Blind Side.

Monday, March 22, 2010

On the plane ride to Canada the in-flight movie was Blind Side, directed by John Lee Hancock and based on the true story of NFL player Sean Tuohy. The film is about a young, disadvantaged black man growing up on the tough side of town who is given a second chance. He is taken in by a well to-do family, given a place to stay, a proper education and an opportunity to try his luck at football.

Many could say this film had little to do with our trip and in some ways I agree. But there was something about this film that seemed to tie everything together for me.

The similarities I saw between this Hollywood hit and what we’ve been experiencing and learning for the last five weeks was the power of people. This movie wasn’t only about football and what we were learning wasn’t only about poverty. Both were stories, stories about real people. They were stories of their struggles, their innocence and their silent hope for something more. These stories were about faith and having heart and keeping hope and not giving up. This story was about a person and a family reaching out to change a strangers life, not because they had to and not just because they wanted to but because it was the right thing to do.

People are born into unfortunate circumstances every day. Just because they don’t look like they’re going to be something special doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the chance to prove the universe wrong. Some of the best things come with rough edges and some of the most wonderful people come in unique shapes and sizes.

To me this movie was about thinking outside the box and not taking things for face value. It’s about going against the grain and is meant to remind people to lend a hand and help those who need it. Not because they have to or because they may get something in return, but because it’s the right thing to do.

Sometimes doing things for others may do more for you than it does the person you’re helping.

Try for courage, aim for honour.