We watched with emotion and feeling deep gratitude for our life.
The drama, inspired by true events, recounts Sudan's (Africa) second civil war several years ago and the stories of a few of the thousands of children it orphaned and displaced, who became known as the "Lost Boys." One of the actors actually LIVED this event. After watching the film, I discovered that there is a Lost Boys Foundation in the city where I live and one of the orignal boys is the founder and director. This discovery thrilled us and we have since visited them and supported their mission. My husband and I came together when I was traveling to Africa for a few reasons but one was to explore more how I may serve those in need. We vowed to stay connected to the Afrcian culture and need even when he moved to US. The Lost Boys Foundation is one way we are doing this. Ok, let me get back to sharing more about the movie with you.
The Good Lie reminded me of 3 things
Always good to be reminded that we have a lot and are lucky compared to so many others.
How wonderful to be reminded about all the great things and advantages we have here in this country. You’re right — we get so used to seeing (and focusing on) the things that aren’t are we wish they would be that we lose sight of what we do have. Especially those “little” things we take for granted — like clean water and shoes.
We get so accustomed to the world’s tragedies, that we forget there is this incredible essence of humanity that survives to remind us never to forget. How wonderful that you and your husband are able to support The Lost Boys.
Yes, the resilience of the human spirit, whether it is those from Africa or those who survived the Holocaust, when tested, human beings are amazing what they can survive. Yes, we are so blessed to be living in the United States. Sometimes I am embarrassed about my USA “problems”. Thanks for the reminder to re-evaluate my contentment.
Thanks Teresa for sharing your thoughts on this inspirational movie 🙂 Yes, I am so very grateful that I live in the US, as well! Looks like a movie I need to watch soon! Appreciate the share!
Although I haven’t seen this movie, I do know about The Lost Boys and did see a documentary about a small group of them. My sense is when you grow up without having all the luxuries we are afforded here in North America, your perspective is different. You are grateful for the things we take for granted. Especially things like running water, and heat and electricity and food. Freedom of course is very subjective too. Freedom has a different meaning for each of us. It’s wonderful when a film touches us so deeply and actually moves us to take action! I really love the lessons we took from the film, Teresa and that you took action to become involved with The Lost Boys local organization. Wonderful!
I learned so much from your piece and the comments of others and I recall seeing the movie & being so touched by it. Many of us come from immigrant parents & something they seem to have in common is they don’t talk about their struggles to get here. Oh to be blessed with an easier life, yes, but how important it is to understand & have compassion for those who have to struggle, sacrifice & fight for it.
It sounds like such a powerful movie. I love the lessons you draw from it, Theresa, and I appreciate your positive approach. We do have so much to be grateful for!
I don’t recall ever seeing that one but have seen several where we are in another country and seeing how life is different in third world countries is interesting as I have never left the US. It’s humbling, ya know?
You have to add this one to your list of films – it is one of those that take you on an incredible journey and remind you have good most of us really have it.
Teresa this is lovely. I have put The Good Lie on my movie watch list for sure! My parents are immigrants and for sure – it isn’t easy coming to a new country, but you can make a better life for yourself. Your story is a great reminder for ongoing gratitude for things that are so taken for granted – a home, water, food, security – all things we enjoy here in the US.
Yes so true, thank you Audrey and hope you enjoy the film as much as we did.
I am crying with you. My husband is a political refugee. His story and those of his family amaze me. It takes such strength and courage to move to another country leaving everything behind. We have so much and take so many things for granted. How much more could we achieve if we focused on gratitude?
So you really understand the journey on a personal level too with your husband, Christy. We can really achieve and be so much more, we are all allowed the opportunity to expand our compassion and appreciation a little deeper and wider….what a difference it can make.
Great inspirational post. I never saw this movie. I am with your husband, my parents came from poverty in Italy so seeing anyone struggle is really hard for me. But I do believe that being grateful for what we have here in the US will make us better citizens and better human beings.
Yes, for sure. I have learned so much thru my husband and learning about other cultures outside of my immediate awareness too.
What a moving story, Teresa–both of the film, and what you and your husband are doing. It really does help to put into perspective how wonderful our lives are, and the horrors that so many others face.
I love your # 2:. I was reminded of the depth of our human strength. Yes.
Thank you for this.
You are welcome Susan – thank you for your reflection – back it means a lot.