Friday, March 5, 2010

Reach for the Stars

Sometimes the struggle of life itself surrounds us with unexpected clouds of grief and pain. Reality gives us a good smack in the face and we reel away stunned and numbed.

One of my favorite movies of all time, is August Rush, which details a child's search for his parents. His mother believes he died at birth, his father does not know he exists. The boy lives in an orphanage, where others seek to stomp and stiffle his hope.

In the face of insurmountable circumstances, the small boy states, "I can." He firmly believes, if only he could learn to play the music he hears, his parents would hear his song and find him. The music in this movie is incredible and inspiring.

It is a beautiful story.

The first time I watched the film, I wept, which is not typical for me. Something about the music and the storyline--something inspiring I can't put into words--deeply touched my heart. I think that feeling might be hope.

Hope heals. Hope inspires. Hope causes each of us to reach for the stars. Our Creator put the capacity to hope and dream inside each of us. He walks with us every step of our lives. He rescues us when we stumble. He holds us dear to His heart, and He delights over us. He inspires us in quiet moments. He rejoices and sings over us. How lovely it is that He sings over us!

I believe God placed music into our lives to revive and restore our hearts. The truth is, there have been many times I have felt desperately discouraged, then I listen to music, and suddenly I am smiling again.

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17, The Bible, NIV Translation)

Above is the original photo. As you can see I didn't have to add or change much!

9 comments:

Karen Xavier said...

Wow, this is amazing... so surreal. loved it... august rush is a pretty good movie too, the boy is so delightful.

Looking to the Stars said...

I love this, each time I see your work I don't hink it can get any better, then you share another and it is better then the last.
I love this!

The movie was a good one and I cried too. You are right, it does inspire hope. I always felt that way about Disney movies. Lilo and Sitich is an all time favorite. I have a t-shirt with sitich on it because he and I have something in common, we both were experiments :)

Anonymous said...

I reach all the time and sometimes surprise myself.

Catherine said...

Wow. Your cloud painting and beautiful words both touch my heart.

tera said...

One of my very favorite sayings of all time is "Sometimes God calms the storm; sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms the child."

Beautiful picture.

Mary said...

some look at the sky and see one lone ray of light, some look and see a cloud...... you look and see so much more then turn it into a beautiful work of art and teach us to reach too......

Nina said...

Such a beautiful story and the photo speaks volumes to the Glory of God shining down on us. Music is all around, the tap of a woodpecker, the whispering tympani of the branches and leaves swaying in the breeze, the steady hum of a bumble bee, and the beautiful song of a bird... We hear music in nature. We are also so truly Blessed to have exquisite musicians that tickle our ears with the most wonderful sounds... You are an amazing talent Beth and I wish you Life's sweet filling your soul every day. Blessings to you and yours. Love and Light, Nina p

Sunny said...

I have always loved looking at clouds but you have taught me to look even closer and open my eyes and imagination.
This is a stunning work of art.
Sunny :)

Lois said...

Oh Beth, how did you know I needed to read this today? It's so inspiring. Thank you for sharing it.