Last night several members of my family watched The Singles Ward, an LDS comedy that I would never have watched were it not for the recommendation and free loan of the video from a single sister I home teach. Apart from a tendency to overdo things for a laugh, I found the movie to be surprisingly good. I was especially surprised to find myself relating well to the man character, John, a divorced Mormon who struggles to find his path forward in terms of his faith and his social life. While my life has been much different than his, his descent into acting like a jerk and his rescue motivated by the influence of a good woman reminded me of some of my low points in life, and of the way that the examples, the influence and the kindness of LDS women (especially but not only my wife) have rescued me. My life probably would have turned out to be vastly unhappier, much less filled with joy, were it not for the presence of these female beacons who called me back to shore when storms were raging. God bless them all.
We are all such imperfect beings. Even those who we think are strong often have great weaknesses, gaping wounds in our spiritual psyche that need first aid from those who can heal. How vital it is that we love one another and seek to have charity in our lives, for a simple kind act at the right moment can make all the difference. As the great Apostle Paul wrote (Ephesians 2:19-22):
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
We need to be in a community of saints, founded upon Christ with the inspired guidance of divinely called apostles and prophets to guide us. We need each other and the Church in our journey, if we are ever to find joy and ultimately Eternal Life. How grateful I am for the blessings and guidance that the Gospel offers us, and for the kindness of its members – especially some of you sisters and my own incredible wife.
My new favorite LDS-oriented movies are Baptists at Our Barbecue (comedy) And The Work and the Glory (docudrama).
After that would be “Best 2 Years.”
Mormon movies seem to be “growing up”, and not quite as amateurish as the early ones. But even the amateurish ones are worth the $5-$10 if you can get them used on Ebay.
The Single’s Ward is still one of my favorite comedies. Most of what came after from Halestorm looks like cutting room floor footage that wasn’t good enough for the Single’s Ward.
My favorite drama is a bit of a tie between Brigham City and The Best 2 Years. Both good in their own rights but I love a good mystery and the challenges faced in Brigham City more.
Brigham City – heavy but remarkably well done. Thanks for reminding me.
My kids are embarrassed that I also liked God’s Army. To spare them emotional harm, I’ll try not to mention this (in future posts).
Don’t forget the 70’s mystery-thriller THE PHONE CALL. This is one of my favorite movies of all time, mormon or not. It was the pioneer that cut the trail for Napoleon Dynomite.
john
Amusingly enough, I watched Singles Ward this evening for a similar reason.
I’m a convert to the church and work as a nanny for a couple in our Family Ward. A friend of my employer had lent them the movie, and not having much else to do after they went down for their naps, I went ahead and watched it.
I was also pleasently surprised. It’s not my favorite (Best Two Years takes that spot) but I definitely enjoyed it more than Home Teachers.