So a friend and I were talking about old movies this week…which is pretty normal if you know me. I mean, if we’re friends for more than five minutes, probably at some point in the next five we’ll talk about the merits of studio-era Hollywood. Didn’t always treat their actors so well, but man, they made good movies.
And anyway, I was reminded of my favorite quote from pretty much any movie ever. It’s from The Philadelphia Story. Tracy Lord aka Katherine Hepburn aka Melissa’s favorite actress says the line and she’s talking to Mike Connor aka Jimmy Stewart aka brilliance-in-the-flesh. It’s a simple line:
The time to make up your mind about people is never.
They’re talking about whether or not Mike is an intellectual snob (he kinda is) and the quote is just one in a hundred that makes dialogue in this film fabulous. But that one line always, always stands out to me. Maybe because I don’t care for the thought of people making their mind up about me…boxing me in or deciding I’m beyond changing.
But I was thinking about it again this week at work. I’m part of the development team for a homeless nonprofit and one of the things we talk about pretty frequently is the public’s preconceived notion of what “homeless” really looks like. And because of my job, it’s ridiculously easy for me to get on a soap box (can we talk sometimes about why we call it a soap box?) on the subject of not assuming there’s one look or one cause or even one solution to the issue of homelessness…and how it’s not a good idea to “make up your mind” about a man or woman who is homeless.
And yet, how easy is it for me to make up my mind about the other people I encounter every day?*
Which is a sad thing. Because making up my mind that a person is [insert negative trait] often overlooks backstory and usually totally disregards the very real possibility of change. And maybe even more than that, it ignores the radical ability God has to do big things in us…to dissolve our weaknesses and smooth out the prickly pieces of our personalities.
I mean, really, He’s the only one who has the right to make His mind up about anyone. Because He’s the only one who already sees today the people we’re going to become tomorrow…and the next day…and the next.
The truly crazy thing: His love doesn’t change from yesterday to today to tomorrow, whether we change or not.
So if I’m going to make up my mind about anything, let it be about learning to love like that.
Serious question: your thoughts on that quote? Fun question: your favorite movie quote?
*And I’m talking in a negative way here. Because of course there’s a flip side. It’s never wrong to make up our minds that the people around us are created, valued and loved by God…
Comments 19
Oh, so true! I am guilty of often putting people into a box, but the Lord has been busting through some of those lately and convicting me to love people instead of pigeonholing them.
Movie quotes? Too early in the morning for my mind to capture one. But I do love Philadelphia Story! One of my absolute favs! But how could they lose with Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant all on screen together?
I know, those three are my top three faves…which puts The Philadelphia Story near the top of my movie list. Love, love it!
I LOVE this! People’s stories are always so much deeper than we can comprehend. I am imperfect and I want to love people deeply like Christ
Thanks, Lisa…you’re so right…people’s stories have so much more to them then what we usually see on the surface. If there’s anything working at a homeless ministry has taught me, it’s that.
Too early for me, too, Melissa. But I love Jimmy Stewart in anything. You are so right about reserving judgment. I hate it when I make a snap judgment about someone.
Yeah, Jimmy Stewart was awesome in every movie he ever made. 🙂
Love, love, love your thoughts here! It’s so easy to get judgmental or think that one thing that someone does defines them. I certainly don’t want to be defined by my meltdowns or snobby moments or temper tantrums (ahem). And you’re right–no one is beyond God’s saving grace.
Oh my goodness, yes, with you on not wanting to be defined by my moody days.
Great reminder that we far too often jump to conclusions about people. As far as my favorite quote: Hmm… the only one that comes to mine is “Failure is NOT an option” from Apollo 13. 🙂
Good quote, Reebs. 🙂
That’s an awesome quote! Thanks for introducing it. I like how you put words to your own thoughts:
“… I don’t care for the thought of people making their mind up about me … boxing me in or deciding I’m beyond changing.”
Thanks, Beth. Oh, your book is on its way to the winner of last week’s giveaway. I know she’s going to love it!
A great quote and thought, Melissa!
My favorite movie quote – too many to count! One of my newest ones to quote, though, is from Leap Year – “Put it in the wash; it’ll be grand,” though it must be said in a Irish accent. 🙂
I don’t remember Leap Year very well. May need to rewatch it. 🙂
You are so right. Our church is part of a program called Family Promise. We work with other churches in the area to house a couple of homeless families until they can find employment and housing. The The churches rotate housing the families a week at a time (about once a quarter). They stay at night and then go to a day center during the day to shower, do laundry, and work on finding employment. These families look like you and me. They are good people who are just down on their luck and don’t have family to help them. It sure has taught me to not judge so quickly.
Love the way you think!!!
That sounds like an amazing program, Sherrinda. Good job!
Cary Grant marathon, huh?
Thoughts on the quote? Judge not…
Favorite movie quote? “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.”
Star Wars, right? I’m woefully under-knowledged when it comes to Star Wars, I’m afraid…:)
How does the idea of hell figure into this thought?
Jason