One of the amazing things about extended holidaytime is that in addition to any celebrations, it gives one free time for R & R. For Don and I, that means catching up on movies we did not see earlier in the year.
We rented a passle of DVD's and have been watching current releases as well as the classic holiday fare.
Last night, we had the blessing of watching a film called, "Amazing Grace" the story of William Wilberforce, the 19th century British reformer and abolitionist. The reason that the song is so significant is that Wilberforce was taught and influenced by the former slave ship worker turned preacher, John Newton who wrote the now famous hymn as his own paean to assuage his guilt.
In addition to the powerful history that this man generated, the film itself is stunning. A wonderful cast aptly directed by Michael Apted and written with power and beauty. It is a must-see. Be prepared to be touched, transformed and moved to action.
This film spoke to me on so many levels. I have work to do. Don and I have work to do. And I would wager that you have work to do and this film will lovingly remind you what it is.
My first action step will be to create a viewing of the film (at HeartSpace) and to create a study group in conjunction with my teaching chapter, Open At The Top. (Scheduling details will be posted later or announced in my Breathing Enterprises monthly newsletter).
As you prepare to bless and release 2007 and prepare to receive and embrace your new year, this would be a fine film to add to your list.
For those of you unfamiliar with the hymn, Amazing Grace, here are the original lyrics that continues to inspire countless individuals:
Amazing Grace Lyrics
John Newton (1725-1807)
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appearThe hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snaresI have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
Wait a minim.....
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2 comments:
Most (not all) higher grossing movies are mindless dribble made to appeal to people who only wish to lose themselves in another world for a couple of hours. This movie however, does not fit into that category.
March of 2007 was the 200 year anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the UK. The movie was released in conjunction to this.
But, not only was Wilberforce the nearly single-handed "force" behind abolishing slavery in the British Empire, but his attitude extended beyond human beings' suffering. He co-founded the world's oldest anti-cruelty society (NSPCA). He had a deep devotion to animals and a determination to end the cruelty and suffering imposed upon them in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
William Wilberforce and the Reverend Arthur Broome originally started ASPCA as a society to support the working of Richard Martin's Act. This Act had been passed in Parliament on 22 July 1822 and was against cruelty to farm animals, particularly cattle. The group assembled at the "Old Slaughters" Coffee House in London to create a society with the will and authority to enforce the new law (I know this subject to be close to your heart my love).
After briefly researching Wilberforce's life, I see that this movie does not even begin to scratch the surface of this remarkable man. However, it also touched me deeply. I have suddenly become a huge fan of WW!
Your husband,
D.C.
Hi Rev. Duchess,
It was great working out with you and chatting over Starbucks potent potables today. Here's my blog comment on Wilberforce that somehow ended up in the bit bucket.
Founded in 1856 by Bishops of the AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church, Wilberforce University is the oldest private African institute of higher learning in the United States. It's located in Xenia, Ohio which is about 20 miles outside of Dayton. I put my nose to grindstone and graduated with a BSEE from the University of Dayton. But I also enjoyed many spectacular "Black Greek" parties and football games at Wilberforce and its sister school, Central State, which is also the alma mater of my best friend, Doris. The "Black Greek" fraternity and sororities such as the Kappas, Omegas and Deltas (Doris' sorority) were formed as a reaction to the segregation that kept Arican American students from the mainstream fraternities and sororities. After college they continue to serve as valuable social and business networks.
Before the Civil War, Wilberforce was a station in the Underground Railroad. Wilberforce has arisen many times from the ashes like a Phoenix. After the Civil War when the aftermath of Reconstruction threatened its existence, the state of Ohio funded it and in 1887it not only came back strong but spawned two new colleges, Central State and Payne Theological Seminary. In 1974, a fierce tornado tore Wilberforce to the ground, but the community rebuilt it bigger and better than ever.
Today, Wilberforce University continues to build on its sacred tradition. It is a four-year, fully accredited liberal arts institution. Wilberforce University offers some 20 fully accredited liberal arts concentrations to students in business, communications, computing and engineering sciences, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences. It offers dual degree programs in architecture, aerospace, and nuclear engineering in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati. Other dual degree programs are available in electrical and mechanical engineering in cooperation with the University of Dayton, and in law with St. John's University School of Law. They even have an international studies program. You can find out more at their website, http://www.wilberforce.edu/.
I think William Wilberforce would be very proud to see his legacy reflected in such a fine institution.
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