This is an excerpt from a conversation I had with a friend on Facebook. I sent it to my brother and sister in law who recently had the world premiere of their movie "September 12" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival this weekend.
The reason for this post is simple. This film captures the true essence and spirit of what this blog is trying to communicate. Here is an excerpt from the thread.
Me: "So Kathleen and I went to Santa Barbara yesterday to see our brother in laws film called "September 12." The movie was flawless on so many levels; direction, editing, music. The storyline was captivating and the message very hopeful and positive, especially in light of where we find ourselves today.
"The overall theme was "the kindness of strangers" which is solidified through the power of music. This was portrayed in a diverse range of examples where hospitality was shared and humanity came together, united by grace in the face of national and personal tragedies.
"My favorite character was a man who lives off the grid, and has no idea what happened in NYC and DC, and around the globe. His story and heart captures the true spirit of what God has called us all to do...even though he himself seems to be the antithesis of who we believe God wants us to be. .
As I held on to every scene, every word and song, the words of the author of Hebrews kept rolling in my consciousness: "Keep loving each other like family. Don’t neglect to open up your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it.”
(Heb. 13:1-2 CEB)
This passage, of course, will always remind me of you and the way you "forced" a friendship. This movie captures the exact spirit of our meeting. It is our story and is exactly what I envision my next church to be most like. I wish I could have shared the movie with you and all the friends you have gathered in the Forced Friendship Club."
As you can tell, I loved the way the movie tells God's story without meaning to. And I believe this is what God meant by 'bearing fruit and multiplying' in Genesis 1:26-28. We are called to use our talents, our passions, our gifts to not only tell God's story but to be the story and write the scenes that show God's love alive in the world; to family and strangers alike. This is what it means to be made in the image of the Divine.
To my brother and sister, David and Fiona Heinz, it is my sincere hope that this movie makes its way all around the world just as it made its way into my heart. God knows it is both timely and needed now more than ever."
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