As I prepare to write another movie is 2020, I have been doing some research this month to prepare me. One book has pointed me to a few scenes from the 1990 film Pretty Woman. The goal of these exercises is to receive inspiration, ideas to develop characters and write dialogues that relate to every day people. While Julia Roberts is talking with Richard Gere, the two discuss what brought Vivian to become a prostitute. Despite receiving a few compliments from Edward, Vivian shrugs them off, suggesting that “the negative is what you remember and believe.”
You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false, John 8:44.
During a first century conversation with religious leaders, Jesus introduces a theory to explain the whispers and inner voices that attempt to hold human beings down. As human beings struggle to overcome the demons of their past, the source of the negative in your mind is the Devil, “the father of all lies.” Unfortunately, even those who learn of this truth still tend to develop ungodly beliefs such as “you’ll never amount to anything, you’re not smart enough and even if you try, you’ll end up failing anyway.” A similar conversation occurs in the 1993 film Rudy as young man waits at a bus stop, eager to fulfill his childhood dream. Rudy’s father played by Ned Beatty tries to talk his son, Sean Astin, out of this decision, with the words, “you’re a Ruettiger; we’re not good enough for Notre Dame.”
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows), John 10:10.
During the parable of the Shepherd, Jesus takes this concept one step further. Not only does the Devil want to keep you down by remembering and believing negative comments, his ultimate goal is to steal, kill and destroy. First, whispers of evil are designed to steal any glimmers of hope that pop into your mind. When this has become successful, stage two seeks to encourage people to gradually give up on pursuing childhood dreams. Finally, spirits of depression, despair and suicide enter to further devour and destroy lives. May this blog expose how negativity influences wounded souls to come to believe the father of all lies.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 