Seven Pounds

A couple of days ago some friends and I went to see the movie Seven Pounds. The mystery of the film is part of what makes it, so I don't want to give anything away. But I will say this: whether you like it or not, it's sure to spark some great discussion.


I am intrigued by what I perceive to be an increase in films with deeply spiritual themes. There is most definitely a trend in Hollywood towards diving into some sort of spirituality.


Seven Pounds certainly takes that to a new level; one, I thought, was rather obvious.

But today I was discussing this film with some co-workers. The only other person who had seen it didn't really enjoy the film because she found it terribly sad and depressing. My reaction, while also very strong, was totally the opposite. "Yes, what happens is very sad, but it's so deeply redemptive," I reasoned.

And a strange thing happened then. I realized abruptly that though I was surrounded by people who had also grown up in the Bible Belt, our realities of spirituality in everyday life are vastly different. For their reaction was a collective: "What does that mean?"

In a moment of great insensitivity (go figure) I blurted: "Are you serious?"

"Yes. I have no idea what that means."

I thought for several moments until finally admitting I couldn't describe redemption as it related to the movie without giving away much of the plot. "You know," I flicked my wrist a bit dismissively, "it's the whole idea behind Jesus. We all sin, his death and resurrection paid our debt. Redemption. It's like someone else paying a debt that you owe. Only it's not a monetary debt, it's deeper, more valuable or life-changing..." I trailed off because my answer wasn't computing with my audience.

I can't stop considering this whole scene. At first I was appalled by what I felt was a lack of intelligence. Read a book, would be my advice to my little brother if he were to pull a conversation like this. But I'm wrong there. How is it that these people have grown up in the South, in church they say, and don't understand the basic idea of redemption? But then it's more personal-- how have I worked with these people for six months and not had a conversation that speaks to the deeper things in life?

Selfishly, I want to say it's because they're shallow. They like to party, get drunk, be hungover at work talking about partying and getting drunk etc etc... Realistically, I say I've failed them. Not because they have asked for me to speak deeply with them; far from it. But because I know that a large part of my purpose is to love people, to build relationships, and to lead them to the deep Living Water. Not to be a snotty bitch. And unfortunately, I play that role all too well.