my movie review of "the Letters"

Last night I saw the movie The Letters. I recommend it and will offer my “two cents” on it:

·         I noticed Mother Teresa responded to those who opposed her, both within the church and outside the church. She went to God in prayer first; defended for the glory of God but not for her personal reputation; showed bravery in the face of enemies even when she was afraid; Spoke boldly when needed; asked for help from the men in her life when needed.

·         Mother Teresa was able to work within the religious system she was in (diocese of the Catholic Church) and still obey what God was asking her to do personally which was to leave the cloistered convent, care for the sick and dying of Calcutta and eventually start a new congregation/order (church planting).  I have hope that our denominations and institutions can partner with people who are hearing God’s direction for their lives.

·         I found it interesting that those evaluating her life for sainthood were so surprised and taken back with the darkness/depression/doubt Mother Teresa battled that were expressed in her letters.  That’s really pretty normal considering the challenging assignment she was carrying, physically and spiritually. Their response may speak more to their own lack of understanding of mental health, having an easier assignment or unfamiliarity with the transparency of Mother Teresa’s letter writing.

·         She didn’t set out with a goal to build and establish all that she did but rather sought to be obedient to God day by day.  That’s a different leadership model than we often find in ministry today.

·         Everything about her life started with prayer. How different things might have been had it not been for that significant train ride to a prayer retreat.

·         I don’t remember any use of the Bible by Mother Teresa being shown.

·         It was interesting the use God made of the waiting periods as letters were exchanged and how different that is today with our instant electronic communication. Sometimes it would serve me well to not be able to hit “send” so fast.  What might we be missing from God and His building of our patience and character with today’s instant communication?

The acting was good by Juliet Stevenson. The pace was slow at times but overall, well done and worth seeing for sure!