Pride and Prejudice

I saw the new movie "Pride and Prejudice" tonight and it far exceeded my expectations. The plot was very congruent and it did not seem at all like they had left things out, although they obviousy had to. The original movie was six hours long, and since this one was only two and a half hours I expected a big difference in quality. I was pleasantly surprised to find only a few changes. All the "important" events were in the movie and only a few things, such as the location of a scene or the particular way something happened, were changed. The acting was wonderful and the story, which was, of course, written by Jane Austin, was extraurdinary. I remember reading the book a few years ago and instantly falling in love with the characters. It is definately a book on my top ten list.
In conclusion, I recommend that everyone see the movie, but if you haven't read the book definately do that first. There is something special about being able to create the pictures in your mind before having seen someone else's idea of the story. Once you let those other ideas into your mind you can never objectively create your own.

Chapter Nine: A Power Overthrown

Grace pondered what her friends had said to her as she lay in bed in that foreign place, and as she tossed and turned she began to be aware of a battle raging within her. For the first time she actually looked at herself in the mirror, and she was terrified by what she saw. Her human form was moderately short, about 5 feet, 3 inches tall, and her appearance was totally discheveled. Her shoulder leingth brown hair was uncombed and there were dark circles under her eyes. As she looked at her reflection, she noticed something in the background, somewhat of a shadow. She whirled around to find Doubt sitting on the bed behind her. "Do you really believe you can be saved?" he whispered. Letting out a hiss, he arose and came towards her. "The words of your so-called friends have all been lies. You have come to far, and you must never look back." With those words, Doubt disappeared, leaving Grace alone. Shaken, she returned to her reflection in the mirror and was discouraged to find a gray hugh about herself. With frustration she returned to bed and her dreary thoughts. But despite the words of doubt, within those throughts, a ray of hope began to shine. For days she thought and, yes, even prayed about what she knew in her heart to be true. She wanted to change, and the influence that the creatures of darkness had over her had been weakend by her newfound faith. After struggling with doubt for a week, she was ready to call out to her friends for help.

The creatures of light converged on the Maker’s abode once again, for the second and final council to be called on behalf of Grace was about to begin. Wonder and awe filled the hearts of these creatures as they watched their loving Maker in his attempts to bring Grace home. Was there nothing he would not do to save one of his own? The Maker began to speak, and a respectful hush fell as he did so. "I called you here today to share with you the truths of this battle we have been fighting. As the close friends of Grace, I ask you to continue to pray for her safety and for her repentence. A victory has been won in her heart and your friends, Faith, Hope, and Love, have triumphed over the Enemy." With that, He bowed his head, and those watching him might have seen a small tear slip from his eye. His love for Grace was evident, and as his servants watched him weep for her, they knew that their prayers were needed and would be received. After several moments of silence, the Maker raised his head and began to speak again. "It is time for Forgiveness to go to Earth," he said. Forgiveness, in her peacefully glowing light, came forward at His words. "My darling, my love goes with you. Speak to your friend with compassion and bring her home to us safely." To the group, he said, "thank you for coming. You may return to your homes." With the conclusion of the meeting, Forgiveness traveled to the great door and stepped through to earth, where her other three companions were waiting for her.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Grace awoke the first morning of the following week with the knowledge of a presence in the room. She sensed a calm that she hand not felt in a very long time, and she finally felt that she was ready to accept the help of her companions. She opened her eyes to find Love sitting on the bed beside her, and for the first time in a long time Love’s light was not blinding. The acceptance in the eyes of Love was so encouraging, and Grace made a choice in that moment that she was through with her rebellion, she was done following Insecurty, walking with Self Denial, and allowing Fear to controll her heart. Suddenly, she sat up in bed and embraced Love with all of her heart. Tears began streaming down her face as she renounced all of her deceivers and accepted Love as her friend once again. In the heavenly realms, Fear let out a scream as he felt his power slip away. He was once again reduced to a lowly creature of darkness, not good enough to kiss the feet of his master. "I’m so sorry," sobbed Grace. "Will you ever forgive me?" Love accepted her pleas with a ready and willing heart, but she knew she must speak once again before letting go. "I have forgiven you, but there is another who greater deserves your repentecne. Let us go to Him now." "Oh, I’m so afraid of Him," cried Grace. "Yes," said Love softly, "but in your heart you know Him well, and you know that He still loves you. Choose to believe the truth, and it will really and truly set you free." Love then released her friend from their embrace and stood to go. Panick struck Grace as she saw her friend leaving, but she was reassured by the sight of her dearest friend of all, Forgiveness, entering the room.

Copyright © 2005 by Jamie Madera. Reproduction is forbidden without permission. Contact me at jamielynne87@yahoo.com.

Chapter Eight: Grace's New "Home"

Grace awoke and found herself in a bed with soft covers and lush, feather-filled pillows. It took her a few moments to remember why she was there, and when she finally recalled her circumstances she let out an agitated sigh. "What have I done?" she thought. "I have brought myself to the utmost destruction, and now I must somehow explain to these people why I am here." At that moment the woman that Grace had seen earlier that morning walked into the room. Her long brown hair was pulled up into a messy knot and she wore a pair of jeans and a red cardigan over a white t-shirt. The expression on her face was kind, yet concerned. As she approached, Grace's mind began to race. "What will I tell her?" she thought. At that moment she heard a man’s voice calling, "Christine, could you come here for a minute?" The woman smiled apologetically, then quickly left the room, promising to return shortly. It was then that Grace saw for the first time that one of her kind was standing in the corner of the room. Faith stepped out of the shadows and within an instant was seated on the bed beside Grace. "You still have a chance," she whispered tearfully. Grace knew of what she spoke, and the only reply she could muster was the loss of a tear, not merely from her eye, but from the depths of her heart. "I want to change so badly," she said. "Can you help me to hold on? Can life ever be the same again?" Faith reached out and took Grace’s hand. "In our Father’s house there are many mansions. You have seen them, lived in them. Can you yet deny the truth? Let go of your hate and bitterness. Believe that you have been made worthy in the Father’s eyes and you will be set free." Grace closed her eyes, trying to stem the flow of tears. "How can I change what I have done? How can I make it better?" she said. When she opened her eyes she saw yet another of her kind. Love stood there, her blinding light once again too beautiful to look at. "What is it that is holding you back?" she asked. Grace knew immediately that it was fear. Sensing her answer, Love replied with the words of the Maker, spoken long ago. "Perfect love casts out all fear," she said. "Embrace my friendship and fear will have no power over you." With that, the two were gone, leaving Grace to ponder their words. Back at Annus’ headquarters there was a small earthquake. Grace’s heart had been softened and the realms of darkness were shaking. Fear shook as well. He knew his power had been weakened, and for once he was afraid.

Life Continues

Yes, I am alive. Although I have been quite distant from the world of blogdom for a long time now, my life has continued in its normality. Except that it has been normality times ten, if you know what I mean. Each time I begin to sit down and reach for a book or close my eyes my mind reminds me of another essay that needs to be written for a scholarship application or a measure in my piece that is not up to standard for the performance yet. Sometimes my body is crying out for rest, and all I want to do is to sleep. But most of the time I forget my tiredness and just trudge on through the day. My biggest struggle is to find adventure, and to renew the love of life that is so important.
My latest challenge has been "abiding", and by that I mean walking hand in hand with my Creator, listening at every second, always willing to do what He asks. I want this to become a reality in my life, so I am beginning now. I can tell it will be a long process :) I struggle with reaching out of myself and seeing the hurt or joy in another's eyes. My prayer lately has been "Father, break my heart for the lost." I want to live to serve, that has always been in my heart, but my flesh continuously tells me that serving myself is all that is important. I believe that life is a constant battle to silence that voice and listen to the Voice of Truth that speaks life and says "Care about them because I do, love them becuase I do, serve them because I do, be willing to die for them, because I did." That is what I want my life to be, a combination of those desires. In summary, one big adventure of walking daily with Christ, serving others, and learning to love a love that does not come from myself.
I love what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:8 "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed: we are perplexed, but not in despair: persecuted, but not forsaken: struck down, but not destroyed" This is what gives my heart a spark of adventure - the idea of living a life totally sold out for Jesus, laying down our lives, being persecuted yet standing firm. That is what makes me excited about life. I love to witness, I love to challenge people with Truth, and I love to walk in the will of Christ and see prayers answered.
My life right now is a journey of faith. I am always learning and changing, and I am excited to allow Christ to work in me to become the woman of faith that He wants me to be. Thank you Lord that you are powerful enough to change my heart, even my heart.