• Hello loyal readers. I have a lot on my mind this week that I'm sure would make for fantastic blogging. The problem is that I'm exhausted from a long week and my brain has turned to a sort of mush that doesn't allow for much in the way of coherent thought or clever wordplay. So you're getting bullets tonight; deal with it.
• Picked up Donald Miller's new book "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" tonight. I'm really looking forward to reading it. I know that, in Reformed circles, it's not kosher to dig Donald Miller--and I've gone back and forth on him myself. But I've decided I like him. I like him because I see myself in him...he's a doubting, questioning Christian who I believe has a bit of a recovering cynic in him. No, I don't agree with all of his theology. But what's the purpose of only reading those authors you agree with? I've learned the most from people I don't always see eye-to-eye with and I think narrowing my reading down only to a few "trusted" and "endorsed" authors is intellectual suicide and stunts growth. Plus, Miller's never really sold himself as a pastor (which is good, because he isn't one). He's a writer...a young man who is musing about faith, life and the intersection of the two. He strikes me, in many ways, as a modern day CS Lewis (and let's not forget that Lewis--who I think is possibly the most profound of the Christian literaturists--had some theological questionables as well). I was a fan of "Blue Like Jazz" and liked "Searching for God Knows What" even more...although I will admit that Miller's debut, "Through Painted Deserts" came off a bit too pretentious for its own good.
• Following up on that bullet point, I have to admit that whenever someone tells me "don't read that book/see that movie"...the first thing I usually do is read the book or see the movie. Remember the "DaVinci Code" outcry? Read it...found the whole concern to be laughable for such a ludicrous premise. When I was a kid I was told there was no worse film than "The Last Temptation of Christ." Just a few years back I watched the movie for my first time and spent several hours afterward walking, praying and sitting in silence contemplating the film. Yes, it has flaws...some of them major (although let's remember that Scorsese said upfront he was creating a work of fiction and art, not a literal interpretation of the Bible). And yet it also takes the character of Christ and the issue of his divinity and humanity extremely seriously and made me think so much more about what it might have been like for Christ to be fully God and fully man.
• It's not that I crave controversy...although I will say I don't necessarilly run from it. It's that I don't like the idea of someone telling me "this is a wrong way of thinking...don't read!" Part of getting older and making rational decisions is to have independent thought and make up your own mind. Don't tell me "The Shack" is heresy...because there are people who also say it isn't. Let me read it, take it to Scripture, and make my own informed decision (for the record, I have never read "The Shack" and I have no intention to....but I almost want to because of those telling me not to.). Too many people read what they read, listen to what they listen to and watch what they watch because it's "church approved" and Dr. Dobson has given it his thumbs-up. Of course, that leads to people voting because that's "who Christians vote for," and boycotting books/movies/shows/albums because "Plugged-In said they have 34 uses of the F-word and that there is naturalistic male upper body nudity (meaning a dude takes off his shirt.)" I understand those guidelines for kids...when adults use that instead of being open-minded and mature enough to decide for themselves, I believe it leads to a failure to love God with all your mind.
• But I just allowed this thread to get hijacked down a rabbit hole I had no intention of following. Sorry.
• A week from today is Thanksgiving and that means I get to celeberate my first four-day Turkey Day weekend since 1997. I guess the new job does have some perks.
• Sometimes I terribly miss being a journalist and regret selling out.
• Nope, don't look here or on my movie website for "New Moon" reviews. Not gonna see it. Although I did read some really savage reviews of it today that made me cackle with laughter. Roger Ebert's was pretty good, but I think it was Drew McWeeney over at HitFlix who had my favorite line, which was somewhere along the line of "it this is romance, neuter me and count me out."
• What I'm about to say has no political background to it. It's just an observation: I would like Sarah Palin to stop blasting the media. Yes, the Newsweek cover was unfair and a case of very poor journalism. And yes, the news takes potshots at her and seems to want her to fail. Yes, that's unfortunate. But let's not lose sight of the fact that Palin NEEDS the media to sell her book. She's agreeing to go on Oprah, "Good Morning America" and every other show to keep her name out there. And let's also not forget that she had the opportunity to turn away from the media spotlight, particularly when David Letterman issued his unfortunate joke...but she continued to stoke that fire. Why? Because I have a hunch that Palin is not the wholesome, innocent little hockey mom she pretends to be. I have all the faith in the world that she is just as shrewd, crafty and driven as any other politician in America and she knows the simple fact that having her name on TV and in the newspapers is only good news for her. Simply put: Palin knows that even bad Sarah Palin news is still better than no Palin news.
• One thing I really dislike about having a new job is that I don't do much of the movie screenings anymore. I still do about one a week on a freelance basis, but it's become really hard to make it to all the screenings I did last year. I've missed seeing "Up in the Air," "The Road" and several other year-end movies and I feel really out of the conversation.
• I did, however, see "Precious." While I think it's a very good movie...and has some of the most solid performances I've ever seen--I'm a bit surprised by how well it's doing at the box office. Don't mistake that for dismay: I'm very glad audiences are seeing something of substance and power and "Precious" is likely to end up on my year-end list. But it's a tough and wrenching experience to sit through and I'm surprised moviegoers are choosing that as their pick for a night out. I guess it gives me some faith in the public...even if that public has still made "Transformers 2" the highest-grossing movie of the year.
• My review of "Precious" will be up at my movie site http://motownmovies.blogspot.com later this weekend.
• Alright, that's about it. One more work day to muddle through before a few days off and then a short work week.

CDubbs

I normally don't answer the Xanga featured questions, but I thought this one was intriguing.

I think I like this question better than the typical "what's your favorite movie" question. After years of trying to list my favorites and figure out which film would gain the coveted "top slot," I found that it's next to impossible. On any given day, any number of movies can be my favorite--somedays, when I'm hopeful and optimistic, it's "The Shawshank Redemption." Other days, when I'm a bit more cynical and depressed, it might be "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." If I"m silly, it's probably "Anchorman."

But there are several films that, whenever I watch them, just seem to be warm hugs, taking me out of my current mindset and reuniting me with wonderful characters and stories that change my attitude and, in some ways, make me a better person.

At my home I have a special DVD rack set aside for these films (I needed a second one and just decided to set it aside for that). Here are a few on the list that I can watch any time.

1. Almost Famous--It's impossible for me not to grin from ear to ear at the end of this movie. William Miller is one of my favorite cinematic characters, probably because he reminds me of myself...so very uncool. I love that this movie is such a love letter to 1970s rock and roll that its very heart beats with the music; and yet the family that springs up around William is so colorful, flawed and unique that even if you weren't alive during this period (I wasn't) you can still identify. Cameron Crowe's masterpiece.

2. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy--Will Ferrell at his absolute best. This movie is insanely quotable and it never fails to make me lafe very hard, particularly whenever Steve Carrell opens his mouth ("would you like an invitation to the pants party? The party with the pants.")

3. Before Sunrise/Before Sunset--Richard Linklater's ode to relationships, teenage hope and adult cynicism is heartbreakingly honest and wonderfully romantic. I've talked these movies up enough on this blog for you to know how I feel.

4. The Blues Brothers--Dan Aykroyd. John Belushi. The music of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and James Brown. A 20 minute car chase. And a mission from God. There is no reason this movie should be this entertaining but it's possibly my favorite movie musical ever.

5. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind--If you've ever wanted someone out of your mind, this is the film to make you reconsider...a whimsical and brilliant sci fi romance that reminds us that in order to truly love someone else we have to also accept their flaws and imperfections. The final word of this film--"okay"--is more romantic than any kiss would ever be.

6. Ghostbusters--Another movie that shouldn't work, because big budget comedies are normally loud and annoying affairs. But Ivan Reitman trusts his cast--including Bill Murray at his absolute best--to find humor in their everyday, working class characters who have just stopped by to save the world.

7. Groundhog Day--Bill Murray is a national treasure. And he's almost at "Ghostbuster" levels here as a pompous weatherman who basically has to live out the book of Ecclesiasties in a podunk Pennsylvania town. Yes, the movie's funny. But there's a surprising depth and poignancy to it as we realize the movie's a metaphor for life and our own search for contenment and how happiness is found in giving of ourselves for others. Also, Bill Murray kidnaps a groundhog and drives it off a cliff.

8. Hoop Dreams--This movie just celebrated its 15th anniversary. Roger Ebert has called it the best look at American life on film and 'the great American documentary." I'd have to agree...what a great movie. For three hours we follow two inner city teens over the course of six years as their lives take twists and turns that no screenwriter could anticipate. Heart-wrenching and triumphant, this is a movie that makes you weep for the poor and also admire the determination of those who harbor dreams.

9. It's a Wonderful Life--I love this movie to death. It's not just a Christmas movie--it's a reminder that joy and peace is found where we least expect it...and often, in the very place we're trying to run from. A joyous, beautiful movie that gets better each time I see it.

10. The Muppet Movie: This is just pure magic. Hands down, the greatest family movie ever made and it should be mandatory that all children watch this movie. Yes, it's funny and the cornball jokes are a bit dated...although they were always supposed to be corny. But it's the mixture of insanity and sincerity that makes this movie work. Kermit the Frog's journey is a thinly veiled autobiography of Jim Henson's quest to entertain millions and I don't know that any scene in any movie is more magical and moving than Kermit sitting on a log in a swamp singing "The Rainbow Connection."

11. Punch Drunk Love: I'm crazy in love with this movie. Adam Sandler is perfectly cast as a lonely, scarred and angry young man who is tamed and strengthened by the love of a beautiful woman. This is such a dizzy and poetic movie and there are few lines in movie history that are as triumphant as Barry (Sandler) confronting his enemies with "I have a love in my life. It makes me stronger than you can ever imagine."

12. The Naked Gun: Possibly the funniest movie ever. Every line is quote worthy and it's rare that a film has two scenes that, more than 20 years later, still make me laugh uproariously--Frank's microphone being left on in the bathroom during a press conference and the bungled singing of "The Star Spangled Banner." Hey look, it's Enrico Palazzo!

13. The Shawshank Redemption: If I'm going through a rough time, I turn to this movie and it's reminder of hope and that there's something bigger than we can immediately see out there. Andy and Red are two of my favorite cinematic characters and Frank Darabont has never topped his debut feature.

14. Shaun of the Dead: Because sometimes I just need to watch a romantic comedy with zombies.

15. The Truman Show: Yes, I know it basically predicted reality TV. But beyond that, I'm drawn to the spiritual side of this movie and how it's a metaphor for our own lives, living safely and contained without knowing there's a bigger world for us out there. Jim Carrey is great in this and the final shots of his boat hitting the wall and him trying to break out move me to tears.

I just answered this Featured Question; you can answer it too!

One of the most moving experiences I've ever witnessed happened at a Steven Curtis Chapman concert in July 2008.

The concert was one of the first times he took the stage after the tragic death of his young daughter Maria in May of that year. For those who don't know, his young adopted daughter was killed when she was accidentally struck by a car driven by Chapman's son. I can't imagine the pain a man must go through at that point, having to witness an event like that and suffer through it, trying to be strong for his family, reassure his son of his love for him and put on a platform where many are watching to see how he responds. Even as Chapman's music had grown a bit too tame and formulaic for me over the years, he still impressed me for his refusal to water down his lyrics and try to court mainstream success; he's always been adament about putting his faith first in his music, and I was curious to see how he would respond to such a horrible tragedy.

Even though the venue was undergoing power trouble (the concert ultimately had to be cancelled shortly after starting and rescheduled for later that summer), Chapman took the stage with grace and dignity. He didn't put on a face that ignored what we all knew was going on, nor did he use it as an excuse to give anything less than 100%. He smiled, joked with the audience and then acknowledged what we all were wondering. He said that in the moments following the incident, one song was going through his mind. And then he sang "Blessed be the name," which includes the lyrics "you give and take away."

When I saw him again that August at the rescheduled show, he opened it in much the same way. He then talked about how in the aftermath of what occured he had to go through every song he had ever written and asked if he still believed the words he sang and admitted that he had considered never taking the stage again. And while he admitted that the family had hit the depths of despair, he also said that when they hit the bottom, they found that the bottom was still firm. Having seen him give many of the same answers in nationally-televised interviews, where he is never less than brutally honest about the questions and trials his family has faced and yet always confident about Whom he believes, I have developed a strong admiration for this man. He's shown pure humility and class in the face of a tragedy that I can't even fathom and he's never once milked sympathy or shown that he has wavered in what he believes.

Chapman's latest album, "Beauty Will Rise," was released this week. I had expected that his next studio album would likely deal quite heavily with the tragedy that had stricken him. But as I played the album in my car, I found myself moved to tears not by Chapman's grief--although it is palpable--but by the joy and hope that powers through each song. It's one thing to hear a Christian singer perform a song about hope, God's faithfulness, trusting Christ and looking forward to Heaven; you hear it enough that it begins to sound cheesy, even trivial. But to know what he's gone through and hear him sing about it so transparently--but still return each song to a place of worship and glory to God...it's a moving thing. On every song, Chapman sings about brokenness and hurt...and yet the album is not depressing, but uplifiting. These are the words of a father dealing with the tragic death of his little girl and he doesn't ever hide the fact that he's asking questions, wrestling with faith and wondering why everything happened. But in the same lyrics, he affirms his belief that this is God's plan, that God's will is good and that this tragedy will work towards God's glory.

I find that I'm more often moved to tears not by things that are sad but by things that are beautiful and good. And that's the case with this album; Chapman's response to this tragedy has been very human. It's been very honest. But he's also taken everything that's happened and turned it back to faith and praise.

As I listened to the album I began to ask if I'd be able to do the same. If unspeakable tragedy befell me, would I be able to mourn but still write about hope and faith? Would I still be able to praise God with tears in my eyes and trust that not only was He good but that this situation was one in which I could trust and praise Him?

To be very honest, I don't know. The fact that I have to qualify the question with "but I hope it never happens" shows just where my heart would likely be at a time like that.

I've been very blessed in my life. I've never had anyone close to me die. My lowest moments have been of my own doing. And even when I've deserved to be destitute, homeless and abandoned, God has been faithful. While I'm deeply grateful for that, I also know it's built up an insulation in me. I don't know real tragedy. I don't know real sorrow. I've been so blessed that I can't imagine not being taken care of or not having what I need/want. And so I cling to it.

I'm a selfish person by nature. My first instinct in tough situations is to try and avoid pain rather than endure it. And when something happens that I feel is unfair or cruel, my first action is to complain or lash out. If this happens with something like monetary issues or car trouble, I shudder to think what my reaction would be like in the face of calamity. I would love to say I'd be the man who can say "it is well with my soul." The truth is, I fear that I would be the one to blame God and run.

And so I'm grateful for Chapman's example and humbled by his integrity and hope. And I pray that God would use that example to show the idolatry of my own heart and prepare me for the day when I have to praise God even in the middle of  unbearable storms.

--Cdubbs