Christian movie reviews

One of Forrest's favorite movies is The Polar Express in 3D.  I watched the movie and thought it was very inspirational.  Then I ran into this Christian movie review, which really got on my nerves:

The technology behind this film is amazing, with visuals like no other seen in cinema.  Zemeckis attached dozens of motion-detecting lights to the actors then superimposed animated characters onto their faces, creating a unique blend of real and artificial (...) The problem, of course, is its message, which has been hijacked by a secular culture intent on removing Jesus Christ from the Christ Mass.  The entire film revolves around the exhortation to “believe,” with promises that we can’t always see that which is real. But sadly, faith in this film means believing in Santa – nothing more, nothing less – which is symbolized by the ability to hear the chime of a certain sleigh bell.   When Santa does appear, he is a benevolent giant looming over everyone, magically choosing one child to receive the first gift of the year.  Like the millions of elves who wait breathlessly for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve, we, too are asked to hold our breath in anticipation, then bow to this pagan god. To my surprise – and to the great detriment of the story – Santa chooses (brief spoiler ahead) Hero Boy rather than Lonely Boy to receive that gift.  How sad, for it is Lonely Boy who has lived his entire life in poverty, never receiving even one Christmas present.  And what a lesson that might have been for children to care for those less fortunate, putting the needs of others ahead of their own.  Yet there is no selflessness here. Instead, the story hammers once again its crucial “believe in Santa” message, when Hero Boy opts not for a toy but for a bell that has fallen from Santa’s sleigh.  Santa commends him for his wise choice, because the sleigh bell is “a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas.”  Santa then reminds the child that “the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”  Ah, the old feel-good “spirit of Christmas.”  These aren’t the only empty messages in “The Polar Express,” which churns out clichés like the elves making presents.  “There’s no greater gift than friendship,” says one character, discounting things like sacrifice, duty and honor-bound commitment, much less – oh, I don’t know … maybe someone dying for you?  On a cross, perhaps?  But you can’t frost cookies shaped like that now, can you?

While I do appreciate the reminder that "Jesus is the reason for the season," I got annoyed with this review because, like many other reviews on Crosswalk, it seems to turn its nose at anything that is not distinctly Christian or realistic (see the anti-vampire responses to Twilight).  I don't understand why some Christians, like the author of this movie review, would watch secular movies and then feel disappointed that they don't proclaim the name of Jesus.  Have we forgotten Jesus' words in Mark 4:11: "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables"?  Because it wasn't the right time, and their hearts weren't ready.  That's why God speaks to unbelievers in parables.  So if we want to find anything spiritual, we need to look at the symbolic meanings of movies.  Santa symbolizes God, the giver of good gifts who knows all (when you are sleeping/awake) and is the judge of all (naughty or nice).  Polar Express is a journey of faith, and Hero Boy is rewarded for seeking the presence of God rather than (Lonely Boy) seeking merely the blessings of God.  The presence of God, represented by the bell, cannot be understood without faith.  Perhaps the review missed the main point of the movie.

Have Christians lost their imaginations?  Have we forgotten that Jesus intentionally kept himself from being recognized while walking with those people to Emmaus after his ressurection?  Let's remember that God always speaks, but he may not always speak as loudly or as clearly as we would like him to.  Sometimes he speaks through parables, and we have to discern his voice.

First week with our foster kid

We've had Forrest for a week now, and things are going great.  I wake him up, get him ready for school, drive him there, pick him up, have dinner together, and get him ready for bed.  Forrest is an affectionate and curious kid who is obsessed with plants (He was so excited when I put one in his room).  He's shy around new people and answers most questions with "no."  I am relieved that he eats just about anything and is pretty good about doing what we ask.  Kevin and I try to communicate with him and get him talking and being more social with others.  I got so excited when I heard the report that his teachers noticed a positive change in him this week. 

Most foster kids were removed from their biological families because of abuse and/or neglect, so we're glad for the opportunity to be able to care for a needy child.  The agency we work with focuses on long-term placement, which is better for kids because of the stability.  There isn't a reunification plan for Forrest, but he does have regular contact with his biological mom, including weekly visits which I will be supervising.  I was just reading an article about problems with San Diego foster care and realized what a wonderful our agency we work with (San Diego Youth Services).  The training and support has been great, and we really feel like there is a team behind us that we can rely on for any help we need, especially having never been parents before.

Junk mail and insomnia

It's 1:30 AM, and despite my exhaustion from the week, I can't fall asleep.  Maybe I had one too many slices of pizza tonight (that last piece looked so lonely in the box).  And my body is sore from trying get back in shape.  I actually went to the gym three times this week!  So what do I do when all my important emails have been checked and I want to do something more productive than watch TV?  I check my junk email.  You know, the one you write down for online shopping, sweepstakes, and anything that may lead to junk mail.

As usual, I find some great stuff... buy one get one free at Souplantation (I just paid full price the last three times I ate there... arrgh)... free shower gel at Bath and Body Works with any purchase... expired in September   Of course, there were over a hundred to look through.  I wonder how many my inbox will hold.  Right now I'm up to 575 or so.  As I look through them, I wonder how many people actually respond to those "I've inherited some money, please give me your bank account so I can give it to you" scams... and how many think there is such a thing as a penis enlargement pill.

One time, I called one of those scam numbers and asked to be taken off their mailing list.  I guess I thought it might help if I talked to them.  Can you believe the woman on the other line actually scolded me and said something like "this is not a game" !?  How ironic is that.

Little crickets

How to prevent fraud?

It did seem kind of strange that we got declined for a credit card and that our credit limits were lowered.  When we got another letter saying that our credit limit was lowered for non-payment, I called to find out what happened.  Our credit report said we had an HSBC credit card with a $3500 balance had not been paid.  I didn't have an HSBC card.  I couldn't believe it... was this happening to me again? 

I went online and found a number for HSBC.  The woman who picked up spoke with an accent, maybe Indian.  She wanted to know the account number.  I began to explain the situation.  I suspected that ex-husband had used my name, social security number, birthday to open a credit card.  Like two years ago, this credit card also got maxed out and was left unpaid.  She wanted to know my ex's social security number.  Why would I keep that around?  I started to get annoyed.  They wanted to know his birthday.  What??!  Finally, she asks for a previous address, and that seemed to do the trick.  The woman said I was an authorized user for their credit card.  I explained to HSBC that I had not opened that account, but the representative said it would continue to affect my credit until it was paid.  I insisted on speaking to the manager, and my call was dropped. 

I called HSBC back.  Another woman with an accent picks up.  I was really upset.  This second woman said I wasn't giving her the information she wanted and wanted to hang up on me.  She said I didn't have an account with HSBC.  I handed the phone to Kevin.  I hear him trying to explain and then angrily insisting that this was a case of fraud!!  What is wrong with these people? 

It has been years since we split up, but my ex keeps trying to ruin my life.  It wasn't enough that he cheated on me.  First, he left me to pay all our debts, which was difficult as I was only a student at the time.  Then his mistress/second wife harrassed me for years and even broke into my xanga account.  And recently, he seems to be trying to ruin my credit.  Why won't he leave me alone?  I'm tired of this.  Is there a way for me to prevent my ex from continuing to do this to me?