October Baby

I had the chance to go see this movie tonight with two of my dearest friends.  I have been anticipating this movie for a long time.  The fabulous, Gianna Jessen, has been sharing stories of October Baby for the past year or so on her facebook page.  She has talked about her song, "Ocean Floor" (amazing!) and shared stories of people coming together to make this film.  I was so excited to see this movie!  But, this blog post is not going to be a review of the movie, its about my experience watching this movie.  If you want a review, google can help you with that.  Your welcome.

We entered the theater and picked our seats.  As the previews played on, there was a huge group of women talking in their not-so-theater-quiet-voices, and instantly, I got annoyed.  Didn't these women know how long I have wanted to watch this movie? They better not talk through the movie or I might have to bust out the shhhhhh, I don't like being the shusher.  As the movie starts, the Ladies begin to settle in and quiet down.  whew.  I didn't hear a peep out of them until the credits (I'll get back to them in a minute).  The theater begins to slowly fill up and a woman sits next to me with a couple seats between us.  This is where God begins to do a work in me...

I can picture God sitting there with a big giant bowl of perfectly popped popcorn, watching me as I shift in my seat and roll my eyes at this "theater neighbor".  He probably giggled as I looked to my left to see who this woman was who kept making giant sighs with each scene change.  We're halfway through this movie and the Holy Spirit begins to talk in my ear.  What does a Girl have to do to watch a movie around here?!  Okay, okay Lord, I hear you in your gentle interrupting way, talk to me.

[by the way, the movie is incredible.]

He begins to tell me that there are people in this theater who need this movie.  They need to hear the message.  They need to sigh, cry, and ask why.  In His awesomely, loving way said, "Its not about your comfort, my Sweets.  You need to extend My grace."  Got it.  I relaxed and let my theater neighbor sigh and cry without sideways glances from me.  But, that wasn't all God wanted to tell me...

[movie.  still amazing.  I am woman therefore, I multi-task.]

As my conversation with God continues, He asks me to lean over and ask my theater neighbor if she needs prayer...  Hold your heavenly horses!  You want me to do WHAT?  Now listen, this is not the first time He has put me in a place to ask a perfect stranger if they need prayer.  I knew there was no chance I was getting out of this one!
Awkwardly awesome.

As the credits roll, I am sitting there frozen in my seat because this movie was so powerful AND I knew I had a task to accomplish.  Stifling my tears and fears, I lean over and said, "Um Mame?  I couldn't help but notice you did a lot of sighing during that movie.  Did something hit home for you?  Can I pray for you?"  I'm sure I sounded like a crazy lunatic because I spit the sentence out so fast.  She sweetly responded, "No.  My husband died 7 years ago and I have a hard time seeing others hearts breaking.  But, thank you."  We giggled uncomfortably and wiped our tears.  Thank you Jesus, for this precious woman who has a heart that breaks like yours.

As we sat there in stunned amazement by the movie we had just witnessed.  The entire theater clears out except my girlfriends and the group of preview-chatting Ladies.  As my friend put it, "Everyone out there [meaning the public]  did not just experience what we experienced.  I just want to sit in it for a moment."  So true, my friend.  I think the group of "chatty Cathy's" were feeling the same way, none of them moved.  Until one of them began to weep.  Her circle of friends enveloped her with hugs and comforting words.  I sat there with tears in my eyes because I had just witnessed a movie that God wrote, directed, produced, and starred in.  (He left the shocker for the credits...I am not kidding you.  If you see this movie, watch the interview during the credits.  Blew. My. Socks. Off.)

My friends and I felt this group of women needed to be alone in that theater together.  We tip-toed out.

I knew this movie would be good.  I knew this movie would heal, encourage, and bring comfort.  I had no idea I would witness it happening as I watched it on the big screen.  Pow-er-ful.  This movie is not just about abortion survivors, this movie is about the gift of forgiveness, the pursuit of truth, and so much more. Go. See. It.

I want to challenge you when you hear the Holy Spirit whisper to your heart, listen.  He's got some cool stuff to say and yes, He may shove you out of your comfort zone.  You will be okay... you will, I promise.

Comments

[Tammy Wickizer]

What a beautiful person you are on the inside. Thank you for sharing. <3