Over the Christmas break I sure that our family will carry on a tradition that’s existed since our youngest was able to sit still … either in Pat’s arms or between favorite siblings, with popcorn or a sweet treat of some kind … and go to a movie. The movies we have seen have usually been Christmas related … The Santa Clause, The Family Man, Jack Frost, Polar Express, etc. (During Christmas breaks … I’ve also had the honor of going out over the years with my older children to a movie of their choice (Vertical Limit; a James Bond flick, etc.) … sometimes even being invited to join a group of their friends in doing so.)
I’m not quite sure what movies I will see this Christmas break … but one that has caught my interest is Rocky Balboa. Of course I’ve seen a number of the previous Rockies
I think that it is far more than that an older guy can get in shape (although that is encouraging to me, and hopefully inspiring as well, having received my AARP card about 2 months ago). Although I don’t know the full storyline … the four words that are used to advertise the movie appeal to my inner spirit:
Courage Integrity Faith Victory
Some of the quotes from interviews with Sylvester Stallone regarding the movie intrigue me even more, and seem to indicate that a change has occurred in his life and he is a Christ follower. Could that be? Could Sylvester Stallone be a Christian? Listen to some of his and “Rockie’s” quotes …
· It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.
· “No matter what, you can overcome your past," he said. "With help, if you look to God, you can overcome your past and be reborn."
· “There’s a point where the body stops and inner strength begins. It really begins from the soul – from God.”
· "The more I go to church," he said, "and the more I turn myself over to the process of believing in Jesus and listening to His Word and having Him guide my hand, I feel as though the pressure is off me now."
And making the analogy between physical and spiritual fitness ...
· "You need to have the expertise and the guidance of someone else. You cannot train yourself," he said. "I feel the same way about Christianity and about what the church is: The church is the gym of the soul."
The “gym of the soul”. Church viewed as “the gym of the soul.” I like that … and that is probably something I will comment on later.
Until I’m done with my Christmas / New Year’s season sermons, I won’t be able to see the movie. But I am looking forward to it … and hope I will not be disappointed.
Tell me what you think if you see it … or give any other recommendations for our tradition.
