One of our family’s favorite movies is
the animated feature, Up. It is filled
with moments of humorous adventure and has many beautiful pictures of love and
friendship sprinkled throughout. In fact, the final scene is one of the most
powerful and moving clips I’ve watched. However, you need to know some of the
backstory to fully appreciate it.
Russell is a young boy scout that
inadvertently became a tagalong on Carl Fredricksen’s journey to remote
South America. Though they are seemingly forced into comradery by their
challenging circumstances, this unlikely duo builds a very special chemistry. As the
film winds down, Russell (whose dad is out of the picture) has earned a prestigious badge and it appears will go through this special pinning ceremony
all alone. Enter Mr. Fredricksen…
For a moment it looks as though Russell
might be the only boy to go without a representative, before Mr. Fredricksen
suddenly shows up and with the simple words, “I'm here for him,” saves the
day. In the clip, Carl speaks for Russell. He stands by him and with him in a
statement symbolic of so much more. It is as if Mr. Fredricksen is saying, “No,
he’s not alone. He is mine. I claim him. Russell is spoken for.”
Wouldn’t it be something to have that
kind of impact - to be that kind of support for someone else? I mean, how
awesome would it be if we could show love to the ones that stand alone - to
speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves? Good news is that we can be
that! We can participate in an impactful role in our world and we can get
started today. Today is #SPEAKUP Day!
#SPEAKUP Day is an
opportunity to bring awareness to people with Special Needs and Orphans around
the world by giving them an opportunity to experience a day where the focus is
on how AMAZING they are. There are various ways to get involved and take
part in this special day but first hear the backstory.
On September 30th
of last year, Jay, a young man who was suffering from epilepsy, autism, and
various other ailments, passed away. Jay lived on the My Life Speaks campus in
Neply, Haiti for only 6 months. However, during that brief time, his life
helped change the culture of that village. He went from being “that” child with
issues to simply being a child in which the community came to know and love. His
life reminds us all of how amazing changes can happen from the most unusual sources.
Today, My Life Speaks wants to use the gift of his life as a springboard for
change – for both children with Special Needs and Orphans around the globe.
My wife and I were blessed
to spend some time with Jay the month before he passed. He truly had a sweet
heart and an amazing story. The above picture is one of him being ornery and
trying to hide from one of his friends. Our church has partnered with My Life
Speaks in the past and we currently have two teams lined-up to return to Neply
in November and May. You may not be able to make one of those trips but you can
participate in good right where you live. Please click on the following link to
learn more about this wonderful opportunity and consider how you and your
family might speak up... http://www.mylifespeaks.com/speak-up-day/
I cannot watch a movie like Up or read about #SPEAKUP Day without
thinking of how Jesus has loved us in this way. He is our Advocate! He stands
by us, speaks for us, and says, “No, this one will not go alone for He is mine!
I am with her. She belongs to me!” What a privilege it is join in Christ’s
mission to reach the world through loving like Him. Though Jay has gone to be
with His Father in glory, his life still speaks. May we answer the call of the
Father and use our opportunity to speak up today.
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