Thursday, September 11, 2014

"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.


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