The other day the four of us went to watch a movie: The Impossible. The film makers say it the true story of a family of five that were caught up in the 2004 tsunami that hit Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and 12 other countries. And killed some 230,000 people.
I was gripped by the move from start to finish. What gripped me in particular was the being of the mother Maria:
– Her absolute love for her son Lucas. And her willingness to do whatever it took to ensure his survival.
– Her humanity in the most dire of circumstances that save a young life, that of Daniel and which ultimately ended with Daniel being reunited with his father; and
– How she inspired her son Lucas to let go of his fear and call forth his humanity – to save Daniel, to help others in need, to be useful when so many were in pain.
I was also touched by the humanity of many others. People who in the most desperate circumstances put their humanity in action: shared what they had to share, put themselves out to save lives.
If you have not seen it then I encourage you to go and see The Impossible. If you do choose to go and see it then please think carefully before you take any non-adults to see this movie. It is not for the faint-hearted. And it is one of the very best movies I have seen.
Ultimately, it is movie of possibility, of transformation and of leadership.
