Freedom Writers

Freedom Writers is a movie based on a true story that considers the prejudice, hatred, and racism within a classroom of students just outside LA. This is a movie that tends to expose things in your heart that you would really rather God leave alone. Blacks, whites, asians, mexicans, native americans, arabs and the list goes on and on. Which people group do you have preconceived ideas about? The list doesn't end with race, it also includes social class, nationalities, etc.

How did Jesus respond to these justifiable feelings of hatred and resentment? He told everyone to love all your enemies. Instead of retaliating, Christ says we should turn the other cheek. When and how do we turn the other cheek?

The movie also demonstrates how someone can be an everyday, ordinary hero. A young, apparently naive teacher tries to make a difference in this classroom. She teaches her students how to make a difference in their world of violence. We are all ordinary people, but we find ourselves in darkness we are compelled by the God whom we love to turn on a light and dispell the darkness. Just as we have a tremendous capacity to love, we also have a tremendous capacity to hate.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:13-16.

Being a light for God in a dark place does not only happen when we share how Christ can save them, it also happens when we love those who God loves, and hate what God hates. It happens when we stand up for those who are not being heard.

Are you going to be one of those people that just follows along? Are you going to just accept the hand that has been dealt to you? Or are you going to make a stand? We call you to be everyday heros and to make a difference right where the Lord has put you.

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