Last night, Ben introduced me to The Truman Show. And yes, I'm 29 years old and have never seen this movie. haha! In all honesty, there are a plethora of popular movies that I've never seen before that Ben kindly introduces me to and I usually love them! (including Star Wars and Lord of the Rings)
What was my scene highlight from The Truman Show?
At the very end, before Truman chooses to exit the film set that was created for him, the creator of the show says, "In my world, you don't have to fear." We all know this was bogus in terms of the movie...Truman had everything to fear in the world where he didn't have choices. He had everything to fear in a world where the people that surrounded him did not genuinely care for him. It was all a set up. It was all fake.
I believe this movie is a parallel to how our lives will look if we allow the opinions and thoughts of others to rule over us. Do you have an internal struggle with letting go of other's comments or assumptions about your life choices? I'll be the first to say yes. Yes to both ends of the spectrum. I am a judge, even though I know I'm not supposed to be. I judge others motives in their actions. I assume the worst and am easily offended. I am also eager to please people. I sometimes say or do just to get approval. I hate being rejected.
Back to The Truman Show.
Once Truman knew what was going on around him, there was an instant fear that overcame him. His recognition of the fake world he was living in became fuel to his determination to escape. He wanted freedom. Freedom to live life governed by his own choices, not the choices made for him. hmmmm....quite a revelation, don't you think?
I believe there is a deeply healthy balance in caring and hearing other's opinions and comments. Proverbs 15:22 --> "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." I am a firm believer in surrounding yourself with a few people who will speak truth into your life. (and not just the truth you want to hear) However, these people need to be chosen carefully. They must be people who you respect. They must be people who are willing to listen to your story and give solid feedback. They must be people who live a godly life by example.
I also believe there is a rightful place of building "thick skin." As a close friend of mine put it, "Sometimes we have to recognize how limited others' perspectives are because they don't have all the info."
If we lean too hard into the place of caring so deeply about other's opinions, we will NEVER live life to the fullest. Our actions will constantly be shaped by what others think and this will rob our joy and confidence. Our life will eventually become some sort of "film set" designed by others (unintentionally). You see, Truman was not a prisoner. He had a choice. He fought for the freedom he knew was out there and entered into a world where he could live, truly live, without being controlled by others.
So, here is my prayer:
Father, I ask forgiveness for the moments when I have wrongly judged others & made assumptions about motives. Teach me how to live in kindness and love...how to be bold in asking questions before I jump into my pool of judgement. I also ask that you would teach me how to live in joyful confidence, knowing that my whole identity is found in You alone. Your opinion of me counts more than anyone else's here on earth. I want to live in freedom, determined to not allow others opinions to rob me of living my life to the fullest. Amen.
