Day 3 - Help others on the sabbath.

December 1 thru December 25 I am posting about movies which reflect each day's focus for #LightTheWorld.

Day 3

"Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days." (Matthew 12:12)

Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I finally watched Chariots of Fire (1981). This film is listed in Roger Ebert's book 33 Movies to Restore Your Faith in Humanity. There is much to like about this movie, but for the sake of today's topic, I will touch on just part of the story.

Based on actual events, one of the runners featured in the film, Eric Liddell a devout Christian, believes his athletic ability is a gift from God and running is a way he honors Him. When Eric reaches the 1924 Olympics in Paris, he makes a stand... he will not run on Sunday even though it is a qualifier for his main race, the 100 meter. A teammate generously gives up his own spot in the 400 meter, allowing Eric to compete in a race that will take place on Tuesday, rather than Sunday.

When the sabbath day arrives, Eric gives a sermon at the Paris Church of Scotland, and shares from Isaiah 40:31 (one of my favorite verses in Isaiah): But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Many mistakenly believe Eric will struggle in the 400 meter since he is better trained for the 100, but when Tuesday rolls around, he demonstrates that his physical strength matches his inner strength.

Trailer: Chariot's of Fire

On Sundays, there are many activities I avoid, but sometimes I get too focused on what I want to rest from (work!) and overlook the many things I can do, especially in service to others.

Today, I will do well on the sabbath. Besides attending church, choir rehearsal, and a meeting, I am helping someone (which, for the sake of anonymity, I will not post about here).

Day 2 - Quench someone's thirst.

December 1 thru December 25 I am posting about movies which reflect each day's focus for #LightTheWorld.

Day 2 

"I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink." (Matthew 25:35)

That verse makes me reflect on a pivotal scene from Ben-Hur (1959) where Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), weak from thirst and denied water, desperately prays, "God... help me." He is given drink by Jesus, the Living Water.

Fandango Movieclips: Ben Hur - "Ben-Hur meets Jesus"

In The Miracle Worker (1962), Helen Keller (Patty Duke) thirsts for understanding. Her tutor, Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft) struggles to help her. In this scene, it seems symbolic that water is the key to opening the floodgate of communication for Helen.

Fandango Movieclips: The Miracle Work - "She knows!"

Sadly, many in the world thirst for clean water. I didn't realize until preparing for today's Light the World focus that "access to clean water has the single greatest impact on global poverty" (found here).

Today I will make a donation to an organization that helps provide safe water to communities in need.

Day 1 - Freely give.

December 1 thru December 25 I am posting about movies which reflect each day's focus for #LightTheWorld.

Day 1 

"Freely ye have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

Since this is kicking off the Christmas season, it's fitting that I start with a classic Christmas movie! In It's a Wonderful Life (1946), George Bailey (James Stewart) spends his life serving the community and helping others in times of need. Later, he is given a rare opportunity to see the impact he made. His life made a difference.

Trailer: It's a Wonderful Life

And in this classic gem, Follow Me, Boys! (1966), as the community discusses what to do about the boys running wild about town, Lem Siddons (Fred MacMurray), eager to impress Vida (Vera Miles), volunteers to form a Boy Scout troop and serve as scoutmaster. Little does he know he will serve the troop--give freely of his time--for years to come and will be a positive influence for many young men.

Trailer: Follow Me, Boys!

Simple things can lead to big outcomes, and although we don't always know the long-reaching effects of our small acts of kindness, they still add light to the world.

Today, I am writing a thank you note to someone who helped me.

Adding light to the world.

There's a saying, "To find a prince, you have to kiss a lot of frogs!" Well, sometimes, that's the way I feel about movies. I've watched some real "frogs" lately that I wouldn't recommend (even if edited) because the overall story or theme is horrible and add darkness to the world. There are many wonderful movies out there, though, films that uplift, inspire, and add light to the world.

I want to add light to the world.

Image from storyblocks.com

So... I decided to participate in #LightTheWorld from December 1 to December 25, giving service to others in 25 ways, over 25 days. Hand in hand with that, I will post about movies fitting with each particular day's focus, movies of compassion, charity, mercy, forgiveness...

Already, just by planning the acts of service I can do over the next 25 days, along with the movies I can highlight, my outlook has brightened.