“There has to be more.
There is more. Much more.”
This line from God’s Fool – “A New Story About an Old Saint”, namely St. Francis of Assisi – really makes the entire movie. Granted, I’m biased – my name is in the credits (you guys, my name is in the credits!) – but it really is a must see.
In case you missed the fanfare over Memorial Day weekend, God’s Fool is available to stream now. RIGHT NOW! Today. This minute. You can rent or buy at RagamuffinRentals.com. Not yet rated but expected to be PG.
Normally there would have been a big in-person premiere weekend, followed by a tour of churches, followed then by the movie being available for purchase. Pandemic life has everything upside down, though. No one knows what normal is anymore. A writer on matters of faith and finances used “the new abnormal” in an article the other day. I think I’m going to adopt that phrase.
God’s Fool is the third and final film in the Ragamuffin trilogy. Ragamuffin (about Christian musician Rich Mullins) and Brennan (about “vagabond evangelist”, author, and speaker Brennan Manning) are the first two. Each film is standalone, so you can watch them in any order.
Some of my protestant and nondenominational readers probably question why a movie about a Catholic saint. The answer is the common thread in all three films: Rich Mullins, Brennan Manning, and St. Francis of Assisi were exceptionally good at pointing people to God, the real hero of the story. Of all our stories. St. Francis could be considered the first ragamuffin, a term coined in modern times by Brennan Manning in The Ragamuffin Gospel. Many Catholics and non-Catholics are fond of St. Frank, patron saint of animals, the environment, Italy, and reportedly several other locations and things. I remember hearing the subject of the highest number of biographies (or maybe it’s just titles?) in the US Library of Congress is St. Francis of Assisi. I’m having trouble tracking down a reference for that stat, so today just take my word for it. St. Francis. Not Jesus. Not George Washington. Not … name anyone else you’d think more likely.
Early Christians were known as followers of “The Way” before the term Christian was ever used. Of course, I’m translating here, as Modern English wasn’t a thing yet. Neither the language nor the band. I guess St. Francis figured out The Way in a time (the Middle Ages) when things in the Catholic church were, um, interesting. The Crusades were happening … indulgences were for sale. Martin Luther didn’t nail his theses to the door of the church until three hundred years later.
Changing gears slightly, the latest event to stir up the race debate was reported this week. At least one life was lost … I’m hearing there’s rioting, so stay tuned I guess. Sigh. I was part of a group video chat last night where eventually the subject came up. Being lily white and middle class, I intentionally do more listening than speaking when tragic events like this happen. There are a few points to, well, point out though …
Racism does exist. Still. When looking at statistics on prison sentences, convictions, arrests … people of color experience disproportionately harsher outcomes. People of color are pulled over by law enforcement disproportionately more. Again, I’m not an expert on the subject and don’t have the links at my fingertips, but the numbers are disturbing. Dialogue on the whys and solutions, followed by action, is needed.
Not all shrieks of police brutality are, in fact, police brutality. Some are.
Not all videos of events tell the entire story. Some do.
Law enforcement officers risk their lives every time they go on a call. The current supercharged environment has heightened that risk. Some of my favorite people are in law enforcement. Please appreciate the danger of what they do and their willingness to serve.
Not all conservatives are racists. Not all Christians are racists. Not all white people are racists.
Not all liberals are wackadoos, atheists, communists, pro-abortion, or in favor of completely open borders.
Not all law enforcement officers are brutal.
Some people are racists. Some people are brutal.
Even a single bad apple is hard to take. How do we weed them out?
First understand that every media outlet is slanted. Every one. All have a financial stake in getting you to read and watch their content. And to keep coming back. In addition to media, many politicians and political operatives have a vested interest in stirring up your anger and fear. Don’t believe everything you read or hear. Too many sources of our information have a natural incentive to turn every issue into a sensationalistic World War III us-versus-them WWE free for all.
Friends, we are far closer to being on the same page in this country than “they” want you to believe.
In last night’s chat, one of my dear friends shared a story from his college days. In a group that was predominately white, someone made racist remarks. In discussing the incident and considering what the appropriate action might be – revoking the racist’s membership would be typical – a perhaps surprising proposal came from a member of a minority. They said don’t kick the individual out … because it would send a message that racism is okay as long as it’s somewhere else.
Whoa.
Indeed, friends, real change is most likely to come from small interactions.
If you feel the need to join a mass protest, storm your legislator’s office, or post excessively on the SoMe … by all means you do you. #SorryNotSorry, but my lack of jumping online immediately to condemn an action doesn’t equal endorsement of it or being part of the problem. It just doesn’t. Contrary to some sanctimonious remarks I’ve seen.
In seeking life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all, I prefer to speak up rather than speak out. Challenge racist and biased statements, which more often than not happen in small, private settings … “Wow, that’s really offensive.” … or “You don’t actually believe that all ABCs are XYZs do you?” Seek to learn from those with a different viewpoint than you. Learn why they feel the way they do. Learn from those with a different ethnic background than you. With a different faith. The Brown Brown family, an interracial couple, just started a YouTube channel (plus you can follow them on Facebook) to address matters of race. I look forward to learning from them.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. ~James 1:19
Everyone has unconscious bias. Everyone. We all have different experiences, views, beliefs, culture. That bias can lead to unjust decisions and actions. Challenge that bias in yourself and those in your circle.
All this serious talk has me weary. Let’s end on a less serious note. My source for all things Barbara Mandrell alerted me to the existence of a brand new dance party remix (!!!) of Sleeping Single in a Double Bed. Don’t be biased, you must give it a listen.
