francene--blog. Year 2013
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April 14th, 2013

4/14/2013

 
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www.conversantlife.com
A fact-based drama I watched last night set me thinking. Although not the usual type of film I would choose, the good acting from Al Pacino and Johny Depp held me enthralled and drew me into the plot. The astounding thing was: I loved the characters, despite their wrong doing. I could understand why they lived each day within the regime of the Mafia, and played by their rules.

Because of my comprehension, the bible's teaching rang in my mind. Love they neighbor as thyself. I loved the characters, despite what they did—and some of it was pretty gruesome.

Could the same thing be applied to everyone who lives around us—our neighbors. What about our enemies? Could we understand what drives them to act the way they do? Not just understand, but truly love them?

Each of us makes occasional mistakes, chooses the wrong path, lashes out in anger, or blurts hurtful words. And yet, we go on loving and forgiving ourselves, and vowing to change our ways. If we can do that, perhaps we could apply it to the people around us.

For instance: Mr. Bloggs upstairs leaves his clothes line in plain view for days on end instead of tidying it away. I could excuse him because, from his window, the bright yellow lines wouldn't clash with the green grass the way it does from my view below. Instead of bringing it to his attention, I chat to him each time he passes and sympathize with his problems. Okay, there are worse problems than this example. I'm sure you can supply your own. I live a sheltered life.

In Donnie Brasco, Al Pacino's character gave love in his own way to Johny Depp, his underling, secretly working for the CIA. At the end, the Mafia man forgave the betrayal from the youngster he'd taken under his wing. This love redeemed him as a character.

Life is just as complicated as the '97 film. Each person lives to a set of rules imposed by their own society, belief system, creed or gang. If we could understand what lies hidden inside the people we meet, our life would be so rewarding. Maybe we'd grow to love them despite the way they act.


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Ang Schaffer-von Scheffelheim link
4/13/2013 07:44:43 pm

It is inspiring to see someone think about things using what Christ taught rather than some of the hateful things I see day in and day out from people who profess to be "Christians". You have a very healthy attitude and I appreciate that very much.

Francene Stanley link
4/13/2013 10:01:16 pm

I'm sure most people would like to look at things this way. They just need a gentle reminder, given without judgement.

Jacqui Malpass link
4/13/2013 09:55:48 pm

Sometimes it is hard to see it from others perspectives, so it is good to be reminded that if we do it will change how we think and perceive the other person and their situation.

Francene Stanley link
4/13/2013 10:02:45 pm

I've always seen things from another person's perspective. However, this film drove the message home that I can actually love the good in them.

Amy link
4/13/2013 10:13:30 pm

Francene,
Johnny Depp and Al Pacino are such talented performers that it's no wonder that you felt empathy for them, even in their flawed characters. Great thoughts!

fr link
4/14/2013 03:18:44 am

You're right. The sign of a true actor is to make the audience love them.

Anita-Clare Field link
4/14/2013 12:12:56 am

I have been bought up never to judge others and always to see things from other peoples perspective. There is good in everyone, you just have to look harder in some than others.

Francene Stanley link
4/14/2013 03:19:30 am

I'd like to think so.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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