I believe that throughout our lives there are defining events that shape who we are today. These events can range from big and noticeable, such as serving a mission, to something smaller like receiving a good grade on an assignment that you put so much energy into. Whatever the event is for you, I believe that these moments in our lives stand out because our heart has experienced a change for the better. I experienced one such event when I watched the movie, "God Grew Tired of Us", a movie about the lost boys of Sudan.
I did not go into the movie expecting it to be a bore. On the contrary, I was rather excited. I did however experience a much stronger change of heart than I expected to that day. I believe this is because of the emotion that was emphasized in this film, such as visual photos of the suffering these men went through, while walking across the desert from one country, only to be driven out and forced to migrate to another. Other men telling their stories of being only eleven years old and seeing their father shot in the midst of this conflict in Sudan. Then to see their story of their immigration to America, contribute to society, earn money, and use that to help their brothers back in Sudan, was truly amazing. Hearing their story of sorrow, but seeing their future to success only inspired me. When comparing what they had in Sudan, to what I have here only drove the message further into my heart. What do I have compared to them? I have everything. I have a family I see often, food each night, shelter to sleep in, a country that wants me here, and much more. So why do I have the right to complain? The answer is simple, I don't.
This movie pulled at my emotional heartstrings. With each story of each lost boy I would think to myself, "Michael, look at what you have been blessed with. Now go and return the favor to the less fortunate." I would call it a spiritual experience, others may say it was just my head, but I know what I felt was the need for me to change. I don't consider myself a selfish person, but to feel that I have so much and to see someone who has so little is truly humbling. Through emotional persuasion this movie caused me to decide to do what I have been taught my whole life, serve others.
If you would like to watch the movie please visit: http://www.hulu.com/watch/294405
Michael I completely agree with you. I had the same reaction to this film. What got me the most was when they were at the camp laughing about how fat Americans are and how they never go to bed hungry. I thought it was extremely sad that these men were laughing about how much Americans eat while they sometimes go days without food. It was quite a wakeup call seeing how hard these men worked, and how much they gave up for their friends and family back in Kenya. When the movie was over I just wanted to get up and go do something to help the refugees. The emotional aspect of the movie affected me the most. It really put things into perspective for me. I have been so blessed in my life, and after watching the film I felt that the best way to thank Heavenly Father for what I have been given would be to give selflessly to His children who are suffering.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same thing when I watched this movie. I actually wasn't sure if the movie was going to be good, but when I watched it, it changed my whole outlook. I felt humbled thinking about the blessings I usually take for granted that these people didn't even have. The movie really makes you want to get up and do something for the people who don't have the same blessings.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post thank you.
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