Randall Allen Dunn's Blog: Packing Action, page 13

TELEVISION: Beauty and the Geek – Beneath the Surface

by Randall Allen Dunn

 

I miss my favorite reality show, “Beauty and the Geek”. A bunch of gorgeous girls partner with a bunch of nerdy guys and actually learn from each other. Performing challenges that take them way out of their comfort zones, they discover a lot about themselves and about the group of people they’ve never been a part of.

The most revealing challenge required the women of Season 2 to go to a bar and mingle, something they were very comfortable doing. The catch was, before they went, they each received a “make-under”. By the time they were meeting people at the bar, every woman had a facial flaw such as a fake wart or large nose, and were wearing ugly outdated clothes. The winner would be the one who convinced the most men to buy her a drink.

They tried their best, but soon discovered how much they depended on their beauty to win people over. In the end, most of them scored very few drinks. The women returned home, devastated.

At the mansion where the contestants stayed, the nerdy guys showed little sympathy. “Aww, and how did that make you guys feel?” they joked, having faced such callous rejection their entire lives.

However, they changed their tune when they saw how sullen and hurt the women were. The guys told them they didn’t want them to feel bad, and tried to cheer them up.

For the women, it was a harsh revelation. Bad enough to learn firsthand how nerds are dismissed for their appearance and to realize how they might have treated people that same way. Even worse to discover that many people see them as little more than a pretty face. To be confronted with other people’s superficial behavior and to realize how superficial they might also have been had to feel like being slapped twice.

Rough as it was, it was good that the women got to experience that. Not so that they could suffer the rejection that others feel. But so they could mature in their view of themselves and others.

In the end, they can choose to be more than just pretty faces. The purpose of the show, dubbed a “social experiment”, was to inspire growth and change. Even if other people remain superficial, we can all choose to look beneath the surface. To see ourselves as we really are. How we look on the outside can win people over for a while, but the person beneath the surface is the one who attracts people over the long haul. For a long-term friendship, people need our kindness, compassion, integrity, sense of humor, loyalty and personal dignity.

The winning couple at the end of each season is told, “You have proven that you’re more than just a Beauty and a Geek.”

Don’t let others label you by what they see on the surface. You’re more than that.

 

How do you choose to see beneath the surface of yourself and others?

 

Link here to watch the episode: Beauty and the Geek, Season 2: Episode 6!

MOVIE: Argo – Behind the Scenes

                  

by Randall Allen Dunn

 

Watching “Argo” was a revealing experience. Though  I was a kid during the Iran Hostage Crisis of the 1970’s, I never understood the politics from the Iranian side, where a cruel dictator had been established by the United States and British governments.

I was more surprised when I discovered the movie was based on a chapter of a book I owned and had read. I didn’t recognize the hero, Tony Mendez, as Antonio J. Mendez, the CIA operative and author of The Master of Disguise: My Secret Life in the CIA.

The film’s Tony Mendez must convince the State Department that they need his assistance to orchestrate the safe extraction of several U.S. Embassy staff members who have become trapped in Iran. All Americans are now considered enemies and spies, and are being hung in the city streets from cranes. The Embassy members have sought refuge in the house of a Canadian embassy staff member, but they have no hope of escaping the country on their own.

Mendez proposes a radical idea, to pose as a film production crew scouting out Iran as a potential location for shooting their film. He prepares cover identities for each of the Embassy staff, as part of the film crew, to fly them out. He recruits some Hollywood friends to help establish his cover, making the fictitious movie, “Argo”, appear to be a genuine film release.

But the night before he prepares to leave with the trapped Americans, his unsanctioned mission is called off by someone well above his pay grade. Due to the high risk of an international incident if they are caught, he is ordered to return home, leaving the Embassy staff where they are.

Mendez reluctantly obeys his orders. But he knows it will only be a matter of time before the staff are discovered and executed. The following morning, he calls his boss back.

“Somebody’s responsible when things happen, Jack,” he tells him. “I’m responsible. I’m taking them through.”

He hangs up before his supervisor can object. Which forces Jack O’Donnell to scramble to get the mission approved on his end, so the tickets will be verified by the CIA when the Embassy staff board their plane. Both Mendez and O’Donnell know they’re risking their jobs in order to bring these people home. They also know it’s the right thing to do, no matter what their orders are. In the end, these are the type of people we want working behind the scenes. People who stand up for what is right, to protect those who can’t see what’s happening behind the curtain.

When I researched the film a little and re-read some of the chapter, I discovered that the original spy mission was a joint effort between the United States and Canada, although the film portrays Canada as snatching up the credit and nothing more. We can also see from the film’s presentation that the issue is far more complex than simply rescuing hostages. From Iran’s perspective, they are the ones who were wronged, having a self-indulgent dictator forced upon them for decades.

Being on the outside, we can’t know what really happens behind the scenes. We can only make sure that we act responsibly ourselves, on the inside of our own jobs and duties, to do the right thing. Even when no one is looking.

 

How do you make sure to do what’s right, despite what others are doing?

 

THE RED RIDER now available on Amazon Kindle and Smashwords!

My action-adventure fairy tale thriller, THE RED RIDER, is now available online for Amazon Kindle, and for other e-reader, iTunes, and personal computer formats at Smashwords!

It’s an intense thrill ride about Helena Basque, a physically scarred teenager fighting to protect her village from a gang of threatening monsters. She learns how to stand up against overwhelming odds, while discovering who she is and who she can rely on. Click the link to read a Free Sample!

Thanks to all my Ride-Alongs, the beta readers who reviewed portions of the book and provided feedback. Your help continues to be much needed and appreciated!

To my readers, I hope you enjoy THE RED RIDER and I look forward to your responses.

Come along for the ride!

- RAD

TOP 15 LIVE ACTION TELEVISION SUPERHERO CHARACTERS!

                         I recently posted a list of my Top 15 Live Action Movie Superhero Characters. As promised, I’m now following up with my Top 15 Live Action Television Superhero Characters, to recognize the most accurate portrayals of comic book characters on the small screen! See if you find your favorites!

 

15.

PERRY WHITE – LANE SMITH – Lois and Clark      

Smith expressed the confidence and exuberance of the skilled, longsuffering editor of The Daily Planet. Always ready to impart the wisdom of his experience to his staff, he was equally ready to shoot down any foolhardy ideas. He made Perry White a boss we could love … as long as we didn’t cross him.

 

14.

BLACK CANARY – LORI LOUGHLIN – Birds of Prey

She only appeared once, but Loughlin looked and acted like the comic book superheroine. Tough, beautiful and capable, even when tied up by an enemy seeking revenge. Always empathetic, she takes times to encourage her daughter in her superhero career, with little regard for her own impending death. And the special effect of her sonic “canary cry” is one of the best ever portrayed on television.

 

13.

LAUREL LANCE – KATIE CASSIDY – Arrow

This series faithfully adapts Lance’s backstory as the daughter of a cop, who knows martial arts and suffers through an on-again, off-again relationship with Oliver Queen. We get hints of her future superhero career as the Black Canary, as she starts to question whether the legal system is the best way to bring criminals to justice. Oliver and Laurel make a brilliant inside joke as they reminisce about a masquerade party they attended, when Laurel says she wore “those awful fishnets.” Oliver replies, “I thought you looked good.”

 

12.

YOUNG LEX LUTHOR – MICHAEL ROSENBAUM – Smallville

Anakin Skywalker has nothing on Smallville’s young Lex Luthor as evil-in-the-making. For seven seasons (and one final episode), we got to watch Rosenbaum’s character change from Clark Kent’s friend, struggling to shake his family’s nasty reputation, to a psychotic, self-absorbed mastermind eager to control the world and destroy anyone standing in his way. Even – and especially – Clark.

 

11.

YOUNG OLIVER QUEEN – JUSTIN HARTLEY – Smallville

Smallville continued to demonstrate masterful casting with Hartley. He wasn’t exactly the first live action Green Arrow, but without the mask, his argumentative nature, passion for justice and cocky bemused attitude fit the bill perfectly. In one episode, he attends a masquerade party and treats comic fans to the traditional Green Arrow outfit – looking just like him!

 

10.

LOIS LANE – TERRI HATCHER – Lois and Clark

Hatcher looked, dressed and acted like the stuck-up comic character. She was so gorgeous that one could see why Clark put up with her arrogance, insults and self-obsession. Clark eventually helped her mellow out, let her share his super-secret and married her, but, being Lois, she still never came down from her high-maintenance horse.

 

9.

THE RIDDLER – FRANK GORSHIN – Batman (1960’s TV series)

This guy was freakin’ nuts! Gorshin ran around in green question-marked pajamas without shame, having spastic fits of glee with every riddle he concocted. He made us believe in a villain so passionate for puzzles that he became a kid in a candy store whenever he baffled Batman. He also made us want to stay as far across the street from him as possible.

 

8.

YOUNG LOIS LANE – ERICA DURANCE – Smallville

From the second she came on the scene, Durance epitomized the obnoxious and obstinate reporter-to-be. The kind of girl who would tell you to your face what a corrupt loser you are, while standing up for the little guy and championing lost causes. For the first time ever, I could understand why Clark would be attracted to her, despite her annoying exterior. I thought, if only she had black hair, she would be the perfect Lois. Then in Season 8, she died her hair. And she was.

 

7.

THE PENGUIN – BURGESS MEREDITH – Batman (1960′s TV series)

More than any other actor on this campy adventure series, Meredith clearly grasped the concept of his villainous character. The Penguin of the comics could never be taken too seriously, and Meredith plays him nasty and menacing, while performing the most ludicrous actions. Whether he was running for mayor, creating a filmmaking company, or hypnotizing Batman’s butler Alfred with a constantly quacking Penguin sound!

 

6.

JONATHAN AND MARTHA KENT – EDDIE JONES AND K CALLAN – Lois and Clark

It was like they stepped out of the comics and right into your living room, ready to offer a slice of pie, encouragement, and friendly down-home advice. This mild-mannered couple had enough old-fashioned horse sense to raise Superman and anyone else willing to listen.

 

5.

ROBIN – BURT WARD – Batman (1960’s TV series)

Holy Doppleganger! This series was purposely tongue-in-cheek, but Ward played his character so straight that we could believe he drank milk, did his homework and avoided all vices like a good super-sidekick should. But when he took a punch from the bad guys, his gritting teeth told us he was ready to knock their block off! Holy Headache!

 

4.

WONDER WOMAN – LYNDA CARTER – Wonder Woman

After a failed “Wonder Woman” movie that cast the blonde Kathy Lee Crosby in the lead role, Carter took over, playing the role as a normal woman who just happened to have super-powers. Despite her limited acting ability, she played the character with such conviction, charm and poise that the names Lynda Carter and Wonder Woman have become synonymous for generations of fans.

 

3.

JIMMY OLSEN – AARON ASHMORE – Smallville

Eckhart was brilliant from day one, as Jimmy Olsen, the world’s coolest nerd. With his schoolboy charm and innocence, he made himself an easy target for mockery. But when he set off on his own to investigate and foil crimes, while devoting his open heart to Chloe Sullivan, even Lois   Lane had to respect him. (Fun Fact: I was sure I recognized Ashmore’s look, voice and mannerisms from the “X-Men” movies, but it wasn’t Aaron who played Iceman. It was his twin brother, Shawn!)

 

2.

BATGIRL – DINA MEYER – Birds of Prey

The embodiment of the comic book Batgirl, Dina Meyer’s character was tough, calculating, and clearly in charge, giving orders from her wheelchair after being disabled by the Joker. Yet she maintained a certain vulnerability, only visible to those who knew her best. I haven’t seen much of this show, but it only takes about 10 minutes of viewing to know that Meyer is Batgirl on the small screen.

 

1.

YOUNG CLARK KENT – TOM WELLING – Smallville

Where did they find this guy? Broad-shouldered, blue-eyed, square-jawed and highly principled, Welling makes us want to see him don a super-suit and start flying through space. Instead, we get to see him grow up, learning from his parents how to control his superpowers. Meanwhile, he keeps insisting on believing the best in people, standing as a beacon of hope for the world, and even for himself.

 

Who else should be added to the list? Who’s your favorite Live Action Television Superhero Character?

 

MOVIE: Despicable Me – Change of Plans

by Randall Allen Dunn

 

Super-villains don’t make good parents.
They just don’t.
They’re selfish egomaniacs who work with dangerous machines. Their only life goals are to seek revenge on fine, upstanding super-heroes, take over the world, or blow something up.
They’re not child-safe, and they know it.
   In “Despicable Me”, ambitious super-villain Gru plans to re-build his reputation. He intends to steal the moon, by shrinking it enough to fit in his pocket. What will he do with the moon once he gets it?
Nothing. It’s just another trophy to put on his shelf. To show he could do it.
Many fathers start out that way. It’s natural for men to want to accomplish something great, in some arena or another. In sports, in business, in education.
But as with all great ambitions, there are obstacles standing in the way. For Gru, it is three small children. He needs them to distract Vector, a rival villain, by selling him his favorite cookies. Then Gru can steal back the shrinking ray Vector took from him, and show he’s the better villain.
So Gru pretends to be a loving, kindhearted soul who wants to adopt the kids. But he doesn’t realize how complicated it can be to care for children.
They always need help.
They always want attention.
They always want him to play with them.
Gru tries to drop them off at a carnival for a few hours, but Margo, the oldest child, reminds him this is irresponsible. So instead of pursuing his evil plans, he’s forced to spend the day with his newly adopted children.
However, when one of the carnival barkers tries to cheat the smallest girl, Agnes, another male trait kicks in: the desire to protect. The barker claims Agnes missed the target – when she clearly hit – and so did not win the beautiful, fluffy stuffed unicorn.
Gru takes over, using his own high-powered weapon to obliterate the entire game shack. The barker surrenders the unicorn, which is still intact and very fluffy.
Reading the children a bedtime story about a mother’s love, Gru discovers his own mother never accepted him. She was never impressed, no matter what he accomplished. Gru realizes he has the opportunity to do something truly great: to be a father who loves his kids.
Of course, he still wants to steal the moon, too. He manages to shrink it down and pocket it, on the same night he promised to attend the girls’ dance recital. When he sees the recital ticket once again, he wants to do both. The children he once viewed as an annoying obstacle have become a precious goal.
He rushes back, too late to attend the recital. But he learns Vector has kidnapped the children, to exchange for Gru’s golf-ball sized moon. Gru rushes to save the kids, surrendering the moon and regaining their trust. Something far more valuable than the moon. Or any other trophy.
Most men never plan to be fathers.
But at any time, they can choose to become one.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

QUESTION: What trophies do you give up for your kids?

TOP 15 LIVE ACTION MOVIE SUPERHERO CHARACTERS!

The newest Superman film, “Man of Steel”, casts Amy Adams as his love interest, the aggressive, all-business reporter, Lois Lane. I love Amy Adams, but I can’t imagine her as the tough, uptight, insensitive Lois. Perhaps I’ll be surprised like I was when Anne Hathaway portrayed Catwoman, but Adams hasn’t even dyed her hair jet-black for the role.

Some fans don’t care about such details, but lots of readers look forward to seeing their favorite comic book characters come to life on the big screen. That moment when they sit, nibbling their popcorn, and say to themselves, “Oh, wow, that’s really him/her!”

So in honor of such expectations and those filmmakers who got it right, here are my Top 15 Live Action Movie Superhero Characters. Later I’ll post my Top 15 Live Action Television Superhero Characters (because the list of both was just too long!).

 

15.

ROBIN – CHRIS O’DONNELL – Batman Forever

Audiences who only knew Robin from cartoons and the campy TV parody couldn’t imagine him being “cool”. Enter O’Donnell, an earring-wearing, motorcycle-riding circus performer with an attitude, determined to avenge his parents’ murder. Using his acrobatic skills to uncover Bruce Wayne’s secret Batcave, he steals the Batmobile for a joyride, and soon insists on joining Batman’s war on crime. By then, we’re ready for the ultra-cool Batman to have a partner.

 

14.

THE RED SKULL – HUGO WEAVING – Captain America

He wasn’t on screen for long, but he quickly established himself as the Darth Vader of World War II. His fellow Nazis viewed him as a bit player in the war effort, even a joke. But the Skull’s ruthless savagery and thirst for occult power would propel him to heights of conquest they couldn’t dream of, putting him in direct conflict with super-hero Captain America!

 

13.

  SPIDER-MAN – ANDREW GARFIELD – The Amazing Spider-Man

Garfield passed muster as Peter Parker, but when he donned that red-and-blue unitard, we finally had the Spider-Man we loved from the comics. A stand-up comic superhero who made wisecracks while firing webs in the faces of super-villains and dodging bullets from suspicious cops.

 

12.

DOCTOR OCTOPUS – ALFRED MOLINA – Spider-Man II

Doctor Octopus was an odd villain, raging against Spider-Man while being somewhat sympathetic because of his mind-boggling infatuation with Peter Parker’s Aunt May. (Aunt May? Really??) Molina’s character was sympathetic for his strong marriage and his desire to mentor Parker into greatness. When a bizarre accident fixed robotic arms on his back – arms with an evil mind of their own that controlled him – Molina instantly became victim and villain, and Spider-Man’s main adversary exploded onto the screen.

 

 

11.

GWEN STACY – EMMA STONE – The Amazing Spider-Man

The comic book Gwen Stacy started out as the stereotypical girlfriend of a superhero, always wondering why her mysterious boyfriend, Peter Parker, kept disappearing and missing important dates. She later departed from the norm when Parker discovered she was too emotionally fragile to ever accept his secret identity as Spider-Man. Stone’s character showed Stacy as the warm, sensitive girlfriend that we could believe Peter would fall for, standing up for him against her father’s accusations. But in the end, Peter’s unreliable nature caused her to doubt they had any real future.

 

 

10.

PETER PARKER – TOBEY MAGUIRE – Spider-Man

He didn’t exactly have the look, but he had everything else. And his bug-eyed expression and shy, frustrated demeanor made us believe him as a science nerd who survived high school, pined over Mary Jane and later donned a mask to fight crime. Maguire truly represented Peter Parker through the ages, from his bespectacled bookish beginnings in the 1960’s comics to his eventual career as a young photographer. And finally to his personal sacrifice of Mary Jane’s love, and his determination to accept the heavy responsibilities that come with great power.

 

9.

THE JOKER – JACK NICHOLSON – Batman (1989)

Throughout the film, Nicholson cracked jokes while murdering people at random in a pointless killing spree. At one point, acting depressed over a failed criminal scheme, he asked his right-hand man to hand him his gun. Instead of shooting himself in despair, Nicholson shot the henchman who delivered the weapon, then told everyone he felt much better. While the audience howled with laughter, I cringed in my seat at how creepy the character was. Just like the psychopathic clown of the comics.

 

8.

LOKI – TOM HIDDLESTON – Thor; The Avengers

Hiddleston first appeared in “Thor” as the hero’s jealous, undermining half-brother, attempting to overtake the throne of Asgard from while convincing Thor that no one wanted him back as ruler. When he returned in “The Avengers”, he revealed his true colors as a ruthless, scheming tyrant, who could still be thrashed to the ground repeatedly by the Hulk.

 

7.

THE THING – MICHAEL CHIKLIS – The Fantastic Four

Ben Grimm, a.k.a the Thing, would be voted most likely to become the grumpy old man that orders kids to get off his lawn … before he gets old! Chiklis perfectly portrayed the lovable but frustrated astronaut who mutates into an orange-bricked “Thing”, constantly squabbling with immature teammate Johnny Storm while devoting himself to the rest of the team. So much so that we can even believe him delivering his classic comic book line, “It’s clobberin’ time!”

 

6.

SUPERMAN – CHRISTOPHER REEVE – Superman the Movie

To make audiences believe a man could fly, an unknown actor was cast to headline the movie that would become the model for all superhero films to come. Reeve not only made us believe he could fly, but that he honored his parents, was hopelessly in love with Lois, refused to lie, and genuinely fought for truth, justice and the American way.

 

5.

COMMISSIONER JAMES GORDON – GARY OLDMAN – Batman Begins

In the comics, James Gordon’s hair was brown before it turned white, and he and the police started out hunting the strange vigilante known as Batman, who kept interfering with police business. Yet Gordon alone is so dedicated to the cause of justice that he’s willing to think outside the box and support Batman any way he can, leading to a secret partnership that ultimately becomes GothamCity’s best defense against crime.

 

4.

PROFESSOR CHARLES XAVIER – PATRICK STEWART – X-Men

Stewart never read an X-Men comic until he was cast for the role, largely at the insistence of comic fans who considered him perfect for the role of the fatherly, wheelchair-bound founder of the school for developing mutants. They were right.

 

3.

MARY JANE WATSON – KIRSTEN DUNST – Spider-Man

Playful and fiery with a “bad girl” reputation, Dunst personified “MJ”, even with an altered backstory that eliminated Parker’s first girlfriend, Gwen Stacy. As in the comics, even while she was dating Harry, MJ’s flirting skills got deep under Peter’s skin, making him squirm for any response that wouldn’t include confessing his love for her.

 

2.

BRUCE WAYNE – CHRISTIAN BALE – Batman Begins

His growling voice didn’t always come across as Batman, but there was no question that Bale was Bruce Wayne on screen, intense about fighting crime and avenging his parents, and constantly using his identity to strategize his next move as Batman.

 

1.

WOLVERINE – HUGH JACKMAN – X-Men

At the last minute, the new X-Men movie found itself without a lead actor. So they had to cast someone to play a vicious, wolf-like bruiser with an unnatural hairstyle and a bad attitude to carry their film. Finding Hugh Jackman to make this wild character come to life made them the luckiest filmmakers in the world!

 

Who have I missed? Who’s your favorite Live Action Movie Superhero Character?

Welcome to the New Character Entertainment!

Welcome to the New Character Entertainment!

This is a month of anniversaries for me. Five years ago, this Character Entertainment website was launched, with a Weekly Blog on the film, “Premonition”, and a Monthly Feature on the film, “Martian Child”. Our What’s New with RAD? section highlighted another anniversary event, when we finalized adoption of our daughter, Abby, who is now almost seven years old.

I also graduated from Judson College (now Judson University) twenty-five years ago, with hopes and dreams of becoming a writer, perhaps landing a job where someone paid me to write. Fifteen years ago, I was finally hired as the Writer for International Teams, a missionary training and support agency. Sadly, the position and the department did not last.

This month marks two other anniversary events. The first, of course, is the revision of this website, which has been a long time in the making. I hope you like what you see, and all the hard work my programmer, Taso Prantalos, has put into it.

The other event is the release of my first published action-adventure thriller, THE RED RIDER, which will soon be available online! You can then see the promo at the bottom of this screen for details and click the link to read a Free Sample! Meanwhile, please enjoy the links to my FAST READS short stories!

Thank you all for your support of my work and of the life lessons we learn through fiction at Character Entertainment. Please let me know what most interests or excites you about these new developments. I hope you’ll stay with me for many anniversaries to come.

Have a great day!

- RAD

Character Entertainment Update Announcement

Hello!

For the month of June, I will not be posting any new Blog or Monthly Feature in this area. I will soon make new entries in the updated version of the Character Entertainment website.

Some time ago, I announced that I would no longer post Blogs on a weekly basis (even though the title remained as “Weekly Blog”). This has allowed me the necessary time to focus on writing stories instead of pouring the majority of my efforts into blogging. Still, this past couple of years have been extremely busy. So it took a great deal of time and coordination of my schedule and my programmer’s schedule to arrange the updates to this site.

Please check back here at www.CharacterEnt.com for the new changes that are coming soon. I hope you will enjoy them.

Have a great day!

- RAD

TELEVISION/TV SERIES: Imagination Movers – It’s What We Do

by Randall Allen Dunn

 

[image error]Nicki and I used to watch “The Imagination Movers” regularly with our six-year old daughter, Abby. It’s sort of a preschool education version of “The Monkees”, about four guys who run an “Imagination Warehouse”. Together, they work to help solve people’s everyday problems – and their not-so-everyday problems. So we were really excited when the series returned after a long hiatus with new episodes.

Unfortunately, the Movers’ city had other plans.

In the episode, “Save the Warehouse”, a city official, referring to herself as “the Diana”, informs the Movers they will soon be moving – literally. The city wants to demolish their warehouse and turn the space into a parking lot. The Movers can’t believe it. But they have trouble convincing the inspector that their warehouse provides a valuable community service. In “the Diana’s” opinion, the types of problems the Movers solve could be easily solved by the people themselves.

The Movers demonstrate their cool gadgets and expansive “Idea Rooms”. They also give examples of the huge problems they have helped people solve. In the end, “the Diana” is not convinced. So she tells the Movers to start packing.

The next day, “the Diana” returns with contracts in her briefcase to demolish the warehouse. But she discovers she locked her keys inside the briefcase and has forgotten the combination, which is written on her keys. She assumes a Princess Leia stance and implores them, “Help me, Imagination Movers. You’re my only hope.”

The Movers huddle together, noting that if they help her open her briefcase, she’ll use the contracts to demolish their warehouse and their livelihood.

But they also note they have an obligation to help people – no matter what the cost.

Using a magnetic glove, the Movers slide the keys to a position in the briefcase, where they can read the combination with their X-ray goggles. Seeing how important their job is, “the Diana” insists the Movers should keep their warehouse.

We might not always want to help a neighbor move their heavy furniture. Or apologize to someone who feels offended without cause. Or take on an extra shift when someone’s out sick. Or cook a meal for someone who can’t venture outside. Especially when these extra efforts don’t benefit us in any way. Even more so when helping others could end up hurting us.

But we do these things, anyway. Because we have the ability to help them and because we care. It’s what we do.

It’s who we are.

 

Learn more about “The Imagination Movers” at ImaginationMovers.com!

MUSIC/MUSICAL: Modern Love – Revisiting the Church

by Randall Allen Dunn

 

I know when to go out

I know when to stay in

Get things done



In our church service last week, a repeating piano-and-guitar riff reminded me of David Bowie’s 1983 song, “Modern Love”. I loved that song, but I later determined it was a message against the church. (That may or may not be true, since many people have come up with conflicting interpretations, but that’s my own interpretation.) It seemed to view the church as unnecessary, intrusive and controlling, pretending to care about people so it can recruit and manipulate them.

 

Never gonna fall for

Modern love – walks beside me

Modern love – walks on by

Modern love – gets me to the church on time

Church on time – terrifies me

Church on time – makes me party

Church on time – puts my trust in god and man

God and man – no confessions

God and man – no religion

God and man – don’t believe in modern love

 

While I don’t agree with that message, I can certainly understand the caution and skepticism some people feel toward the church. After all, the church has not always acted like the church. That is, as the representation of Jesus Christ on Earth.

Jesus accepted prostitutes, corrupt tax collectors and outcast lepers. If Jesus was on Earth today, he would accept the homosexuals, drug dealers, drunk drivers, child molesters, while collar crooks, dirty politicians and every other kind of sinner. He would not turn a blind eye toward their sin, any more than he turns a blind eye toward the sins of the church. But he would not turn away anyone seeking love and acceptance.

Unfortunately, many people in today’s church still struggle to accept those who engage in music, clothes, hairstyles or activities that they consider strange or somehow “wrong”. As if a different style means a different internal value system and therefore leads to sin. I’m not referring to activities the Bible clearly describes as sinful, such as feeding lust through pornography or feeding greed by cheating on taxes. I’m talking about whether it’s acceptable for a person to dye their hair blue, pierce their navel, listen to rap music or even watch a scary movie, and still be welcome in the church. That might not be a style choice you or I would make, but it’s certainly not an issue of sin. If the church can’t learn to accept people with different styles, how can they ever learn to accept and love people who are, in fact, living lives of sin?

 

I catch a paper boy

But things don’t really change

I’m standing in the wind

But I never wave bye-bye

But I try, I try

 

There’s no sign of life

It’s just the power to charm

I’m lying in the rain

But I never wave bye-bye

But I try, I try

The Bible tells us Jesus died for us while we were still sinners, and that his kindness leads us to repentance. It also tells us God did not send Jesus to be our judge, but to be our savior. Criticism and judgment will not turn anyone from their sin. It is only through kindness and acceptance that people come to know Christ and find healing.

Thankfully, most people who are sincerely devoted to Christ recognize this. Despite their natural human tendencies to avoid people who act differently than they do, they can learn to overcome those thoughts and feelings. To love people that the rest of the world rejects, since they know they’ve been forgiven of their own sins and accepted by God, in spite of the terrible people they once were.

The apostle Paul spoke to the church about their different backgrounds – different styles and former lives of sin – in Ephesian 2. He explained that those of Jewish background, chosen by God from ancient times, and those of Gentile background who were “outsiders”, were now given equal access to God through the sacrifice of Christ. He stated that through Christ’s death and resurrection, God made one new man out of the two, so that by accepting Christ, all people – Jew or Gentile, churched or unchurched – could approach God without restriction.

This Easter, I hope you can give people a second chance.

If you’re part of the church, learn to see beyond the lifestyle choices and even the sins of people who are looking for hope and wondering if the church still offers any.

If you’re not part of the church, learn to see beyond the human failings of Christians when they don’t act in Christian love, and recognize that they also need forgiveness – even yours.

When we focus on what flawed humans have said or done in the past, we will naturally turn away from one another. Instead, focus on the example of Christ and learn to accept one another, just as Christ has accepted you.

Happy Easter!

 

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