Must See Movies and a Must Read Book

There are two movies (one currently playing and one to be released in December) that you need to put on your "must see" list. And there's a newly released biography you'll want to get from the library or purchase to read.

• The first is "One Night with the King," the biblical story of Esther who became Queen through a fascinating series of events and loyalty to God. You can find out more about the movie at http://www.8x.com/onenight/ This is not your typical, low budget Christian film-makers attempt to tell a biblical story. The cast boasts the presence of legendary actors Omar Sharif and Peter O'Toole. Tiffany Dupont plays the role of the Jewish Esther who rose to national prominence in the midst of Jewish oppression. God's placement and protection of Esther and His purpose for her life remind all of us that God is actively involved in the culture and simply wants His people to use their lives for His glory. Seasoned and respected movie critic, Michael Medved says this is "One of the most pro-Jewish movies I've seen in years. It's a handsome film, the production values are very high, the film is entertaining and inspiring....It looks like a much bigger budget production than it is. As somebody who tries to lead a religious, Jewish life it's a story we celebrate every year at Purim....I was stunned that a movie that is from a general market perspective has a deeper meaning behind it of Jewish teachings. It's a powerful testament of how the American Christian community loves the Jewish community. It's a love story to the Jewish people...Frankly if this had been produced by the Jewish community they would have been embarrassed to produce such a movie." Before you see the movie, read Esther's incredible story in the Old Testament. The movie is endorsed by the American Bible Society.

• The second movie will be released in early December. It's simply entitled "The Nativity Story". You can find out more details at www.thenativitystory.com. The movie is the incredible story of two people (Joseph & Mary), their enormous journey of faith and the "history defining" birth of Jesus Christ. The movie is produced and released by the nationally known and well respected New Line Cinema (Time Warner) company! Screenwriter, Mike Rich says: "We got the script into the hands of as many historians and theologians as possible. They have all helped elevate the authentic feel of this film, not only visually, but from a standpoint of culture and tradition." Here's a holiday suggestion. Invite your non-Christian, skeptical and seeker friends to the movie and go out for a cup of coffee afterward. Discuss why the story is so essential and important to Christ followers and the rest of the world. And by all means let them talk, question, and probe. Don't view them as your personal "evangelism project," just open the door for conversation and ask God to guide you.

• Neal Gabler has written the first biography of the legendary Walt Disney carrying the blessing and cooperation of the Walt Disney Company and the Disney family. It's entitled, "Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination." In one review, the author stated that one of Disney's daughters, Diane wanted to make sure the book didn't gloss over her father's faults, but to show the real Walt Disney. Syndicated columnist Cal Thomas' review of the book notes: "Forty years after his death in December 1966, the name Disney exemplifies safety and security for children and parents looking for wholesome entertainment. He may not have invented the the term 'family values,' but he perfected an art form through which he was able to transmit stories that American hearts enthusiastically received."

These three media offerings provide a ray of light in the middle of a dark culture and society. It's refreshing to see some pleasant alternatives to the non-stop violent, sex-saturated, amoral values that Hollywood continues to produce, market and sell! Being "in the culture" doesn't mean we have to accept or swallow everything that comes down the pike. It also doesn't mean that organized campaigns and protests are the best way to get through to those responsible for such entertainment options. Perhaps the best way is for Christ-followers to support healthy and redemptive media offerings. Record amounts of money at the box office on such redemptive, wholesome offerings will speak louder than any organized protest!

Perspective From a High School Noseguard

Kos Benham plays football with a passion like any other high school kid. However, Kos does it without legs! Kos plays football for Greenville's J.L. Mann High School. The 17-year old's incredible story is well-known in the Upstate region of South Carolina, but you may have not heard it. Born in Russia, a train accident claimed the life of his mother when he was 6-years old. Ironically, three years later Kos was "train jumping" with a friend in Russia and lost both of his legs in a life-threatening accident. Reporter Bob Castello with the Greenville News did a story on Kos in September. He wrote how Kos came to the United States and captured the heart of a Greenville family. Castello wrote:

"In the summer of 2004, Kos came to Greenville as part of the Hope Program, a Christian mission initiative led by local prosthetic specialist Dean Hesselgrave. Kos stayed with Kim Benham, her husband Dave and their four adopted children. Kos spent a month with the Benhams. That was enough. "We were not even seeking to adopt," Kim said. "We had four kids, and we were done. We kept him that month and absolutely fell in love with him. There were many families that would have adopted him, just because of how contagious he is and how wonderful he is to be around. But I was already mother hen. I said, 'Nope, I got him. He's in my home. I'm keeping him.' " One year from the day they met Kos, the Benhams completed his adoption in a court in Russia. While there, they visited the orphanage."

As a noseguard, Kos has inspired his teammates, opponents and even those rough and tough high school football coaches. In the newspaper interview his defensive coordinator Steve Oliver said: "He's amazing. When you see him, it's really hard to come out here as a coach or a player and feel sorry for yourself when you're having a hard day. He's an inspiration." Coach Oliver is right, Kos is an inspiration!

For someone without legs, Kos has an interesting perspective on life. His attitude is so encouraging: "I'm happy. My life is great," he said. "I'm glad to be here, and I'm grateful that my family adopted me."

Perspective is a great teacher if we'll just pay attention. Too often those of us with two legs complain about having to stand in line at a football game or airport. We're impatient waiting on food at our favorite restaurant while thousands of starving children die in Third World countries each day. Or, we complain about cold water from our shower while many would simply love to drink our shower water because it's so much cleaner than their drinking water. We watch television shows from an endless list of cable channels while soldiers and civilians in Iraq watch bodies destroyed by bullets and carbombs. Perspective is certainly amazing.

The Apostle Paul said that whatever we (Christ-followers) do, whether we eat or drink, we should do it for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). Paul's admonition isn't dependent upon our circumstances or condition. Seeking God's glory is not optional for Paul, whether in prison or shipwrecked on an island. If a teenager without legs can be so grateful and happy over his life and adoption, how can we who've been adopted by God in Christ be held hostage by anything less than joy and gratitude?

Athletes or Thugs? It's Time to Stop the Violence!

The level of violence and dysfunctional behavior associated with college and professional athletics is getting ridiculous. Consider: The vivid ESPN replays of the bench clearing brawl between Miami and Florida International last weekend that required Miami Dade Police to intervene; the recent report of three Indiana Pacer players involved in an early morning assault outside a strip bar where they responded by firing their handguns; NFL journeyman and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth who was suspended for five games for stomping on the un-helmeted head of a Dallas Cowboys player, requiring 13 stitches; not to mention $28-million, spoiled, pampered, premadona athletes who lead the media around like a dog and pony show for behavior that is always related to controversy, conflict and tears down the very team paying their salary instead of building it up!

ESPN college football analyst, former college coach and NFL player, Bill Curry says there are four types of players in these slugfests:

1) The player who removes himself from the brawl and returns to the sidelines
2) The player who tries to break up fights and pull teammates away
3) The player who, in the heat of the moment helps defend his temmates, but doesn't rage
4) The player who intentionally seeks to inflict harm, or injury toward other players

Curry says the fourth player above needs to be banned from college football and declared ineligible to play in the NFL, NBA, etc. And the professional athlete with lethal behavior needs to be cut loose and not allowed to return. Is Coach Curry overreacting or being melodramatic? Are these the words of a "patsy or pansie"? Hardly. This is from a guy who played center for Lombardi's Packers on the frozen tundra of Lambeau field (before sideline heaters and misting chill fans). He faced some of the most nasty, mean, tenacious competitors the game has ever seen. By his own admission he's been the #3 player above, who 40 years later is still apologizing for losing his cool under long forgotten and publicly confessed, disagreements in the height of competition. His point? Dangerous, malicious, intentionally violent thugs cannot be tolerated in society, much less in athletics.

Miami Sophomore safety, Anthony Reddick was initially suspended for one game by the University of Miami after he charged across the field, helmet raised over his head, and slammed it into an opposing player during the athletic riot. While his suspension has since been extended, the original "one game" suspension for felonious behavior by a team member of a perennial powerhouse that is really struggling to post "W's" this season speaks loudly about the culture and values of the team, coaches, athletic department and university! Miami suspended 12 other players for one game. One game! Contrast that protective response with the post-game response of Florida International who dismissed two players and extended the suspensions of 16 sanctioned players indefinitely, well beyond "one game". Now that's got some teeth to it. Miami's president said she had not even viewed the video tape of the brawl. She also said her school will not bow to pressure from the media frenzy demanding a harsher response just to improve the University's image or reputation. Perhaps she needs to speak with the presidents of the University of South Carolina and Clemson University who went way beyond a one game suspension two years ago.

I'm with Coach Curry, a committed Christ follower by the way. Yes, football is a very physical and sometimes violent sport. Occasionally even the best players lose control and respond with unsportsmanlike conduct. But the real athletes and role models accept the penalties, respect the officials and their coaches and respond with remorse, shame or embarassment for their temporary lack of restraint. They are contrite and seek to restore their name behind the scenes instead of holding a "blame everyone else but myself" news conference that is only about self-promotion and divides teams. Lethal, intentional assasins wearing a uniform cannnot be tolerated. Coaches, AD's and university leaders need to respond quickly without regard to the few, deep pocketed boosters and athletic sugar daddies who choose to ignore such behavior for the sake of a win or bowl bid.

Years ago my beloved Kentucky Wildcats basketball program received one of the harshest penalties on record by the NCAA. The "death penalty" brought one of the nation's premier programs to a grinding halt. Many say the NCAA overreacted. While my beloved Big Blue suffered for a few years, the punishment was a wake up call to the University, athletic department, boosters and fans. Sometimes massive fines, time-consuming community service penalties, lengthy suspensions and even banishment from the sport are the only things that get attention. But as long as fans fill the stands, buy team logo'd merchandise, concessions, season tickets and make no ethical demands of their players, university or franchise, nothing will change and the thug mentality will only grow. Meanwhile, high school and middle school athletes watch, observe, learn and mirror their models.

Kudos to programs like Clemson and the University of South Carolina who sacrificed money and trips to post-season bowls for a pre-game brawl two seasons ago. It was a tough pill, but one you could point young athletes to as an example of consequences for actions. It also made me proud to call South Carolina home!

Conversations, Observations & Experiences

Here are some recent conversations, cultural observations and experiences in no particular order:

• Sent our insurance agent an email (after 7pm) from my church office two weeks ago after our break-in and he called my cellphone before I got home! Said he had "Blackberry-itis," and can't ignore the flashing light on his. I've tried text messaging on my cellphone and it's addictive. Last thing I need is email coming directly to my waistline, I'd never be able to give people my undivided attention in conversations. Ummmmmmmmm apparently it's happening all over. Why do we often let things intended to simplify and streamline life make life more complicated?
• It's official, one out of every six people I encountered in a single day last week greeted me, or responded to my greeting as we met at store entrances, restaurants, etc. Perhaps more disturbing were the number of people who looked me straight in the eye and never said a word, not even "thank-you" while holding a door open for them, or saying, "hello," to them. We are becoming so self-absorbed that we are downright rude and unfriendly. While it may be optional for the culture, consideration for others is never optional for Christ-followers.
• A friend who is a very mature, biblical and joyful Christ-follower recently commented that he believes over 75% of those who profess to be Christians are not! I asked him why and he cited example after example of people who are good Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc., but don't act like Jesus, spend little time in God's Word and give no evidences of the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22ff) in their family, work and leisure. His point was that we've raised people to be great church members, but lousy disciples or followers who practice the Jesus way. He didn't say it with condescension, spiritual arrogance or a sense of judgement. He was heartbroken about it with a biblical grief. He may be right, he may be wrong, it's not my call, but trying to model your life after Jesus is not optional if you profess to be one of His followers!
• Perhaps the strongest case for democracy was recentlly made when Iranian president Ahmadinejad and Venzueulan president Chavez stood in the heart of NYC (at the United Nations) and assailed the United States and her leaders without the threat of persecution, prosecution or retribution. Would their governments be so committed to free speech that they would allow American politicians and leaders to do the same in Venzuela and Iran? I'm with Democratic New York Congressman Charles Rangel who responded to Chavez's vitrolic comments toward President Bush: "You don't come into my country, you don't come into my congressional district and you don't condemn my president!"
• Wouldn't it be cool if Jesus could get the same kind of wall to wall news coverage that NFL receiver Terrell Owens gets whenever he says, or does anything? Nothing against Owens, but Jesus has done so much more for all of us!
• If you haven't done so, please stop and pray today for the parents, teachers and students of schools in Colorado, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. All of them have experienced hostage situations and fatal shootings in the last two weeks. I'm reminded that life and children are precious gifts from God.