Religion. What Do You Believe?

As I mentioned in my last post, I'm not a religious person, but I was honored with an experience with one. I came up with my own version now that I've been given a little more insight. Here goes:

I sort of believe in the "Pay it Forward" type thing. God is in all of us, we make him, he is the common good. In a way, what it is is doing good towards others. Some people master it, such as that girl I mentioned. She is totally fulfilled in her life and, even if she comes across obstacles, she soon finds another opportunity, and she sees it as God's intervening force. Everything has a reason, good will always be found if searched for. Its really a beautiful thing.

I generally have a bad opinion of religion due to some of the stupid things it makes people do. Such things include discrimination, superiority complexes, religious wars, violence, etc. Some people just take religion in such a terrible way that it makes it kind of sickening.

But for some people it works. I view life as a white board. You need to figure out what you want to accomplish in life, what you want your end point to be, and draw a path towards it. Find your purpose. This girl has made Christianity and the common good her purpose, and she's a stellar example of a rare instance gone right.

A Random Act of Kindness

Artist Here

I went to Christian school for 9 years, but was never really all that much of a hard-core believer. Sometimes I'd join a youth group because I was interested in meeting new guys (love interests, of course), but eventually I just fell out of it and took on a more scientific atheist point of view.

For the last few months I've been going to my Critical Thinking class, and one of the girls I've met came up to my today and just started talking to me when class ended. It wasn't awkward or weird as it may sound, it was very natural, and she was very kind. I started heading across campus towards my bus, and I could tell that her car was in the other direction, yet she continued walking with me, way out of her way, just talking.

Finally she asks me where I'm going. I mention the bus. She offers me a ride, I politely turn it down on grounds that I live far away, but she insisted. We walked to her car.

Through our entire encounter, I was awed by her. She told me a few minutes in that she's Christian, and that God was pushing her towards me today for some reason. Well, again, I'm not Christian or anything but I appreciated her kindness. Especially since, on this day, I really did kind of need companionship.... or a hug.

We had mindless chit chat, telling each other a little bit about ourselves, and then on my way to my house we passed an Inn 'n Out, and she had apparently been craving it, so we headed in. If you don't know, Inn 'n Out is a Christian based family type restaurant in a way; on the bottom of all their containers they have a bible verse.

Anyways.

She started talking about love. I've always had an issue with love. I was just broken up with, I've had issues with love from both friends and family, and just especially this last week all I've wanted is a loving person to just help me out and hold me. She introduced me to the 5 Love Languages, which I will discuss in my next post.

She wasn't the usual preachy type I'm used to. Its more like... she was actually working to better me, she wanted to see me happy, and she had made it her life's goal to use her magic and help improve people's lives. And she's remarkable at it. Religion, for her, gives her purpose, and gives her reasons for hardships in life.

It was funny because she made me cry, not like crazy, but like a single tear coming out of the side of my eye. And one of the girls who worked there almost instantly came up with some napkins and a smile. I have never in my life seen something work out so beautifully. She has life mastered.

So Here I Am. Alone Again.

By Louisa Giffard

So my life has come tumbling down upon me. What I thought was stable has crumbled from beneath me and left me falling, falling, falling... wondering...

What do I do now?

I really don't have any friends. I mean, I know people, but I have absolutely no desire to go hang out with them. Or meet new people for that matter.

I was comfortable in what was. Sure, I knew I needed to get off my ass and do something soon, but I was so... COMFORTABLE.

And now I'm alone.

He says we need to "be strong in ourselves" before we can be "strong in each other." I find real wisdom in that. But hell, that could take YEARS. DECADES. FREAKIN' MILLENIA!

Oh god.

I guess I do have problems.

I guess I do have a lot to figure out.

But is it necessary for this process to be so goddamn lonely?!

Orange County (2002), Jake Kasdan

Watch Trailer

Genre: Comedy, Drama
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

This really is a more teen-oriented film, but regardless, it holds its values. Its kind of cheesy, kind of cliche, but at the same time it has a lot to offer. If you can chill out and just enjoy the movie, its really funny and really does reveal a lot into "life." I enjoyed this movie a lot, and in my current situation, it helped make me feel slightly better.

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

A high school kid finally realizes his calling- he wants to be a writer, and he is inspired by a professor at Stanford. All his life he was gotten good grades, and he decides he's going to apply... only to find himself rejected because the college counselor accidentally sent in the wrong transcript. This movie delves deeper into the important things and motives of this kid, and really all of us, and offers an opportunity for insight.

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Shaun Brumder (Colin Hanks): A kind of nerdy guy who always gets good grades and aspires to be a writer, despite opposition from his family and girlfriend.

Lance Brumder (Jack Black): Shaun's older brother who never went to college and sits around the house, always either high or recovering, who is on parole and constantly needs Shaun's pee.

Ashley (Schuyler Fisk): Shaun's girlfriend, an animal lover, who helps him realize his true motives.

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

Its a little hard to believe that someone could send in the wrong transcript... but who really cares? Its the story that counts.

Weight:

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

I don't think it'll necessary leave you with any awe-inspiring moments, but it definitely has its pizzazz that might just help you get through a few things in life.

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

No real need for special effects. The few shown were well done.

Always (1989), Steven Spielberg

Watch Trailer

Genre: Romance, Drama
Overall Rating:

(out of 5)

I was debating whether to give this a 4 or a 5. I lovelovelove this movie, ever since my dad had me watch it back 4 or 5 years ago. I dare you not to cry. Some of the "big critics" say its a flop, or that it lacks emotional strength, but I am telling you right now... Its VERY hard not to cry in this one. I was sobbing. You get to love those characters

The Story:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Interesting

2 Points: Original

1 Point: Unpredictable

1 Point: OMGZ

Its fire season, and we get a firsthand look at the ups and downs of an aircraft fire-fighter's life. (I spent like ten minutes trying to come up with a synopsis... I just really don't want to give anything away. When my dad first described it to me, it sounded stupid too).

Characters:

(out of 5)

1 Point: Well-Played

1 Point: Original

1 Point: Relatable

1 Point: Emotional Attachment

1 Point: OMGZ

Pete Sandich (Richard Dreyfuss): The top dog of flying, he is always pulling crazy stunts but always gets the job done. He is madly in love with Dorinda, but they have a very unusual relationship.

Dorinda Durston (Holly Hunter): Pretty much the only woman in the field, she also loves Pete but hates how he never remembers things such as her birthday, or how he always puts himself in danger Al Yackey (John Goodman): Pete's best friend.

Believability:

(out of 5)

1 Point: No Disbelief

1 Point: Well-Explained

1 Point: Characters Fit Conceivably

1 Point: Not Foolishly Omniscient

1 Point: OMGZ

There's nothing super-freaky about this movie. Its realistic, could really happen, and touches your heart.

Weight:

(out of 5)
1 Point: Relatable Lives
1 Point: Relatable Choices
1 Point: "Wow" Moments
1 Point: Lasting
1 Point: OMGZ

This movie will stay with you a long time (or at least it has with me). Its realistic, so its even easier to get involved in, and it teaches us some very important details about death, love, and moving on.

Visual:

(out of 5)
2 Points: Visual Quality
1 Point: Unique Visual Perspective
1 Point: Special Effects
1 Point: OMGZ

They didn't need too many special effects, but the few scenes that did incorporate were very well done. C'mon, its Spielberg.