Smoke and Mirrors

Joyful Noise [i]is a 2012 American musical comedy-drama film starring musical power houses, Queen Latifah (as Vi Rose Hill) and Dolly Parton (as G.G. Sparrow).

 

In this movie, G.G. consistently argues with the choir's new director, Vi, over the group's direction as they head into a national singing competition.[ii]

 

One of my favorite musical pieces is the remake of a 1988 song (by the legend that originally performed it) into a spirited choral piece. Does this familiar chorus below hold any meaning for you (regardless if you are a female)?[iii]

I'm starting with the man in the mirror[iv][v]                                                                              I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change[vi]

A long time before the above lyrics gave their important message; the Almighty already proclaimed it in James 1:22-24(NCV) in the Bible.

 

^“Do what God’s teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves. Those who hear God’s teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror. They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like.”

 

Have been exposed to a great deal of biblical instruction during your lifetime (like me)? It’s easy for it to go through “one ear and out the other” without any noticeable life alterations occurring.

 

Often when we think we’re doing everything we need to do to become good, “holy” Christians, we deceive ourselves (and those who care about us) at a very high price.

 

The following quotes may aid you in better understanding the “mirror” concept, and becoming all you need (and want) to become in your life (and in Christ):

 

1.  “He is God.  If He wanted to shoot you, He wouldn’t miss.”[vii] (The reality of this quote is that the Heavenly Father is powerful enough to do what He must (and needs to) do in your life without your permission. Always trust His wisdom and love.)

 

2.     “Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.”
[viii]

3.     “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” [ix]

4.     “When someone don’t fit into a neat little box, the answer ain’t to squeeze them in even harder…You build a bigger box.” [x]

 

5.     “When you get all wrapped up in yourself, you make a pretty small package.”[xi]

 

A second song (below) in the movie, Joyful Noise, provides us all with clues about how our attitude needs to be in finally achieving ultimate happiness (as a result of obeying the Heavenly Father’s bid for spiritual transformation). Will He be everything you need for all parts of your existence?

 

I see Him when the children are at play
I hear Him when the church bells ring on wedding days
I feel Him when the breezes blow
Adore Him where the flowers grow
Revere Him when the oceans roll
He's everything

We're born, we live, we die and life goes on
We love, we laugh, we cry so forth so on
And we're a part of His creation
Every person, every nation
He's in every situation
Everything

He's everything
Let's lift Him up
Through everything, He's loving us
Is it asking all that much
That we should do the same
So let us sing and raise our voice
Let us make a joyful noise
Let us praise His holy name
He's everything

In everything, He plays a part
In everything, He leaves His mark
Restores our lives, our broken hearts
The God of hope and change
So let us sing and raise our voice
Let us make a joyful noise
Rejoice and praise His name
Rejoice, sing it again
Rejoice, His joy remains
He's everything

He's always lovin' us
We should show a little love in everything
He's the God of hope and change
He's the cure for hurt and pain
You know He loves us all the same
'Cause He's everything, He's everything

Everything He plays a part
Heals and mends our broken hearts
Restores us when we fall apart
'Cause He's everything, He's everything[xii]

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[i] “Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth; burst into songs and make music.”  Psalm 98: 5(NCV)

 

[ii] “Smoke and mirrors” is something which is intended to confuse or deceive people (especially by making them believe that a situation is better than it really is.)    idioms.thefreedictionary.com

[iii] Please note the male book title, The  Man in the Mirror: Solving the 24 Problems Men Face,  by Patrick Morley

 

[iv] www.urbandictionary.com defines the term, “man in the mirror,” as one extraordinary man, whose influence and strength has left an indelible historical mark on the fabric of social consciousness.

 

 

 

[vi] From the song “Man in the Mirror” (performed by Michael Jackson)

 

[vii] From the 2012 movie, Joyful Noise

 

[viii] Quote by Ernest Holmes

 

[ix] Quote by Edith Wharton

 

[x] From the 2012 movie, Joyful Noise

 

 

[xi] From the 2012 movie, Joyful Noise

 

[xii] The song, “He's Everything,” from the movie, Joyful Noise

 



Joyful Noise with Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah (left to right)