Monday, August 15, 2011

Courage Creates Change








Well. I finally got to see it yesterday afternoon. Finally.
I went with my gift of a girlfriend next door neighbor and her best friend.

I told her we had to wear our pearls.

I felt it was a pearl worthy event.

Lord knows I haven't been to the movies with a girlfriend in years.

Thank you to my sweet husband who loved on five babies so I could have a little break.

I have been waiting with bated breath to experience on the big screen the
522 page book I devoured in two days.

I may not have cooked, cleaned or folded a single piece of clothing during the reading of this novel.

It is a page turner times ten.

If you haven't seen the movie yet and you haven't read the book either, my humble suggestion is to do yourself a favor and read the book first.

There are little details that go by very quickly on the big screen that you may miss if you haven't read the book. (Like what was written on the check when Hilly opened her letter for one)

The folks seated to my right kept asking their one friend who had read the book a bunch of questions during the movie!

We did not get to sit together. The movie was packed out on a Sunday afternoon even four days after opening day.

Go early. Especially if you want two or more seats together and bring tissues.

Or if you are like me and forgot your tissues, just use the sleeves of the sweater you wore tied around your neck. As long as you don't mind your sweater being covered with black mascara and tears.

Here are a few of my thoughts on the movie. There are too many to count!!  It was life changing for me and I am still wrecked on so many levels this morning after a 4:15 showing yesterday afternoon.

I fell in love with Skeeter and Minny and Aibileen during the reading of the book.

I loved their courage above all else.

Courage creates change.

Courage changes lives.

Courage causes the very reason God created us to come forth and causes fear to take the back seat.

Sometimes we have to be willing to lose everything to discover the reason He created us.

Sometimes (a lot of times) friends will not agree with the thing that you are called to do.  Do it anyway.

One of my favorite parts of the movie (there are SO many)  is the first time Aibileen says to Mae Mobley...

"You is kind. You is smart. You is important. "

I lost it.

When Mae Mobley repeated it back to her later on in the movie.

Forget it.

The sweater sleeves were dripping with mascara.

Our children have deep wells within that hold and remember the words we speak over them.

I have to speak more life.  I have to take motherhood up a few more notches.

More goodness. More love. More wisdom. More encouragement.

Because the world is sitting on ready to tell them otherwise.

Maybe Skeeter had the courage to write and fulfill her calling because of the years of life Constantine had spoken over her as a child.

When they flashed that very moment on the screen and Constantine spoke those words about choosing not to believe the negative things people say about you and how ugly is something that "live up on the inside."

Lost it again. For about the tenth time.

Another one of my favorite parts was at the end when Aibileen said this.....

 "No one had ever asked me how it felt to be me. When I finally got to share it............ I felt free. "

It wrecked me.

There is something about sharing our story.

Sharing our testimony.

The bad things turned into good things. The ashes turned into beauty. The mourning turned into joy.

It takes courage.

It changes lives.


Have you read the book or seen the movie yet?  What did you love the most?


42 comments:

Valerie said...

Oh Sibi...this was so beautiful.

Thanks for sharing.

You really touched me when you said, "Our children have deep wells within that hold and remember the words we speak over them."

We must speak positively...with softness...even when correction is necessary...when talking with our chldren.

I can remember every hurtful word...disappointment...expressed to me by my father.

No, I don't dwell, but it saddens me that I don't remember the kind words...they were so few and far between that you would think I could remember them...but the harshness erases the kindness if it is too frequent...

Thanks so much for dropping by last week. It was such a treat since I admire you so much!

Blessings,
Val

KatieB. said...

I loved this movie. I hope it becomes a must-see for generations to come. It's not just important to see as an understanding of our history, but it's a must-see so we can understand how to treat one another. Basic human relations. Such strong life lessons were intertwined throughout it. Love, love, love!

Love Being A Nonny said...

I read the book as soon as it came out. I saw the movie yesterday....with my pearls on of course! I liked the book a lot. I LOVED the movie. I am 54, so there were so many visuals in the movie that took me back to those years I was growing up. I could watch the movie again with no words...just to SEE the visuals. We had a black lady do our cleaning and laundry when I was a child. Lots of people did. I hope we treated her with kindness. I hope she felt loved and a part of our family. I loved the SPUNK Abiline and Minnie had. And I LOVE Skeeter's voice. Actually, I LOVED EVERYTHING about this movie!!!

Michelle said...

I am not one to wait anxiously for a movie to come out, but after I read the book I just couldn't wait. It was wonderful and the movie (which generally dissappoint) was wonderful as well. So glad you got to enjoy it with some sweet friends. I am now wanting to see it again just to take a good look at the clothing and sets! LOL

Courtney said...

I am almost finished with the book and I can't wait to see the movie. I am so happy to hear that you got a mommy day off to go see the movie.

Tiffany said...

No, I haven't read the book or seen the movie...
but Oh, Girl...I am in tears just reading what you wrote. You just don't know...
I will read the book & see the movie.
Thanks for your words, always beautiful.

Sibi said...

Good Morning Valerie!

You are so welcome!

I found myself reading your comment and shaking my head, nodding as I read your words.

Words written from the deep places.

I pray that God would erase and replace....

That he would erase the sting and the hurt and the wounds of the horrible words spoken over you by the one who should have loved you the most. And that he would replace them with His words.

Words of love and life and purpose and destiny ...

He says in His word that He rejoices over us with singing... I pray that you feel that today.

I know you must be the most incredible Mother to your children. Parenting out of so much love and goodness and intention! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a special comment today.

Bless you sweet friend,

Sibi

Sibi said...

Katie,

Felt like I had been punched in stomach watching some of the scenes in the movie.

Oh the disgrace of it all.

The way people treated one another. The way the women treated the other women.

It was too much. I thought they did an incredible job with the movie though. Felt like I was there and not seated in a theater....

Sibi said...

Nonny,

I know you had your pearls on! That is just so you....

I loved it all too. And yes, would love to see it again!!

I would love to watch it with someone from that generation just to experience it all with them...and get their perspective.

Hope you are enjoying all of those beautiful grand babies!!

Sibi said...

@ Bella Michelle~ Me too! I am going to take my husband to see it with me the second time. It's so good I can't stand it.


@Courtney~ You are going to looooove it!! Can't wait to hear your thoughts after you see the movie!

Sibi said...

Mrs B~

Your heart will race. Tears will fall. You will come undone in a good way.

And....

It will make you want to be better person in every possible way.

Get ready.
Big Hug.

Heather said...

Great post! I loved the book, and saw the movie yesterday. I really enjoyed it too. I thought the acting was terrific.

Sibi said...

Heather~

Thank you!

Me too!

Tiffany said...

Hi Sibi,

I love your blog; I love your heart for women and mothers!

i loved the book & the movie just as much! I also think reading the book first is important! I think it made me enjoy the move all the more!

I had so many favorite parts as well. I really like Skeeter's mom telling Hilly off! I equally loved Aibleen and her sweetness and the amazing example she was! It all truly touched me. It grieved me to once again read and see how awful people were treated. We ALL deserve to be treated with kindness and love.

Thank you for the reminder about how we can speak to our kids and create them with our words! The prayer you spoke about one commenter I am taking for my daughter - we have not been seeing eye to eye lately and I am afraid I haven't been very kind.

Oh there is so much more I could say and write but I will end by saying how much I appreciate you and your heart for women. I am always blessed by your words and heart.

xoTiffany

Preppy Pink Crocodile said...

I couldn't agree more! Truly one of the most powerful movies I've ever seen! In the best possible way.

KK

Jo said...

Sibi ~
Your review only heightens my excitement to see this movie. I read the book in a day and a half ~ loved every single written word! My book club had a great time discussing all the characters and the hidden messages that are still being played out in today' times ... some good, some downright ugly! There are women that I work with or bump into on a regular basis that could easily pass for the characters in the book/movie. Some of us really need to grow up and stop acting like nasty high school girls ... just saying.

I'm going out this weekend with a couple of girlfriends that I haven't seen in while for dinner and then we are off to see The Help. I can't wait :)

Jo

Elizabeth said...

Sibi,

I have read the book and I can't wait to see the movie over Labor day when I go home with my mom and sister since I don't think hubby would appreciate it. I have heard great things about it. However, I can't for the life of me remember what the letter said that you are referring to! I don't own a copy, I got it from the library and it is driving me nuts. Thanks for another review of the movie. I also thought some of the saddest parts were Celia's story, and that wasn't even the main focus of the book.

Nancy said...

Hi Doll:
So happy you got a little time for yourself to see the movie. I have a date planned with my bestie next week. I was waiting for her to finish the book before we could go. I can't wait to see it. I hope you are well, I pray for you often.
Much love
Nancy

3 Peanuts said...

I want to see it so badly. We are on vacation now but I will see it next week. I love your post.

Jenny Beth said...

sibi wasn't it just divine. I ached when I saw the parts with abileen and mae mobley. This book really brought to light how short my time is and how precious the words of encouragement I MUST speak to my little girl. If I dont take the time to build her up no one else will. and you KNOW I had on my pearls...

About 2 weeks ago I cleaned out my jewelry box to find 5 or 6 strands of pearls and 9 pairs of pearl earrings... haha guess I wear alot of them huh?? made me giggle and think of you. I have something special I want to email you about. Be looking for it~!!

Jenny beth

DianeTaylor said...

Hi Sibi - I have heard SO MUCH HYPE about this movie - but I have no clue what it is all about. Can someone enlighten me? Please? Sounds like I should read the book first - but truth be told, I have no idea what it is all about :)

Sibi said...

Tiffany~

Thank you for your beautiful comment and for your encouraging words.....

Yes, it was so hard to read those parts and then to watch them all played out. The injustices. The hatred. The way those ladies treated their help as if their life was more valuable.....

I loved Aibileen.

Her heart. Her humility. Her love for Mae Mobley and others in spite of the cruelty.
I lost it when she walked into church and the applause was like a football stadium and the preacher handed her THE book. Right there in between a hard back cover where HER words.....

It was too much...in a good way.

I just wanted to encourage you with your daughter and yes, please take the prayer and use it ....

I have a precious 21 year old daughter who means the absolute world to me and we do not always see eye to eye. I'm sure if you called her right now, she would roll her eyes at the mere mention of me:) But I love her with a love that is not from this world and I will not stop praying for her and fighting for her and loving her no matter what.

You just keep praying and don't give up.

Big Hug,

Sibi

Sibi said...

PPC~ Yes! I'm ready for round two! I want my husband to see it this time!

Sibi said...

Jo~

Loved your comment:)

Truth.

I wish I could count the Hilly's I've encountered.

Have mercy.

Enjoy the movie!!!

Sibi said...

Elizabeth~

It was a note card with a check enclosed and written on the check were the words "Two-Slice Hilly"

I know it's all going to come back to you now! :)

Yes, I agree with you about Celia's story...

Hope you enjoy the movie!


Raining Pearls~ Oh you are going to love it!! And thank you for thinking of me and for your prayers! We are hanging in there!!:) Praying Daddy will come home soon! Big Hug to you!

Sibi said...

Kim~ 3Peanuts! Hope you all are having a wonderful vacation !! Can't wait to talk with you after you've sent the movie! :)

Sibi said...

Jenny Beth~ I loved your comment and your email!:)

Will email you back as soon as I can today!

Diane Taylor~ You can read about it online, it's all over the place! Those web sites can break it down for you ten times better than I can! Or pick up the book which you will not be able to set down for a second:) (My suggestion!)
It makes you think. Laugh. Cry and so much more!

Can't wait to hear your thoughts once you read about it!

Tiffany said...

Hi again Sibi,

I just read your response to my comment from yesterday. Thank you!

Another aspect of the movie I thought was very intersting was how these women felt about the The Help and how ignorant they were about the diseases they carried, etc. and yet they had these women practially raise their kids - bath them, change them, love on them - quite amazing!

Thank you! I found your blog, if I remember correctly, through Lisa Leonard - she tweeted your blog address about a year or so ago and said "sweet blog" so I clicked over and have been reading ever since.

Thank you again for your heart, for doing what you are called to do!

xoTiffany

Sibi said...

Tiffany~ Yes so true. Beautifully written....

I'm so glad to meet you! Thank you for reading and commenting here! I had no idea Lisa did that!

I would have said thank you!

She is amazing isn't she?

Enjoy your week!!!

MM said...

Wow! This is almost the same post that I did this morning on The Help! Well, you state your points much more beautifully than I ever could. Like you, I couldn't put the book down! I even battled a packed theater to see it the day it came out...so not my style, but I had to. And like you, I was wrecked when Aibileen told Mae Mobley those 3 things. And of course, wrecked all over again when Mae Mobley would repeat them. Beautiful book, movie and story. And beautiful post about it!

Alecia said...

I finished the book Monday and am going to see it this evening with my best friend. Everything about that book was amazing. I can't wait to see this wonderful book play out in front of me.

The part in the book where Mae Mobley says the words back to Aibileen that she had spoken over her was my favorite...I was crying so hard so to actually see a sweet little girl act it out will probably do me in!

I also loved when Minny was waiting for the scream and when she heard it in the middle of the night...HILARIOUS! I love Minny's sacrifice and I wanted to punch that husband of hers in the throat! She & Celia had a sweet relationship.

I can't wait to see Celia...she was one of my favorite characters...she seemed to be color blind and that was a sweet gift to have back then. I love how she saw Minny as a person, would serve her, would sit with her...and her husband...he seemed absolutely PRECIOUS!

I could go on and on about this book...I just can't WAIT to see it on the big screen!

Alecia said...

Oh and thanks for sharing about the importance of speaking life over ourselves, friends & family...it's sooo important...we are a reflection of our Creator and His Word is true about us...speak that Truth to those you encounter and yourself...we can be so hard on ourselves...it's the best thing you could do for yourself anyone else.

I was thankful Mae Mobley had someone in her life to do that even if it was for a short time...she needed it...he mother was AWFUL! :-( Broke my heart.

Judy said...

I took my 91 year old mama to see The Help yesterday and posted a review on my blog. While the movie drove home the "race" issue it was the injustice we humans do to each other that spoke to me. I am a child of the south raised during the 60's. It's hard for anyone to understand those times but I can say I never knew anyone like Hilly - thank goodness!

Octavia Spencer who played Minny is from my hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. There is a wonderful article about her in our local newspaper.

I don't imagine anyone could see this movie and not be touched by it.

Judy

Tamara Lambert said...

Amen! I am a slow reader and I read it in 3 days. Nothing seemed to matter until that book was finished. I went by myself on the children's first day of school, and half of the people in the theater were alone (a noon show). I hate watching people treating other people ugly. Yes, I had black lines on my face by the end!

Beth said...

I love your blog! So precious:) I love how you talked about the "perfect moms" in your previous post. And I am dying to go see The Help now that I've read so many fantastic comments! So glad I found your blog!

Anonymous said...

OH Sibi- your words are just the best! I love your heart! The book was amazing and I did take my hubby to see it and really enjoyed it! The whole Mae Mobley scene - could hardly stand it! I just love that Mae Mobley! Your babies are precious as are you - thanks for your inspiring words!!

Cammy (mama of 3 precious boys)

under spanish moss said...

We loved the book; however, have not made time to see the movie yet. We can't wait. We just did a post on the screenwriter's plantation in Mississippi. If you get a chance check it out!
Angela and Renee

Journal Swag said...

I've read the book, (lent it to someone saying "this is the only book, I'll ever ask you to please return to me..." and sadly it wasn't). I must buy it again. I never read books twice, but in this case I'll make the exception. I haven't seen the movie yet, but am anxious to. Good for you! Thanks for your lovely words!

Sheila

Between You and Me said...

best re-telling of the movie and the book that I've read so far out in blogland.

I loved the movie....cried and laughed and cried some more.

It's one of those movies/books that you can't shake and it's a good thing. We don't need to shake it...we need to know the history of our country and what people have endured for freedom.

love it!!!!

Tiffany said...

Bought the book...half way through.. SO glad I read this post & decided to go get it! LOVE it!

Mimi said...

I saw the movie first and am planning on reading the book as soon as daughter finishes it ~ guess I did it backwards. Because I hadn't read it first, I wasn't expecting the tears and neither were my precious girlfriends; but flow they did and we didn't even have sweater sleeves!!

As southern-born children of the 60's, we could almost put ourselves in the movie; but hoped with all our hearts we were more like Skeeter than Hilly. Yes, I'm afraid I did and still do know some Hilly's.

We got the name on the check part ~ the theatre almost burst at the seams with all the laughter.

As a grandmother of 5 precious little girls, I, too, lost it completely every time Abileen held or talked to Mae Mobley.

Please know that you will be in my prayers especially while your hubby is away. My daughter has 3 little girls and a husband that traveled sometimes a week at a time and always 2/3 days a week until this year. It's hard not being able to share the load with someone.

Love Being A Nonny said...

Sibi, Mentioned YOU on my blog post today.