The Good Lie | Empower The Dream

My husband and I watched the movie, The Good Lie last night. It is rare that my husband will watch this type of film with me. He comes from Africa and it hurts his heart to see the hardships of his fellow brothers. He was fortunate to be born in the more advanced Mediterranean country of Algeria but his ancestors are of tribal decent and he has witnessed and heard of the pain and suffering that's been a bigger part of his family history.

We watched with emotion and feeling deep gratitude for our life.

Reese Witherspoon is the most famous star in the movie, but the real scene-stealers were her cast mates.

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 follows four refugees who flee soldiers, watch their family die of hunger, being eaten by wild animals, dehydration, exhaustion and crossing rivers at gun fire. Over a 4 years span of time they travel by foot nearly 1,000 miles to a refugee camp where they eventually relocate to the United States. At that point they still face the struggle to reconcile with their sister and lost tragic past and arriving with the deepest feelings of love and gratitude.

I have to admit, tears filled my living room last as I watched their pain and their triumphs – there is much more than I can relay here now. Thinking about it now even breaks open my heart again…

The Good Lie reminded me of 3 things

1. I was reminded to appreciate the United States a little bit more. Now I love our country for sure and decided to not only focus on what is not working like the food industry (which I do a lot) but rather more on freedom and opportunity for all. Also…

I've watched my husband, Riad, face disappointment time and time again due to the challenges a new person in our country faces – limitations initially to make a living or sense of belonging. However, Riad continued to remind me (despite the challenges) that the US is the best country in the world and partly due to the help that is provided for others to escape devastation just like with 'lost boys' and many other refugees. Yes, the movie reminded me of this too.

2. I was reminded of the depth of our human strength, even as children we can truly face most anything and can overcome extreme fear. And in our heart we all sense a deeper knowing that it really is our right to pursue happiness.

3. I was reminded of why I am here and why I created Empower The Dream – to support the well-being of others so they are deeper fulfilled and are able to give more and can pay love forward, I believe this is at the core of all of us. I will continue seeking awesome charity organizations – which now includes The Lost Boys Foundation. As I mentioned, one of the boys from the film is now the Executive Director of this foundation and living right here in Phoenix AZ.

Talk about inspiration and a reminder for when I get all cranky about not having enough of something. I love how the Universe really does give me what I need right when I need it.

During our everyday activities, holidays, while shopping, traveling or spending time with others – let's take time and remember our greatest gift – our gift of freedom and life. And to give something truly priceless to another like safety, love and an enormous feeling of value for them for being here too.

In gratitude and love,

Teresa Salhi

Empower The Dream

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We watched with emotion and feeling deep gratitude for our life.

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About Teresa Salhi