What I Learned from a Movie

Troy and I got to go on a date last night. It was the first time in a while that we got to go out, just the two of us. We went to the movies to see Catching Fire since Troy hasn't seen it yet. But they sold out. We looked at what else was playing, and decided to see Mandela.

What I didn't see

I don't know a lot about him. I read the rugby book Invictus, and to be honest I can't remember a whole bunch. But the movie was powerful none the less. There were two big lessons I took from his life.

1. Fight for what you believe in...peacefully.

Today we just go with the flow. I've caught myself doing it. We just accept what is in front of us and try to work around it or with it. But why not try to change it?
Why not attend a (peaceful) rally for something you believe in? 
I've attended a few rallies for something I believe in.  One was to educate women on their options for birth, the second was to remove the term "mentally retarded." Two things I feel strongly about. Both of these rallies were quiet. But we were heard.
In the movie when Medela was sent to jail he told his friends "we are going to make the guards respect us." Everyone was confused how this was going to happen. He simply stated "we are going to ask them for pants." They had been given shorts. Through this simple request that he quietly yet repeatedly put in. They got their pants... And the respect of the guards.



2. Never give up.

"The more they oppress us the harder we fight."- Winnie Mendela.
Nelson Mendela served 27 years in prison. Then he became the President of South Africa. Never give up. It may seem like the harder you fight the worse it gets. But if it's something you truly believe in, and believe is best for you, your family, neighbor hood, etc. I bet you might be surprised on the outcome.
If life seems like it's thrown you a crappy hand. Do what you can to make it happen. I did not plan on having any children til I was done with school. When I found out I was pregnant I thought about quitting. "How can do I do it all?" is what I kept asking myself.... And I still ask myself. But I've been able to push through. I continue to go to school and do well. I will never give up.