everything that's on my mind
(as if there's not already enough people doing this)Wednesday, November 30, 2005
The changing of Jiggy Nye
Last night was a night my daughter has been waiting anxiously for - the new American Girl movie, Felicity : An American Girl Adventure. She loves all things American Girl. She saved up last year and bought her first American Girl doll. And so we settled in last night after dinner to watch the movie on WB.
Felicity Merriman is an adventurous young girl living in the late 18th century, prior to the Revolutionary War, and part of the storyline involves Felicity's love of a particular wild horse that she wants to tame, whose owner is an angry and quite mean old tanner named Jiggy Nye. He treats the horse horribly, as well as other people, including Felicity and her friend. Later, when her father asks to buy the horse from the man (after Felicity was found riding him without permission), the old man tells him no and to keep his daughter away from his horse, or he will kill the horse. He was aware of her love for the horse, so he clearly said this in order to cause her great pain - and, of course, was successful.
Later on in the movie, while going with her father to visit a friend's father in prison, Felicity notices that Jiggy Nye is the man's cell mate. On their way home, she has the following discussion with her father:
When I watched that scene, two passages came to mind:
You have to expect a happy ending in a movie like this, and in the end, Jiggy Nye, now out of prison, comes to Felicity's aid and helps deliver the baby of the horse (which is now hers) around Christmas time. Her father comes along shortly thereafter and is surprised to see him there, inquiring what brought him there. Jiggy Nye then tells her father how his daughter has taught him a great lesson in kindness. Because of his daughter's actions towards him, he was a changed man.
The Christmas Prophet
Check out this post on Wade Hodges' blog. Definitely worth reading as Christmas in America rapidly approaches. What is foremost in your mind this season?
Felicity Merriman is an adventurous young girl living in the late 18th century, prior to the Revolutionary War, and part of the storyline involves Felicity's love of a particular wild horse that she wants to tame, whose owner is an angry and quite mean old tanner named Jiggy Nye. He treats the horse horribly, as well as other people, including Felicity and her friend. Later, when her father asks to buy the horse from the man (after Felicity was found riding him without permission), the old man tells him no and to keep his daughter away from his horse, or he will kill the horse. He was aware of her love for the horse, so he clearly said this in order to cause her great pain - and, of course, was successful.
Later on in the movie, while going with her father to visit a friend's father in prison, Felicity notices that Jiggy Nye is the man's cell mate. On their way home, she has the following discussion with her father:
Felicity: Father, the man in the cell with Mr. Cole... it was Jiggy Nye.Shortly after this, we see Felicity returning to the prison and requesting to see Mr. Nye. She enters his cell, places a basket of food and a blanket next to him, telling him she's brought him something to eat and something to keep him warm. She turns and leaves as the bewildered man sits in his cell, speechless, probably wondering why she would do something so kind for someone who'd treated her with such unkindness.
Mr. Merriman: So that's what became of him. I can't say that I'm surprised.
Felicity: He looks so helpless and old, like no one in the whole world cares for him. Isn't that sad?
Mr. Merriman: You feel pity for Jiggy Nye? I would think that you would hate that man. I was there when he screamed unspeakable things at you and threatened to kill your beloved [horse] Penny.
Felicity: But if I am filled with hate because of him, then I am no better than he is, am I?
When I watched that scene, two passages came to mind:
You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.Movies, regardless of the subject matter, often seem to provide opportunities to reflect on spiritual matters. Since this scene ended with a commercial break, I took those few minutes to talk to my daughter about it, and how Jesus talked about this very thing, with these verses in mind. I also had a chance to reflect on it myself and consider how I could do a better job not just talking to my daughter about it during movies, but showing it to her in my own life, and providing opportunities for her to do the same.
Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)
Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)
You have to expect a happy ending in a movie like this, and in the end, Jiggy Nye, now out of prison, comes to Felicity's aid and helps deliver the baby of the horse (which is now hers) around Christmas time. Her father comes along shortly thereafter and is surprised to see him there, inquiring what brought him there. Jiggy Nye then tells her father how his daughter has taught him a great lesson in kindness. Because of his daughter's actions towards him, he was a changed man.
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
The Christmas Prophet
Check out this post on Wade Hodges' blog. Definitely worth reading as Christmas in America rapidly approaches. What is foremost in your mind this season?
Archives
May 2004 August 2005 September 2005 October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006
