I love a good, sentimental movie about someone going against all odds to achieve whatever it is their heart is set on. From Rudy to Rocky, Finding Nemo to Legally Blonde, people (or fish) made a goal and accomplished it through many trials, tribulations, and sharks (in Finding Nemo’s case). They did not give up, even when they wanted to.
Beyond individual determination, I love that every character had someone encouraging them on their journey. They did not go at it alone. I think this is a statement of life: we must believe in ourselves to accomplish goals, but what a difference it makes to have someone else say “You can do this! I know you can. And no matter what happens, I am with you, for you and beside you.” Encouragement can literally change the course of our journeys.
We happen to have the greatest Advocate of Love saying these words to us: “You can do this! I know you can. And no matter what, I am with you, for you and beside you!” He does not give up on us. He delights in His children and He is always cheering us on.
And as we are His light to the world, we absolutely cannot give up on each other because He does not give up on us! We must believe in each other as close to the way the Lord believes in us as possible, because as we do this, and as we show the mark of unbridled, unconventional, reckless Love to the world, the world will take note. It is not permission for people to abuse, mistreat, or constantly wound us. There are times we must break free from damaging and unhealthy relationships. But it is the mindset of believing the best about each other, even if takes years and years for there to be a change in someone’s life. We know the Lord can change absolutely any heart. “Never, never, never give up.” – Winston Churchill. On yourself. On others. 🙂
