along with the intangibles of experiences, feelings and the living of life itself. My love of photos is about cherishing my memories with loved ones. But even if I didn’t have the photos, the memories would be instilled within me forever.
I admit, however, that when I’ve been faced with extremities and tragedies, gratitude has not often been my first response. No one wants to experience sadness, and I certainly don’t believe that God wants His beloved children to suffer.
But I do believe God gives us everything we need — whether that is courage, strength or a change in direction. And I believe the words of Paul when he said, “…all things work together for good to them that love God…”(Romans 8:28) He did say all things! So eventually, I’ve come to realize that all things include all the things I don’t want, too, and I vow that nothing can stop me from attaining the good that God gives.
Imagine truly being grateful for everything in your life — every life experience and lesson learned — because you know that good is the ultimate outcome. Not that we must welcome and relish things we really don’t want, but we can resolve that good is what God wants and promises for us. We can remain expectant of God’s plan for good. And we can be confident that God’s plan for us is better than what we would design.
Jesus said, “No one can rob you of joy.” (John 16:22) I say no one can rob you of gratitude either. Gratitude enables you to make every day a happy and good day. Fill your mind with everything you’re thankful for and see how much better your world is right now. I suspect you have more to be thankful for than you realize. I always do!
Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2008. All rights reserved.
I was excited to learn that the Dallas Symphony was paying tribute to Disney music, and I couldn’t wait to take my mother and daughter with me. Clips of beloved Disney movies were going to be shown on a big screen while the symphony played the coordinating soundtracks. I was certain this would mean I’d get a glimpse of Mickey!I wasn’t disappointed. As the lights dimmed, his smiling face with those adorable ears appeared before me. I didn’t need to hear the words when the music began — I knew them all too well. My eyes swelled with tears as I quietly sang along, “Who’s the leader of the club that’s made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E!”
Symphony rule number one: No singing along with the music.
Were they kidding me? There was no way I could sit there and not sing my song! After all, I was born a “mouseketeer,” named after Annette Funicelo. It’s difficult to find the words to express the depth of my emotion every time I see the Mouse!
What is it about Mickey?
Walt Disney once said, “Mickey Mouse is, to me, a symbol of independence. He was a means to an end. He popped out of my mind onto a drawing pad…on a train ride from Manhattan to Hollywood at a time when business fortunes of my brother Roy and myself were at lowest ebb and disaster seemed right around the corner.”
Mickey Mouse may have given Walt Disney and his brother the financial independence they sought, but Mickey gives me hope.
I loved learning about Mickey’s history as it seemed the very essence of hope. And his story can fill us all with hope today. It’s a story that illustrates the darkest of day before the dawn. Hope assures us that there is always a way out of darkness — that dawn always comes.
A new day, new possibilities, new discoveries, new opportunities, new ideas — Mickey Mouse certainly provided all of this for Walt and Roy Disney. And when I’m in Mickey’s presence, I’m reminded all of these are available to me, too.
Every Disney story portrays “evil” trying to destroy “good,” but by each story’s end, “evil” fails. Disney stories provide a message of hope to anyone who has doubt about which is the stronger — good or evil.
And the words of Paul empower us when we are faced with challenges that would overwhelm and bring us down. He says, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) This sums up every Disney story climax — the character representing good proves that evil will not have the final say!
We claim our spiritual heritage as children of a loving God by looking for good, expecting it and having confidence in it. There is not a power stronger or greater than God. We have the God-given ability and capability to overcome the myriad forms of evil with good — with the power of God’s promise of good. And we have this divine assurance, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:9)
So even in these dark economic times, our hope can’t be dimmed, diminished or destroyed. It may feel like the dawn is never going to arrive. But rest assured, my friends, it will. God’s promise of good can’t be stopped from coming forth. The Bible instructs, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.” (Hebrews 10:35) Indeed, God promises us an “expected end” — the recovery we are anticipating, the plan we are looking forward to, the improvement we are counting on.
We can know “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) We can trust in this truth and as Jesus promised, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) Trusting in God’s truths — His laws, His assurances, His promises — will enable us to discover the solutions and answers we long for.
The concert was about to end, and my daughter whispered that we must go home and watch a Disney movie. “Good idea,” I said.
And once again, I couldn’t help but sing the last verse of my song:
“M-I-C-see ya real soon. K-E-Y-Why? Because we like you. M-O-U-S-E.”
And I’ll see you all next week! Need a good dose of hope? Watch a Disney movie!
Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2008. All rights reserved.
I was actually having difficulty thinking about anything but the election when I first sat down to write this column. So in search of some fresh inspiration, last night I started reading a new book or at least a book that is new to me – The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch.
The second section of the book is titled, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Randy’s list of childhood dreams included: “being in zero gravity, playing in the NFL, authoring an article in the World Book Encyclopedia, being Captain Kirk, winning stuffed animals and being a Disney Imagineer.”
What impressed me about his list was its specificity. And I asked myself, “What were my childhood dreams?” At this moment, I can’t tell you whether or not I’ve acquired my childhood dreams because I’m still trying to remember what they were.
One of my favorite Disney movies was “Cinderella,” so I’m pretty sure one of my dreams was to find my very own Prince Charming. And that goal was definitely reached when I met my husband!
But what other dreams were nestled in my young head?
I remember loving to sing and used to imagine myself making a record. I wasn’t shy about performing in front of people. In fact, I remember going door to door in my neighborhood and asking folks if they wanted me to sing and play my baritone ukulele for them. I was in the school choir and participated in high school musicals. But that’s the extent of that dream.
I’ve also always loved to write and fancied myself as a published author. I remember keeping a diary when very young and still journal pretty much daily. And I remember beginning to write a book. But somewhere during our move from Georgia to Texas when I was around 10 years old, my book draft was lost and I’ve never begun another.
By the time I went to college, I had aspirations of becoming a lawyer and eventually running for political office. But I must admit I pushed this dream aside after I met and married my Prince Charming and started dreaming of having children. Oh I know, I could have done both. But I didn’t — or haven’t yet.
I can’t help but think, however, that I had other childhood dreams that somehow were forgotten and never pursued.
Thinking back on Randy’s very specific list, I think his pursuit of dreams was made possible because of his very clear and definitive vision of his goals. Yet even when his specific dream was not exactly realized, his pursuit taught him valuable lessons guiding him in new, often unexpected directions he had never envisioned before.
Basically one could say Randy walked his talk.
Perhaps that is a big key in accomplishing our dreams as well as helping us to not lose sight of them. Got a dream? Go for it! Begin walking the journey. We don’t get anywhere unless we venture out. And for every dead end road, there is another road to take nearby. It seems another key in garnering aspirations is being flexible in how we outline our plans so we don’t limit the possibilities or our capabilities.
Regarding dreams not achieved Randy wrote, “And even though I did not reach the National Football League, I sometimes think I got more from pursuing that dream, and not accomplishing it, than I did from many of the ones I did accomplish.” And although he didn’t actually “become” Captain Kirk, he did meet his childhood idol years later as an adult. And I suspect Randy mastered many of the same leadership skills as Captain Kirk in his own life and profession.
If you’re like me and you’re having difficulty remembering what your childhood dreams were, don’t be discouraged and feel your dreams have been lost forever. Start a new list of goals right now. Be specific but remain ready to let your dreams evolve and expand. Then start your pursuit!
Life is about living our goals throughout our entire lives — however small or grand. Day by day and moment by moment, keep pursuing and even adding new ones to your list. Dreaming is not limited to our childhood years! And the pursuit of dreams should never end!
Nov 16, 2008 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2008. All rights reserved.
My family’s presidential preferences remind me of a Civil War family’s divisions— with some choosing to wear blue and others gray. The modern-day red and blue distinctions among my family members are indelible and unwavering. “War” has been declared with some anxious to vote early so they can “kill” the rest of our votes before we go to the polls. The implication is that victory will be decided on November 4. Sound too melodramatic?
As election day gets closer, I’m trying to get some fresh inspiration to prepare myself for the results. With all the uncertainty and fears that abound regarding our national security and our current economic instability, emotions and opinions are intense about how to move forward. My daughter says she’s counting on me to keep cool. In fact, she likes to call me an “extreme moderate.”
I’ll admit that prior to this year, I’ve never planned to vote in an election that mattered this much to me. While I’ve always had my favorite candidates, I’ve also been able to respectfully accept the results and resolve to support my new President even when he wasn’t my choice.
I don’t believe God favors one of His children more than another.
This time around, I admit I’ve sometimes allowed myself to be influenced and inflamed by campaign rhetoric, which we all know has often been filled with much negativity. And I do have an opinion about who I think has the best policy plans and abilities.
Still I’m not so sure that any one person or President can really know all the best solutions. And I don’t believe God favors one of His children more than another. Nor do I believe that God provides one of His children with more wisdom than another.
There are many Biblical examples of how peace and unity were achieved in the midst of disagreements and tensions. One that comes to mind was between Abram (later called Abraham) and his nephew, Lot. Abram and Lot, along with each of their servants, shepherds, herdsmen, and families, were traveling to find a new land where a great nation was going to be formed according to God’s word.
Once they’d reached this land, it became clear that Abram and Lot needed to separate civilly for there to be sufficient room for the two of them. Their herdsmen and shepherds argued about which section of land should belong to whom. Because Abram was certain that God would take care of them both, he told Lot to choose the land he wanted. He said, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.”
Perhaps the success of America will be determined by the civility and ingenuity of its people.
It seems to me that the time is approaching for us to all remember that we, too, are “brethren”– fellow Americans who share the same dreams, hopes, and vision for our country. We may all have varying opinions on how we reach these dreams, but that’s the beauty of democracy.
We debate, argue, and discuss. We agree to disagree when necessary and compromise for the greater good. Then we unite and aim to have a peaceful transfer of power. And we continue on our course to build an even greater nation.
Throughout my life, I’ve been determined to express respect toward the President regardless of his political party affiliation and despite whether or not I voted for him. Perhaps the success of America in the future will be determined as it always has been in the past by the civility and ingenuity of its people.
A friend recently reminded me that Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, once told her students they needed to have “faith in God’s disposal of events” (Miscellany, 281:6). And she shared some of the many definitions she was finding as she pondered the meaning and implication of the word – “disposal.” There were words such as direction, order, placement, management, tending, provision, organization, power to use, as well as settling, getting rid of and weeding out. A plethora of ideas to consider!
We should pray that our leaders are receptive to God’s directing and wisdom.
So I, too, am trying to have “faith in God’s disposal of events” and I must admit it’s a relief to be able to put all my worries and fears in the hands of our Father-Mother God. This makes me hopeful that what seems like our country’s many unsolvable problems are indeed solvable. My confidence grows when I remember these words of Christ Jesus, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” All the more reason to pray that our leaders are receptive to God’s directing and wisdom!
So when the dust settles from the “final battle” on November 4, I resolve to stay focused on what I’m going to do next to best support and help my country. No doubt I should consider more wisely how my environmental and financial decisions impact the rest of us. But I’ll also work to have the right attitude and pray to support my leaders–all of them.
