MOVIE & BOOK CORNER

I love a good period piece and this movie did not disappoint. The Young Victoria gives you a good feel of the way a young lady must have felt growing up as the sole heir to the throne. I rented the movie because I never knew anything that history didn’t say about England’s Queen Victoria. Maybe British school books covered her life in more detail but not the U.S. as much.

Produced by Martin Scorsese and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, the Oscar-nominated film takes a look at the turbulent early years of Queen Victoria (Emily Blunt), who was crowned at the age of 18, and whose ill-fated marriage to Prince Albert (Rupert Friend) would later prompt her into a life of mournful seclusion. Also starring is Miranda Richardson as the Duchess of Kent, Jim Broadbent as King William, and Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne.

I do remember from our history books that Queen Victoria was the longest reigning monarch in England’s history. She bigger than life and she would have been an inspiration in any era.

However, if you’re a kid at heart and love a good western movie on a Saturday afternoon, Louis L’Amour’s story, Crossfire Trail is for you. It was a labor of love for Tom Selleck, who met L'Amour while working on The Sacketts in 1979 and remains passionate about the author's work.

The story of Crossfire Trail opens in 1880 off the coast of California, where Rafe Covington watches his best friend, Charles Rodney, die. Covington promises his friend that he will return to his home turf of Wyoming to take care of his ranch and his wife.

Arriving in the small town, Rafe meets the gorgeous Ann Rodney, who is being wooed by the town's most powerful landowner, Bruce Barkow. Rafe chooses to settle on Rodney's farm, enlisting the aid of his friends and a wise ranch hand, Joe Gill. When it becomes clear that Barkow is simply gunning for the Rodney ranch, Rafe stands up for his departed friend's good name and professes to maintain control of it; that is, until hired gunman Bo Dorn gets in the way.

The movie is good for all ages and the women will like it too. After all, Tom Selleck really sells himself as a rare breed of real men with old fashioned morals and rugged cowboy looks. If that isn’t enough, the filming is incredible and the supporting cast was perfect. Get the popcorn out and sit back for a good time.

“Sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.” – Satchel Paige.

THE HEALING OF A GRUNT

(Read 1 Peter 3:8-17)

But even if you do suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
1 Peter 3:14

It was the 60’s and Vietnam was in the news daily. Families even watched it going on as they brought TV’s into the kitchen at dinner time. Every family had or knew someone serving even though the media called it an unpopular war.

I enlisted but with one note on my record; I went in as a conscientious objector and I volunteered to be a medic. I didn’t agree or disagree with being there because I believed that you couldn’t understand it unless you lived it. A conscientious objector was not a popular label as far as the brass and the drill sergeants were concerned and they really didn’t trust me.

I wasn’t afraid of guns or going to war. My superiors were surprised when I fired expert on any weapon they put in front of me. I had taken karate lessons before I signed up and loved a good fight. However, I was a Christian first and no matter how tired I was at the end of a day, I prayed; all through my service. Fellow soldiers and drill sergeants mocked me when I knelt down and prayed.

I didn’t believe in killing others but I was prepared to defend any casualties in my care during a battle. I would always ask for forgiveness and ask the Lord to forgive the enemy. After all, the kids I was fighting may have been like me and they believed they were doing their duty.

In some battles, I had to do some things I still won’t talk about and in some cases I was given medals for my actions. With my combat record, I made rank fast and came home a sergeant and to some, I was a hero. I don’t think of myself as a hero, but I’m a better man for my service to God first and my country second. However, I still faced criticism for being a conscientious objector and praying every day.

In the face of unjust criticism, Peter told his fellow Christians, “Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’ ” (1 Peter 3:14). He urged them to honor God in their hearts and be ready to give a respectful reply to anyone who asked about the hope within them (v. 15).

May our response to a hurting world that’s often hostile to Christ be one that demonstrates God’s love.

We’re told to love the enemies
That in this life we face,
For showing love that’s not deserved
Reveals to them God’s grace.
-Bosch