My new favorite book/movie: Project Hail Mary. I am obsessed with this charming and inspiring story right now. I have read the book twice. Watched the movie only once so far but have been binging on movie clips of various scenes on YouTube. I am not much of a movie theater attender or a fiction reader so my reaction to this story has fascinated me.
I love the very likeable characters. The inspiring and thoughtful themes. The laugh aloud humor. The smartness of this story. The friendship. The optimism even when times are rough. This movie/book has heart and somehow speaks straight into my soul.
I have learned to notice when something resonates deeply within me. Pay attention when my soul is stirred – either in a positive or jarring way.
My spiritual director reminded me to listen to my tears. Frederick Buechner wrote this about tears: “You never know what may cause them. The sight of the Atlantic Ocean can do it, or a piece of music, or a face you’ve never seen before. A pair of somebody’s old shoes can do it. Almost any movie made before the great sadness that came over the world after the Second World War, a horse cantering across a meadow, the high school basketball team running out onto the gym floor at the start of a game. You can never be sure. But of this you can be sure. Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears, it is well to pay the closest attention.
They are not only telling you something about the secret of who you are, but more often than not God is speaking to you through them of the mystery of where you have come from and is summoning you to where, if your soul is to be saved, you should go to next.”
So why has Project Hail Mary mesmerized me? The themes echo my values. I deeply listened to that connection. I talked with God. I sit with this question and here is what is bubbling up:
1. Project Hail Mary affirms being who you are and the importance honestly connecting with that true self. Be you! Be true to where God’s calling in your life.
2. All will be well. Julian of Norwich’s quote and one I have been practicing more in my life. Keep going. Encouragement is so motivating.
3. And in that persevering through the ups and downs of life: I find hope, courage, and joy. Priceless gifts.
4. Love is always worth the effort. We can choose love. If you don’t know what to do, chose the most loving option.
Deep down we were created for love, connection, and purpose. Project Hail Mary upholds these beliefs.
What movie/book has been inspiring you this summer?
I’ve heard/read other enthusiastic reviews of the book/movie, Hail Mary. Have added it to my TBR list. Meanwhile, I recently finished an old classic by Andrew Murray, Abide in Christ. It too provides encouragement but also challenge. For example: “Abiding fully in Christ is a life of exquisite and overflowing happiness. As Christ gets more complete possession of the soul, it enters into the joy of its Lord” (p. 122). How encouraging we can experience exquisite happiness! But I must ask myself, am I allowing Christ more complete possession of my soul? Page after page offers such inspiration to deepen our relationship with Jesus and experience him more fully.
Your love for this book and the movie, especially since you aren't naturally drawn to fiction, certainly fascinates me, Jean. I can see myself in those same values of love, connection with others, and God's purpose for each and every one of us. I absolutely have to read this and/or see the movie. Currently, I'm tackling "Gone With the Wind" as my summer reading. I have seen the movie multiple times, but reading the novel is, in many ways, a closer experience to truly living in those times. Blessings!