The NOAH Controversy

There has been a great deal of controversy leading up to the release of the recent movie Noah. Even before the movie was released and even before it had been seen, people were taking their stance and choosing their sides on their beliefs and thoughts about the movie. 

 

I had mixed feelings going into watching the movie. However, I was competent enough to know this was not going to be the Sunday school story of Noah that I heard growing up as a child. I also realized that this was a Hollywood film...a secular film with only hints of the real story of Noah. I have now seen the movie though and I can say that I really, really liked it. No...the movie did not follow the true Biblical story of Noah and his family. But this is Hollywood. And why would I ever expect Hollywood not to add their own spin on a historical event. 

And yet, even despite Hollywood's own spin on the story of Noah, the end result was still a story of love, grace, and mercy.

Despite my better judgment I spent some time earlier reading comments following a blog in which a writer advised the Christian community to avoid seeing this movie because of the perverse way Noah's story was told. To say I was appalled by what I read would be an understatement. There were 800+ comments following this blog with the majority of them full of condemnation, judgment, and hatred. I read things such as 'You can't be a Christian and like this movie.'

 'I am a Christian and because of that I will not spend my money to support this.'

'No Christian has any business seeing this.' 

'Maybe you should go back and read your Bible.'

'You are not a Christian if you endorse this film'

I am a Christian. I have seen the movie and I would see it again.

I believe the Biblical story of Noah and I believe the story of Noah happened in a way that varies from this movie. I also believe Biblical truths of love, not casting judgment on others, and kindness. And yet, the majority of things I am reading are not words of love and kindness. They are statements I am ashamed of. Words of judgment and hate that should not be coming from anyone's mouth...let alone the mouth of a Christ follower.

I feel like so often the Christian community is searching for things to get upset about. They seem to just be searching for controversy in which to fill their time up with. So much time is spent looking for the wrong in things that we miss all of the good.

While people are so busy focusing on how the story differed from the Bible they miss the fact at how huge it is that a Bible story has been made into a Hollywood motion picture. No, it may not be the Bible story we know and love...but it is still a Bible-inspired story. And even with Hollywood's take on the story there is still an incredible message of love and mercy. I am just glad that I was able to see it through all of the propaganda being spewed all over the place. I hope that you will be able to as well.

 

 

choices.

A few weeks ago I got congratulated twice in one week on my 'pregnancy' (which before you get ahead of yourself...no, I am not pregnant). The first occasion happened during a phone call to the hospital where I had my million ultrasounds done while we were doing our IUI's. I had called to sort out a billing question and as the woman on the other end of the phone looked over my bills she casually said, 'Looks like someone is having a baby. Congratulations." I replied shocked, 'I'm sorry, are you referring to me?' 'Yes,' she said, followed by another 'Congratulations.' I hastily informed her that no, I am not pregnant. To which I received silence.

Two days later I was at Kroger attempting to find prenatal vitamins (again, not pregnant, just a recent recommendation by my doctor to begin taking). I asked this sweet man for help and after he showed me to the prenatal section of the vitamin isle he smiled and gave me a big 'Congratulations on your baby.' While I should have just let it slide, I quickly informed him no, I am not pregnant. He clearly felt awful and I assured him several times that it was fine.

Luckily these instances occurred now and not a few months ago. Because of where I am emotionally and the progress I have made, these situations did not make me break down in tears about the sorrow of my life but instead brought some laughter. And while I am in a completely different place than I was a few months ago it still comes down to a choice about my reaction to the circumstances of life. It so easy to let life's trials cause bitterness and resentment. I have been a victim of these feelings a lot over the past two years. And sometimes I even want to hold onto my bitterness, sadness, hopelessness, and anger. But at the end of it all I am tired of carrying all of the weight those feelings bring. I have too long allowed our struggle with infertility to guide my days. I was recently reminded that no matter what is going on in my life, no matter the pain or uncertainty, Jesus is still the King of my life. He still loves me each minute of the day, even the days that I am angry with Him or want nothing to do with His plans for my life. Life is full of so many choices...not only choices about where to go, what to say, and how to spend our time but also choices over how we react to situations, the mindset we take during trials, and the choice to remain either hopeful, accusatory, or in a state of despair. Instead of pointing my finger and blaming others (including God) and instead of choosing to be downtrodden and negative I have decided that each day, I will throw off the bitterness and resentment over unanswered questions. I could easily choose to remain as I have been and sit in my puddle of self-pity or I could choose to be reminded daily, multiple times each day, of God's great plan for my life.

We each have a choice of how to live our days. Some days we may stray off the path of positively and strength but I want to choose to live my life with expectation for what is in store. The future is so uncertain and as Coy and I start looking forward with a clean canvas, free of any of the plans we had two years ago, we are filled with both sadness of letting go of our dreams of a family but also thankfulness that we are able to go through life together. Because in the end, life is too short and too beautiful of a journey to live it full of sorrow and sadness over what could have been. And while I may not live this out every day of my life, from now on I am dedicated to making a choice to let go of the things that have held me down. With each passing day I will make a conscious choice to look forward to the future with expectation of greater things to come.

"Yes, my soul, finds rest in God, my hope comes from Him." Psalms 62:5

life is beautiful.

It has been a crazy few weeks. Although life has been really busy lately it has been a good reminder of just how blessed my life is. I have spent a lot of time over the past few weeks celebrating. Celebrating birthdays of those I love, celebrating holidays, and celebrating friendships.

Sometimes even in the midst of chaos it is nice to take a second to step back and acknowledge just how beautiful life is. Yes, sometimes life is messy and hard. But other times, the times that really count...are smiles and laughter, friendship, family, and good, good memories.

 

 



 Judah and Eve both had birthdays (Judah turned 4 and Eve turned 3!!)

! I cannot believe how amazing my nephews and nieces are.

The brighten even the dullest of days.

 I love whenever friends come to town. I loved having Jess around and spending quality time together. Coy and Andy were even willing to spend the evening with 7 beautiful girls.

The Archdiocese knows how to celebrate. For Mardis Gras we celebrated with an afternoon of Yats (heaven), hurricanes, and festive music.

 Christy and Amy celebrated 30 right. It was such a fun weekend made only better by Adi and her sisters coming into town. Although I was exhausted at the end...I wouldn't trade this time for anything!

 

 (sometimes I pretend I am a Berger)

My favorite three-some!

Oscars 2014

As much as I love awards shows...The Oscars seems to always be the most glamorous. People don't seem to go as crazy with their outfit choices and everyone tends to look so beautiful. Of course there were a few who made me turn my nose up...but not even enough for a 'worst dressed' this year.

I could literally spend hours looking at pictures of people from the Oscars...the before, the during, and the after parties.

Below are my top choices for Best Dressed 2014 (and I already can't wait for next year!)

 

 Kelly Osborne.

 Olivia Wilde.

 This dress isn't spectacular but she is rockin' that baby bump...oh and she's gorgeous!

Idina Menzel.

 Although I would have loved this dress in a different color

 Kerry Washington.

I am obsessed with her! Again, rockin' the baby bump!!

 John Stamos.

Love the all-black attire.

 Angelina Jolie.

I couldn't find a solo picture of her...luckily her date isn't looking too shabby himself.

She looked so beautiful!

 Sandra Bullock.

Love the color, love the style, and love her hair.

 Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum.

There were a lot of dynamic duos this year...however, I have to say there were my favorite.

This dress is so gorgeous...the color, the style, the feathers...I love it all!

Charlize Theron

I wasn't quite sure at first if I was sold on this dress. However, when she came out to present she took my breath away. I first felt weird about the nude straps. Then I felt weird about the see-through overlay. But in the end...this dress and she won my heart.

Will Smith.

LOVE this combo. So classy.

 

Honorable mentions:

Jennifer Lawrence

Julia Roberts

Jared Leto

Cate Blanchett

Christian Bale

 

 

Until next season!