Never Give Up

I just saw the movie Sanctum tonight. Often times I leave the movie theater inspired and motivated to press on harder in school and overcome the seemingly large challenges in my life.  Tonight was no exception. Here are a few things that I learned.

• We are a product of our environment. At the moment, I feel like I am so use to my current living situation that it is actually limiting my growth.  I think its time for a change of environment so that I can see life at a different angle and gain an enhanced perspective. I really liked the setting of the movie.
• Never Give Up.  In the Bible, the idea that God never gives us more than we can handle, is present.  No matter how gloomy the situation may be, God always provides an out. In the movie, Sanctum, the father encourages his son to never give up and this attitude is what saved him.  As I look back at the times when I didn't achieve a goal I set, because of lack of motivation as a result of defeat, I realize that I didn't utilize every option that I had at my disposal to overcome the challenge. Oftentimes, I think it is our own minds that determine if we are going to be defeated or not. We have to chose to not be defeated.
• Don't panic. I remember after explaining to my grandfather that school was getting difficult. He said to me " When the going gets tough, the tought get going". This is true. When tough times present themselves, panic will only worsen the situation.  When there is panic, there is a lack of faith.  The confidence that comes from faith in God and faith in oneself  because of God is what helps us make it through such tough times. 
• Lastly, poetry plays a major role in the movie. I have my own quote that comes to mind when I think of Sanctum.  "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of great challenge and controversy" - Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. In the beginning of the movie, some of the characters seemed really cool. That coolness wore off, however, when they found themselves in sticky situations and compromised their morals.

Thank you, James Cameron for a movie full of great cinematography and excellent life lessons.

NBG