"Nebraska" - The Spiritual Thread I observed

I recently watched the movie, “Nebraska”, with my husband.  I observed God in this movie in one of the sons, David, who continually listened to and persevered with his father.  David does not allow his father to be ridiculed or made fun of in any way. Like God, David would drop everything for his father. At two different places in the movie, David receives a phone call regarding his father and drops everything to help his dad.  When David realizes his dad is missing, he drives around and when he sees he picks him up.  He continually pays attention to his dad even when his mother and other brother are tired of listening to him.  David asks his dad questions and listens to the answers. 

When David gets into the car with his father to drive to Nebraska; David moves beyond normal capacity and offers unconditional love.  I saw God in David gaining a deeper understanding of his father as they traveled.  David learned more of his dad’s story during their time on the road.   This is what God does for us in ways beyond our imagination.  I noticed an unconventional grace as David accompanied his father in some cases neither condoning nor condemning his actions.  I thought about how God offers each of us a unique grace.  God offers the grace that is appropriate for our story, our weaknesses and our desires.  She comes after us when we runaway always offering us love in all situations.

I saw God in how David allowed his father to drive down the main street in his hometown one more time.  It reminds me of the many ways God has redeemed my losses through one more chance or one more opportunity to speak to someone or to go somewhere.  God gives us many more chances than we deserve and is patient beyond our comprehension. 

While it was not always spoken in love the way God wants it, I saw God in the truths revealed. As I watched, various truths about David’s father behavior some good and some bad coming to light, it caused me to think about how God gives us only what we can handle and that she wants the truth revealed.  It was necessary for David to know the truth about his father’s actions both good and bad so he could better understand and therefore love his father more.  In a similar fashion as our love for God grows deeper, she reveals her truth in a greater, deeper fashion.

Another way I saw God throughout this movie, is in how David was always honest with his dad about what he could do.  David never promised anything that he could not deliver.  God keeps her promises and does not promise anything that she will not do.  David did not constantly remind his dad of his failures.  God forgives and then forgets like David she keeps coming back to pick us up at the side of the road. 

Lastly, I observed God in this movie through David’s changing perspective.  David initially wanted to take this trip so his dad would shut up about wanting to go but as the movie continued David demonstrated gratitude for the time he spent with his father.  God does the same thing for us when we are open; she offers us the chance to have a new perspective about even the worst situations in our lives.

This movie constantly reminded me of the transcending power of God’s love.  Her love knows no bounds and even the craziest situations can be used for the greater good.

A Book review of Nadia Bolz-Weber's Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner and Saint

Are you looking for an autumn read that will be challenging and thought provoking but not too technical or complicated? Then perhaps Nadia Bolz-Weber’s book, Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint is for you. Pastrix is Nadia’s story from childhood to rebellion, from addiction to new life in Christ and from disciple to pastor. She is a Lutheran Pastor in Colorado who tells it like it is. While I can almost guarantee Bolz-Weber will offend or provoke you; she will also touch your heart. Her story is one in which most people will find something to connect to whether it’s growing up in fundamentalism, dealing with addiction, being uncomfortable with people who aren't like you or learning to have discourse with those you disagree with.

"No one is climbing the spiritual improvement ladder" is a one quote from Pastrix that hit me right between the eyes. It made me think about a conversation that occurred recently when I expressed an opinion in a way that others saw as judgmental and self-righteous. However, when I thought about it, I realized that what I said was really about my own loneliness and frustration not even about the issue at hand. However, at the bottom of my own loneliness and frustration is my trying to do stuff in my own strength. I have become too focused on the "spiritual improvement ladder”; rather than focusing on being made anew in Jesus Christ.
Like I mentioned Nadia’s book is not for faint-hearted; I even wondered as I started Pastrix whether God could use this 44 year old tattooed 6 feet 1 inch tall unconventional Lutheran Pastor’s story to speak to me. I invite you to take plunge and join the conversation that made Pastrix a New York Times bestseller. Even those who disagree with her theology the strongest respect her. Here is what Rod Dreher of the American Conservative has to say about Nadia: “She is a foul-mouthed hot mess, for sure, but there’s something so authentic and broken and great about her.”

So read with an open-mind and enjoying this unique pastor from Denver, Colorado who is causing many to examine Christianity in a new way. Nadia Bolz-Weber is married with two children. Her husband is also a Lutheran pastor. Published in September 2013; Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint is available in e-book, audio book and hardback editions.

Visit http://www.nadiabolzweber.com/ to learn more about Nadia and her ministry.