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Acts 20:24

24 Oct

Acts 20:24 NIV
[24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Dear God, I first read this verse 31 years ago. It was fall of my senior year in high school. I had committed myself to learning more scripture, and, although I don’t remember how I found this passage, this was one of the first ones I memorized. I should note that the project didn’t live much past this and scripture memory is not one of my strong suits.

I wish I could say I have lived this verse out more. I guess I have to some extent. I’ve been willing to make some sacrifices based on what I feel like you are calling me to do. I think I’ve also been able to use it to shun prosperity Gospel preaching and even the kind of “God’s gonna getcha” preaching that some pastors do. Why is there suffering in the world? How can people do such evil things? If I’m suffering, does that mean I’ve lost your favor? Well, this sentiment from Paul reminds me that I shouldn’t ask these questions from the perspective of my own welfare or the welfare around me. I need to ask myself, what task has Jesus given me?

Father, my first task is to testify about you, your love, your grace, and your call to repentance. My second task is to respond to what you have for me to do. Today, I am going to meet my new mentee for the first time. Help me to do that in your strength and power. Tomorrow, I’ll be talking to the ministerial association about early childhood development and therapeutic nursery for traumatized children. I also have a board meeting this morning when I will have an opportunity to inspire them and help give them a sense of your calling to them as board members. So I consider my life worth nothing to me. I only want to finish the race and complete the tasks you have given me—even if it costs me everything.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 24, 2018 in Acts

 

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Job 1:1,6-12

23 Oct

Job 1:1,6-12 NIV
[1] In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. [6] One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. [7] The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” [8] Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” [9] “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. [10] “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. [11] But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” [12] The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Dear God, I don’t want to get into whether or not this is a literal story of what happened to someone or a fairytale, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is the author’s thesis for this book—if you allow bad things into our lives, we will walk away and give up on you. The idea is that we don’t get it. In the story, Satan knows that we are small minded. Even some of our national theological leaders make stupid statements about you sending punishments to entire cities with hurricanes and wildfires because they are in sin. Now, they might be able to convince me that some of these areas might have lost a hedge of protection from you with their disobedience, but I also know that there were plenty of faithful people in those situations who suffered. We can be so myopic!

This Sunday, I’m going to be talking about the faith that grows beyond this carrot and stick view of you. We are not donkeys. We are sheep. Our lives are not our own any more than a lamb’s is. We are here for your worship and to be your tangible source of love on earth.

Father, help me to articulate all of the thoughts that you are putting on my heart this week. Help me to have just the right message for this weekend. In an election season, help me to also speak your peace to this group. Help us to all do away with fear and embrace you and your individual call on our lives.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 23, 2018 in Job

 

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Peter & John — Luke 8:43-46

22 Oct

A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.” But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.”
Luke 8:43-46

Dear God, there’s a huge chunk of things that happen in Luke before we get back to a specific reaction from any of the disciples. In this case, it’s Peter who decides to say something when Jesus calls out that someone touched him. As everyone denied it, Peter felt like he needed to provide the answer to the question. No one touched Jesus because everyone touched Jesus.

But that’s not what Jesus meant. Someone specific had indeed touched him. Peter didn’t understand what had happened and forced the wrong answer. I do that sometimes. Sometimes there is a problem before me and the right answer isn’t ready to be revealed, but I force it anyway. You know, I started the Peter and John series expecting to find myself more in John than Peter, but I guess I’m a lot more Peter than I realized.

Father, I have board meetings this week, both for the organization where I work and for another organization where I’m on the board. Give me your wisdom. Give all of us your wisdom. Help us to see what you see and hear what you hear. Help us to wait on you and to seek your answers to our dilemmas. And do your will through our work.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 22, 2018 in Luke, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Luke 5:1-11

21 Oct

Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret;2 and He saw two boats lying at the edge of the lake; but the fishermen had gotten out of them and were washing their nets. 3 And He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little way from the land. And He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat. 4 When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” 6 When they had done this, they enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break; 7 so they signaled to their partners in the other boat for them to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9 For amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.” 11 When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.
Luke 5:1-11

Dear God, it’s interesting what Luke leaves out of the story that we get other places. First off, where’s Andrew? He should be here. Also, where are James’ and John’s father and his hired men? It’s also interesting that Luke puts the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law before this story.

But there are a couple of details here that I think are new. Luke says that James and John were Simon’s partners in fishing. So were Simon and Andrew part of Zebedee’s staff or did they just like each other and go out to fish alongside each other? I guess we’ll never know this side of heaven.

I want to look at both Simon and John in this story. In the end, they both follow, but whatever John said or was thinking is not seen as worthy of being recorded. He made the same sacrifice of his life that Simon did—maybe even more so if he gave up any part of his father’s wealth. But Simon’s words and heart are humble. You would think he would say, “You are obviously awesome and out there doing something good. I’m in!” Or even, “You’re obviously awesome, but you’re asking too much. I’m can’t.” But that wasn’t was he said. He immediately, humbly, was self-aware and confessed it to Jesus: “…he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, ‘Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!’” In other words, “Jesus, I appreciate the offer, but you don’t know who I am or what I’ve done. I am not Godly. I am a poor, dirty, profane fisherman. I have no business hooking up with a prophet and you really don’t want to hook up with me—trust me on this.”

The ability to objectively look at your own sin and confess it is a great gift. It’s something I hope I’m able to do. It’s something I hope I passed on to my children, at least at some level. Peter didn’t have any illusions about himself, and he was comfortable enough in his own skin to tell this amazing stranger the truth.

Father, thank you for the example my own earthly father has given me in humility. Help me to continue to absorb it and to pass it to my own children. Also, live through me so that when others are with me they might feel safe and in a place where they can be free to come face-to-face with who they are, give that to you, and embrace the freedom you have for them beyond it.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 21, 2018 in Luke, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 16:5-8

19 Oct

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died.” The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened. Then they briefly reported all this to Peter and his companions. Afterward Jesus himself sent them out from east to west with the sacred and unfailing message of salvation that gives eternal life. Amen.
Mark 16:5-8

Dear God, Judas took his own life after he betrayed Jesus. I wonder if Peter ever considered it after his betrayal of Jesus. The fact that, in this telling, that the angel mentioned Peter by name indicates to me that Peter was really struggling. What a tragedy it would have been if he had. There is no way, in that moment of despair, that Peter could have known who he would become and the role you had for him to play. His mind wouldn’t let him see it. Satan wouldn’t let him see it. But you sent a messenger to ensure he got the message—man, you’re still my guy.

I talked with a friend this week who called to ask for advice on how to help another friend. Her friend has a middle school son whom they had to put in a mental hospital. He is being scary and destructive. They are afraid of what he might do or who he could hurt, including himself. My advice to her was to first realize how helpless and desperate his parents feel and to accept that she won’t have any advice for her friend. Her job is to love her friend, be there for her in any way, and pray.

There was a movie several years ago with Clint Eastwood that delved into assisted suicide called Million Dollar Baby. Someone was injured to the point of being quadriplegic and Eastwood’s character helped her kill herself because she brought him into her delusion that she had nothing to live for. Watching the movie, I thought of Joni Eareckson Tada. I just looked her up on Wikipedia to refresh myself about her. She turned 69 this past Monday, but she became quadriplegic at 17. She has lived an inspirational life the last 50+ years. Her life changed. Her old temple was destroyed. And it was a terrible reality for her that I wouldn’t want to face. But she absolutely built a new, beautiful temple with her new reality.

Father, I certainly didn’t expect this passage to take me here. And it’s likely that Peter never considered harming himself. I certainly wouldn’t want to suggest this as truth. But it reminds me that those contemplating suicide are in a mental fog that is hiding reality from them. They are hearing voices that are lying to them. So lift the fog for anyone right now in this situation. Speak truth to them. and help them build a temple that will bring you glory.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 19, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 14:66-72

18 Oct

Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth. ” But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed. When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” But Peter denied it again. A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.” Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept.
Mark 14:66-72

Dear God, I wonder what would have happened to Peter if he had said, “Yeah, I’m with him.” I’m mean, he wasn’t the one claiming to be your son or the Messiah. They might have made him testify. They might have beaten him for what they deemed false testimony. Oh, why do I always go down these “what if” paths?

Peter was scared and confused, and he caved. He went into survival mode. Survival mode is, forget everyone and everything else. Forget honor and ethics. There is one priority now and one priority only—for me to survive.

I don’t think I’ve ever truly been there. I can’t think of a time when my life or safety was on the line to this extent. I’ve been fortunate, I suppose. What would I do in this circumstance? Probably exactly what Peter did.

Father, Peter was in such a confused fog. I suppose my prayer for myself is that when I am in a situation like this I will have great clarity and perspective. Help me to see what you see and hear what you hear. Help me to make great real-time decisions so that I might be ready to do exactly what you need me to do in the moment.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 18, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 14:50

17 Oct

Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away.
Mark 14:50

Dear God, I wonder how this would have played out if any of them had stayed and taken with him. Would we have a whole new respect for someone like Thomas? Would that person have been crucified too or just tortured?

I guess I like to look at a lot of what ifs, but it’s because, in a case like this, I’m curious to see a colossal failure by the disciples and understand what would have happened if at least some of them hadn’t failed. What would have changed for Jesus if he had seen one of his disciples beaten while he was going through his own trial, beating, and crucifixion?

Father, at the end of the day, I suppose stories like this encourage me because they intimate that your plan is John-proof. My failings have already been worked into your plan. That doesn’t guarantee me anything, but in the grand scheme of what you have for the world there is a certain amount of relief for me that my shortcomings, while certainly material, won’t keep you from accomplishing what you want to accomplish. You need me to work. You need me to pray. You need my whole heart, mind, and strength, but for the occasional moment that I scatter with the disciples, there is grave for that too. Thank you for everything.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 17, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 14:32-42

16 Oct

32 They *came to a place named Gethsemane; and He *said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” 33 And He *took with Him Peter and [n]James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. 34 And He *said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” 35 And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might [o]pass Him by. 36 And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” 37 And He *came and *found them sleeping, and *said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? 38 Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 Again He went away and prayed, saying the same [p]words. 40 And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. 41 And He *came the third time, and *said to them, “[q]Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being [r]betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

Dear God, I wonder what Peter, James, and John were praying (before they fell asleep). I wonder what Jesus wanted them to be praying. According to Jesus in verse 38, at least Peter should have been praying to not come into temptation.

I would imagine that their prayers were kind of along the lines of, “Father, I don’t know what is going on, but I’m scared. If this is the preparation for the battle with Rome, strengthen me and be with us. Give us victory. Let your glory reign and bring the entire world into submission to you. Be with Jesus and strengthen him as he leads us.”

Here, however, in retrospect, is how they probably should have prayed: “Father, I don’t know what is going on and I’m scared. Jesus seems scared too. Please be with him. Strengthen him. And give me the strength that I need to go through whatever lies ahead. Help me to glorify you with everything I say and do. Provide for this path that you have us on so that your name, above all names, will be glorified by everyone in the world.”

Frankly, in my life right now, I don’t have much more of an idea of what is going on around me than they did. Sure, the stakes for their situation were a lot higher than mine, but I think the sentiment should always be the same.

Father, I don’t know what is going on and I’m scared. Give me the strength I need to go through whatever lies ahead. Help me to glorify you with everything I say and do. Provide for this path that you have my wife and me on so that your name, above all names, will be glorified by everyone in the world.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 

 
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Posted by on October 16, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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Peter & John — Mark 14:27-31

15 Oct

On the way, Jesus told them, “All of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” Peter said to him, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I never will.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter declared emphatically. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the others vowed the same.
Mark 14:27-31

Dear God, I’ve talked before about Peter and his moment here, but I guess what I’m thinking about now is the last verse listed here: And all the others vowed the same.

Did they, or was that Peter’s perception? Did some of them stand there quietly and secretly wish they had already left? I think that would have been me. When Jesus said that all of them would abandon him, I’ll bet there were at least a couple who were relieved that 1.) they would get a chance to get out of there and 2.) they weren’t alone.

While I know I can relate to all of this, I’m sitting here now trying to think of how I can use it in my daily life. What lesson can I learn? Frankly, I think I can take from it that I need to remember that there are probably others feeling the same way I am in a group, even if their thoughts at the time are like mine and unspoken. Instead of just putting up a brave front, bluffing, and saying, “Yeah, me too,” I need to think through my truth, figure out if I should screw up my courage or follow my feelings and retreat, and then help others around me who might be feeling the same.

Father, help me in this. I’m back at work today after being gone for two weeks. Encourage others through me. Lead them through me. Break this all down so that I will be the man you need me to be for everyone around me.

In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on October 15, 2018 in Mark, Peter and John

 

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A Star Is Born (Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga Edition) – What did Bradley Cooper Want to Tell Me?

14 Oct

Every once in a while I see a piece of art that moves me. It might be a song, a book, a painting, a musical, or a movie. I was a fool for years in thinking that the arts were not worthy of our philanthropic support. It took my daughter getting involved in theater when she was nine years old to show me that the arts are critical to human development.

I cannot explain why the latest version of a “A Star Is Born” featuring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga touched me from the get-go. As soon as I ran across the trailer on YouTube, I knew I had to see it. And I hadn’t seen any of the previous iterations at the time (although I’ve since seen the Judy Garland version). I guess what I want to do with this series of blog posts is try to figure 1.) why this story keeps being retold, 2.) why this version, even from the trailer struck me so hard, and 3.) what are the lessons that Bradley Cooper wanted to teach all of us in his interpretation?

Before you read any further, you need to know that I’m not writing this for you. I’m writing it for myself. This is how I am processing what I’ve seen and why it has hit me in this way.

In this post, I want to look at what I think Bradley Cooper might have wanted to tell me and the world through this telling of this 80-year-old story (spoilers ahead). Why do I think he had something special to say? Because at least four times in the movie his character, Jack, references the idea that those with a public voice need to take the opportunity to say what they want to say when they have the chance to say it. He also said that they have to speak the truth.

I want to start by looking at the songs on the soundtrack that he had a part in writing. Here’s a list of the songs he had a part in writing according to the credits:

“Black Eyes” by Bradley Cooper and Lukas Nelson (Willie’s son)

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Eric Roth, Bradley Cooper, and Rob Fetters

“Maybe It’s Time” by Bradley Cooper and Jason Isbell

“Alibi” by Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, and Lukas Nelson

“Too Far Gone” by Bradley Cooper and Lukas Nelson (I think–it’s not clear)

Let’s look at the lyrics one at a time and see if we can find Mr. Cooper’s message to us.

“Black Eyes”

Black eyes open wide
It’s time to testify
There’s no room for lies
And everyone’s waitin’ for you

And I’m gone sittin’ by the phone and I’m all alone by the wayside
And I’m gone sittin’ by the phone and I’m all alone by the wayside

By the wayside
I’m by the wayside
I’m by the wayside

Too far gone and I’m by the phone
And I’m all alone and I’m off alone by the wayside

I’m by the wayside
I’m by the wayside
I’m by the wayside

By the wayside
By the wayside
By the wayside

I’m by the wayside
By the wayside
By the wayside

Black eyes open wide
It’s time to testify
There’s no room for lies
And everyone’s waitin’ for you
Everyone’s lookin’ at you
Everyone’s lookin’ at you
Everyone’s waiting for you
Everyone’s waiting for you

I’ve got to say that interpreting poetry like this isn’t my strong suit, but it seems to me that someone has been disillusioned of their feelings and thoughts for someone else. I think their eyes are now opened wide. It’s time to confess to the truth. Everyone is waiting. And the victim of the lies is alone, worried and sitting by the phone, but left in the other person’s wake. This song is a lot more foreshadowing for Ally than I realized.

“Somewhere Over The Rainbow”

When all the world is a whole blessed jumble
And the raindrops tumble all around
Heaven opens a magic lane
When all the clouds darken up the skyway
There’s a rainbow highway to be found

This is our first introduction to Ally’s singing. She’s leaving work, walking and singing this little song to herself. I think it’s more foreshadowing. She has just broken up with a boyfriend (I still don’t understand this opening scene for her, and I wonder if there was more about this relationship that had to be edited out for story flow and time). She doesn’t like her job or her boss. But now she’s on her way to be with people whom she loves and enjoys. Little does she know the rainbow that awaits her at the club.

“Maybe It’s Time”
Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die
Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die
It takes a lot to change a man
Hell, it takes a lot to try
Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die

Nobody knows what waits for the dead
Nobody knows what waits for the dead
Some folks just believe in the things they’ve heard and the things they read
Nobody knows what awaits for the dead

I’m glad I can’t go back to where I came from
I’m glad those days are gone, gone for good
But if I could take spirits from my past and bring ’em here
You know I would
Know I would

Nobody speaks to God these days
Nobody speaks to God these days
I’d like to think he’s lookin’ down and laughin’ at our ways
Nobody speaks to God these days

When I was a child, they tried to fool me
Said the worldly man was lost and that a Hell was real
Well I’ve seen Hell in Reno
And this world’s one big old Catherine wheel
Spinnin’ steel

Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die
Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die
It takes a lot to change your plans
And a train to change your mind
Maybe it’s time to let the old ways die
Oh, maybe it’s time to let the old ways die

This song deserves a little more attention. First, it’s Jackson Maine’s signature song so it’s obviously important to the story. Second, the lyrics are much more complicated than the first two songs.

I have no idea what he’s referring to in the first verse, but it feels like the song of a tired man. He’s been trying to recapture something that’s gone, and he’s telling himself that it’s time to change.

The second verse could be foreshadowing his willingness to kill himself. He doesn’t know what’s beyond, but we know he attempted it when he was 13 and he will do it again by the end of the movie. I like the line that says, “Some folks just believe in the things they’ve heard and the things they’ve read.” It’s true and I’m one of them. I’ve found peace and affirmation throughout my life in my Christian faith. His character is just lost and has never found that one thing he could set his anchor in. He had his fame, but that is now waning.

This bridge is quite beautiful. He really misses his dad even though it sounds like he offered him not only nothing, but actually warped him a bit. He doesn’t want to go back and live it again, but he would love to have his dad with him. And probably to have known his mother.

The third verse explicitly mentions God. It’s obvious that Jack doesn’t have a framework for what relationship with God looks like, but this lyric seems to indicate an agnostic’s view of a God who exists, but has no interest in engaging with us.

The second bridge is a rejection of the idea that a worldly life is a dangerous one. I looked up what a Catherine Wheel was. It is a torture/execution device that was apparently last used in the mid-1800s. It’s obvious that Jackson sees life as tortuous. He’s looking for peace and absolutely cannot find it within the framework through which he enters and interacts with the world.

“Alibi”

Don’t ask me ’bout tomorrow
Or tell me about my past
My heart is yours to borrow
Ain’t nothing meant to last

I ain’t lyin’
I don’t lie
Without an alibi

Don’t ask too many questions
You don’t want answers to
You don’t like my direction
Hell, I won’t follow you

I ain’t lyin’
I don’t lie
Without an alibi

I told my dyin’, daddy
That I had to run away
Looked him in the eyes
Said there ain’t no other way
So woman, if I tell you that I love you, be okay

‘Cause I ain’t lyin’
I don’t lie
Without an alibi

I love you in the morning
And when the day is done
But if you want my freedom
You know I’m bound to run

I ain’t lyin’
I don’t lie
Without an alibi

I told my dyin’, daddy
That I had to run away
Looked him in the eyes
Said there ain’t no other way
So woman, if I tell you that I love you, be okay

‘Cause I ain’t lyin’
I don’t lie
Without an alibi

One thing about Jack is that he really doesn’t lie in the movie. He always admits to drinking whenever anyone asks. He seemingly opens his first beer after their marriage on the SNL set and his brother walks up behind him. It doesn’t seem to phase him. In fact, he drinks it right in front of him. Jack is actually a pretty truthful person, and he says over and over again that speaking truth to your audience is important. He also seems very honest with Ally when it comes to expressing his feelings for her. We really don’t get any deception from him. He is tortured, but he’s honest.

“Too Far Gone”

Please don’t tell me I’m too far gone
I can’t go on if I ain’t livin’ in your arms
Please don’t tell me I’m too far gone
I can’t go on if I ain’t living in your arms
Please don’t tell me I’m too far gone

Set me free, oh, oh
Set me free, yeah, eh
Set me free, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh

I wish I could remember him singing this song. On the soundtrack, it comes right between her performance at her last concert to which Jack never shows up, and the speech by his brother about 12 notes between any octave. It pretty much shows Jack’s desperation and fear of having to live without Ally.

So after I’ve gone through this, have I come up with an answer to my question? Maybe. At the end of the day, the thing that Jackson Maine (a.k.a. Jack) seems to value is truth. This movie is about finding your way through the muck of life–the Catherine Wheel, if you will–and sharing your insecurities, confusion, and lack of having all of the answers with those around you. Jack makes a speech to Ally in the cop bar at the beginning that everyone in that room has talent, but the important thing to do is to take that talent and use it to say what you feel like you need to say.

The problem with Jack’s philosophy, and I think Mr. Cooper would agree, is that there are more important things in life than having something to say to others on a large stage. In my own opinion, there is the sacrificing of your will to God and accepting grace and forgiveness through Jesus. But beyond that, there is also loving others and giving of yourself for them. Jack really struggled when his time was fading and he got angry when he sensed that Ally’s was not only rising, but that she was squandering it by not having a message (his complaint about the song she sang on SNL). But his time was just changing. He needed to let the old ways die and embrace his new role. Supporting Ally and giving her what she needed. And also just serving the world through his celebrity. He was right that every person in that cop bar had a gift. We just need to be honest with others and help them as we live it out.

Okay, I’ve probably really overthought this, gotten it completely wrong, or both. But this has at least been a good process for me to go through as I tried to figure out why this movie touched me so deeply. If you’ve read this far, I hope it has meant something to you as well.

 
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Posted by on October 14, 2018 in A Star Is Born (Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga Edition)

 

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