Sorrow is a part of life. Death, divorce, strife, rejection, shame, and abuse are prevalent during these last days. It’s always sad when someone dies, particularly someone viewed as a hero in one’s eyes. I had just watched a Christian movie, Clancy, written and directed by Jefferson Moore. It is about a meek, docile and very brave 12 year old girl named Clancy who runs away from her apartment where her alcoholic abusive mother also resides. She befriends a homeless vet Nick who has fallen on hard times with a regretful past. Clancy has a strong faith. She teaches the homeless vet about the love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ as well as other truisms. Unfortunately a corrupt mayor gets wind of the social services case against the girl’s mother and how it is linked to the reported runaway. He frames the homeless man as a kidnapper holding the girl hostage so he can make it look like he rescues her in order to get reelected. He sends a law enforcement team to capture the homeless man. Nick comes out and stands outside a dilapidated shack with broken wood and openings while Clancy ducks inside. The homeless man ducks as some of the police officers take aim. Unfortunately, Clancy gets shot due to the bullets making it in through the openings. Nick’s police officer friend clears everything up and the mayor gets charged for corruption. Nick gets to visit Clancy in the hospital. She appears to be on the mend while plans to adopt her go underway.

Alas, this precious child with strong faith never gets adopted. She dies before Nick has a chance to visit her again. Nick goes through another period of grief, but then replays in his head some of the things Clancy taught him. He overcomes and rises above his grief and finds a good job. It’s a happy ending for Nick. Clancy goes home to be with Jesus.

I bawled when the end credits started rolling. I hugged Mercy and shed tears onto her neck. My passion for helping at risk youths has only gotten stronger. I have not been able to cry that often, so why did this movie make me cry? It could be because I am still sad about deaths in my own life, including that of my dad. My heart breaks for disadvantaged children. Only this child had found Jesus. She was at peace and content, not afraid to die.

I then went to bed. I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about another movie I remember seeing long ago that I had a similar reaction to. It had been brought to the forefront of my consciousness. Over 20 years ago I saw the movie The Crow starring Brandon Lee. The story plot is not of the Lord. I watched it at a friend’s house when I was not as mature in the Lord. I remember Brandon Lee and how handsome he was. It was sad how Brandon Lee’s character died in the movie especially since he also died in real life at the same time. I remember how I felt when the end credits rolled at the end of that movie and the song “It Can’t Rain all the Time.” by Jane Siberry played. To say I was feeling sad would be an understatement. I felt sorrow and grief since the movie was so melancholy. The movie did not glorify God, however Jane Siberry’s song is so beautiful for she sings about love prevailing and grief not lasting forever. It really tugs at your heartstrings.

The Bible promises that death is not forever. According to 1 Corinthians 15:54, death is swallowed up in victory. Jesus defeated death on the cross. Psalm 30:5 says that crying may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning. According to Revelation 21:4 God will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or pain, for the old order of things have passed away.

I choose to praise God for the joy that is ours in Christ Jesus.