"freedom writers"...go see it!

friday night is date night at our house, and it was my turn to pick the film. being a former english teacher, i wanted to see freedom writers with hillary swank. so after rob watched the trailer, he agreed and we had an inspired evening at the movies.

this film had impact for me for several reasons:

first, it is based on a true story and a real teacher who not only changed the lives of a group of students no one else believed in, but she also changed her own life and discovered her calling in the process.

second...patrick dempsey's character makes a powerful statement during the course of the film about "burden." he realizes that he doesn't have a "burden" or a call.

rob and i have spent a lot of thought, prayer and discussion on CALL this past year and this film raises many questions for great discussion:

such as  "who are you/we called to?" and " why it is so hard to really leave the expected "dream"..the american dream as it were, and falling one's calling, especially the calling of God?" 
most  of us have never been challenged to find our calling
and too many of us have said that living out that  CALL , is just too hard. 
sadly too, when that calling involves serving the poor, the outcasts, the less fortunate, or the abandoned people groups of our world, we don't get much support or encouragement.

third, the movie made me think of the church, and how often the "old way" is seen as the only way and that the creative way that desires to engage culture is seen as wrong, wasteful and unapproved!
i loved the way mrs. g intergrated experiential learning, the power of story and personal narrative, and the power of ritual into her classroom.
there is even a scene where rob leaned over to me and said "now that's church".

so if you're looking for a date movie this weekend, or a great film to see with your small group, friends, etc and especially since it is martin luther king day on monday, "freedom writers" would be an awesome choice and worth your $.

also check out freedom writers foundation. the website that tells the real story behind the movie and how teachers and others can get involved.

Comments

[Regina Heater]

I have been doing much meditation about calling this weekend. That you for your words of wisdom.