THE HELP (2011) Movie Review
Proverbs 31:9 - "Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice." (NLT)
These are incredible times for speaking out.
Bullies are everywhere, but victims are finding their voices. Over the past few years, the news has been blowing up with people who refuse to stay quiet about injustice. Rape victims, families of shooting victims, victims of severe bullying in our schools. Bullies and gossips even crowd our churches (but that's a story for another day).
Something must be done. Justice must be served. Speaking up is a fine first step.
Such was the case in Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960's. Adapted from the incredible novel, The Help serves as a perfect illustration of both risk and benefit to speaking out against bullies.Aspiring writer Skeeter is woman caught between two worlds. White and black. Privilege and poverty. Cruel and humble. Christ-like and godless.
Ephesians 4:29 - "Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." (NLT)
Skeeter with NO desire to merge with these worlds feels enough compassion for the underprivileged to give them a voice. An opportunity they've never before had. An unprecedented action. A one of a kind book.
She writes a book highlighting the daily struggles of Jackson's African American maids, which proves to be an extremely dangerous endeavour. At risk to their very lives, Aibileen Clark and Minny Jackson, best friends and fellow maids, sweep aside their fear to pave the way for change. For truth. For justice.
1 Peter 3:16 - "...Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ." (NLT)
The validation that comes from SPEAKING OUT gives us the courage to STAND UP to our bullies. They gain courage from talking about their conditions to someone who gives them sympathy. All it takes is one act of sympathy or validation to lift a spirit. Through courage, they stop talking about their bullies and start talking to their bullies. They defend rightfully and honestly defend themselves.
We teach people how to treat us. We teach bullies how to treat us. By staying silent, we teach them that abuse, neglect, and false accusations are acceptable. They are not. By speaking up, we make life difficult for bullies. We send a vital message to the world. We fight for truth. We fight for justice. We fight as a servant of God.
Matthew 5:11 - "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers." (NLT)
