"Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" - Adventure, Comedy & Mormon Life Lessons

***SPOILER ALERT***

It's been a looong time since a movie has moved me enough to take the time to blog about it (see Selma blog post). I was so excited when I first saw the trailer for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) because I remember enjoying the original Jumanji (1995) as a kid. I had really high expectations going in (which is always risky) but they were greatly exceeded and I even saw it twice in theaters within 4 days, the 2nd time by myself so I can focus on "researching" for this blog post. When I really love something, I can get pretty nerdy about it. 

If you haven't seen it, get on it! You won't regret it :) To me, it's pretty close to a perfect movie. It has:

• A unique interesting storyline
• Complex character development
• Edge-of-your-seat adventure
• Sweet romance
• Side-splitting comedy
• Impressive special effects & stunts
• Many references to the original movie but updated for a contemporary audience
• Deep timeless moral lessons...which is the focus of this blog

So let me break down the profound life principles I felt were so well exemplified in this movie: 

1) We all have unique sets of strengths/weaknesses and we need each other

The writers did an excellent job of introducing the characters individually at the beginning because character development is central to the whole movie. The 4 main characters are first portrayed as stereotypical high schoolers: Fridge (the popular, academically inept football star bully/cheater), Spencer (the socially awkward, physically weak, timid nerd), Martha (the cynical, unathletic, defiant judgmental nerd), and Bethany (the beautiful, self-absorbed ditzy blonde). 

When they casually choose their video game avatars for Jumanji, they're put in bodies and given attributes that completely contrast their original selves. 

• Spencer becomes Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson), a strong, large, attractive, fearless leader. 
• Fridge becomes Franklin "Mouse" Finbar (Kevin Hart) a short, weak, slow but smart sidekick to Spencer. 
• Martha becomes Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan) a beautiful athletic, graceful martial artist. 
• Bethany becomes Professor Sheldon Oberon (Jack Black) a short, fat, unattractive middle-aged man. 

They all have a specific set of strengths and weaknesses that they need to be aware of, as well as be aware of each others'. As much as they drive each other crazy, they know their attributes are complementary and crucial to their survival and completion of the game so they can escape Jumanji. 

How often are we stubbornly independent and try to do everything on our own? How often do we let our pride get in the way of asking for help when we need it? How often do we dwell on our weaknesses and overlook our strengths? How often are we jealous of others' strengths instead of celebrating them and learning from them? 

The kids are told when they enter Jumanji that they must use the map to find the missing piece, which they thought was a physical piece of the map. But it turns out to be another character (Alex Vreeke who became Jefferson "Seaplane" McDonough, played by Nick Jonas) who got trapped in the game 20 years ago and can't get past a certain level on his own. My favorite part of the movie is watching the 5 characters work together as they practice humility, encourage each other to overcome fears, teach each other their strengths, develop respect for differences, and unite to reach a common goal. 

We find this lesson of unity throughout Christian and Mormon scripture:

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (New Testament, 1 Corinthians 1:10)

"Be determined in one mind and in one heart, united in all things, that ye may not come down into captivity." (The Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 1:21)

2) We willingly sacrifice for people we care about

Each character is given 3 lives in the game of Jumanji. Alex is stuck in Jumanji because he has used up his 2 lives and only has 1 left to spare, which he is afraid to risk. The other 4 characters help him overcome his fear so he can use his strength of flying to help them all progress in the game. But right after they get to the next level, he dies by a single mosquito bite because that's his weakness. Bethany, who has developed a crush on him and hopes to get to know him more in real life after the game, starts giving him CPR to try to save him. Martha points out to Bethany that she seems to be transferring one of her lives to Alex and Bethany says, "That's ok, I want him to come home too." 

I don't think it's a stretch to say Bethany performed a Christ-like sacrifice. Alex literally would have died in the game and in real life if she had not performed that saving act for him, which was done out of love and unselfishness. It was a beautiful moment in the movie when a character whose main attribute was selfishness and disregard for others immediately jumped to the rescue for someone she loved. It points to Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind, who was always selfless, who loved each person perfectly, and who performed the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (New Testament, John 3:16)

3) We have one life and we get to choose who we want to be

They get to the last level of the game before they can put the jewel into the Jaguar's Eye and Spencer (Dr. Bravestone) seems to be the chosen one to complete the task which requires him to go thru a treacherous patch of jungle defended by jaguars. He pulls Fridge (Mouse Finbar) aside and says he's scared because he only has 1 life left and he's not really this brave underneath the avatar. Fridge gives him the same pep talk their principle gave them before sending them to detention that they [always] only have one life and they get to choose who they want to be. Obviously, this adage takes on a bigger riskier meaning in the game. Spencer chooses to live by his alter ego and be brave only after Fridge agrees that they'll work together. 

We all have many sides of us that come out in different situations. Sometimes we feel confident we can tackle anything. Some days we focus on our insecurities and feel insignificant by comparison to those around us. Some days the future looks bright and promising. On other days, we despair at a gloomy outcome and doubt ourselves. Sometimes we feel fully devoted to God and will submit completely to His will. Other times, we don't understand His will or feel it's too hard and we'd rather do our own thing. Most of us have probably experienced all of these feelings and they swirl within us. But as Joshua of the Old Testament said - 

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

4) We must live in the real world

After they completed the game and can go back home to reality, Spencer hesitates because he likes this alter ego. It's allowed him to be brave and confess his admiration to Martha, his crush of many years. She lovingly says, "Then let's be like this in real life. Let's go home." 

When real life seems too overwhelming, as nice as it is to escape to other worlds that seem easier and more fun, we must come back to reality. Books, social media, theater, video games, movies, TV shows, even dating sites...we have many forms of entertainment and escapism that help us forget the stresses and responsibilities of our actual lives. They can provide much needed mental breaks and relaxation to help us recharge to face the world. It only becomes a problem when we don't come back to reality because it seems too hard. 

In Mormon doctrine, we believe that each of us were spirits in Heaven who chose to come to Earth to fulfill Heavenly Father's plan of giving us physical bodies in which we can gain important experiences, prove our faith, and progress back to Him. 

"This life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God." (Book of Mormon, Alma 12:24)

"And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life." (Doctrine & Covenants 29:43)

5) It takes courage to live up to our names

Each avatar name is very descriptive of their character attributes. Even the characters who seemed to have lost their real world strengths and been demoted to lesser characters in the game have names that tell their strengths. Franklin "Mouse" Finbar is short and slow but without his expert zoology knowledge that he spouts out involuntarily, they all could have died at multiple junctions. Professor Sheldon "Shelly" Oberon is physically unattractive but is the only one who can see and interpret the map, without which they would all be literally lost. And I LOVE the part at the end already mentioned in lesson #3 when Spencer chooses to live up to his name of Dr. Bravestone, which he chose to take on before he got sucked into Jumanji. He may have subconsciously chose a name that represents a trait he felt he lacked. 

All of us who were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chose to take on the name of Jesus Christ. We covenanted to strive to keep His commandments and follow His example so we can become like Him. And none of us will say it is easy! It takes a great deal of sustaining faith, humility, diligence, patience, obedience, hope, and courage to live up to His name. And we must constantly call upon God for help, but we know it is the ultimate goal in life and worth the effort.

"There is non other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (New Testament, Acts 4:12)

"Blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day, for he shall be lifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the world." (Book of Mormon, Ether 4:19)

--

I love this movie. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love being a Mormon who loves movies because as Christ said in Doctrine & Covenants 29:34 "all things unto me are spiritual". 

Lessons From Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim

I moved back to Utah at the end of August 2017 after living in D.C. for 2 years and NYC for 3.5 years, where I learned I am a city girl at heart. I was very intimidated by all the outdoorsy people in the West but I believe “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” so I was ready to challenge myself and experience Utah to the fullest. 

Almost to the top

I asked my super outdoorsy friend to take me on a hike and she told me about this group called Adventures with Will that does an annual hike through the Grand Canyon from the North Rim to the South Rim in one day. That blew my mind but she’d done it the last 2 years and was preparing for the 3rd time in 3 weeks. She said anyone can join and I was in good enough shape from dancing and my regular Pilates/Yoga/Barre workouts to do it. I didn’t quite believe her but the more she talked convincingly about it, the more I thought this is the epic kind of challenge I like preparing for and accomplishing, like Ballroom Dance Camp just 3 months prior (see blog post). She said I just have to pay $85 to the organizer (for van rental & gas) and can borrow all the camping stuff from her. She added me to the Facebook event and a couple days later, I sent in my money!  

Planning out my food for the 3 day trip

I was a little daunted that I had only 3 weeks to prepare so I started asking friends to go on hikes with me. I managed to fit in 4 hikes that were about 6-7 miles long, which was only ¼ of the Rim to Rim hike. As the hike got closer, I did other things to prepare:

• Bought way too much nonperishable foods at Walmart
• Asked friends for pep talks, which I re-read several times
• Listened to episodes from my new favorite podcast The School of Greatness by Lewis Howes. I listened to one with Erik Weihenmayer, a blind hiker/kayaker/rock climber, and one with Olympian Apolo Ohno (who happens to be from my hometown near Seattle!)
• Started meditating again with the Calm app
• Ordered a backpack with a water pouch (I hate the word “bladder”) and portable charger for my phone for pics
• Did more yoga so I can be more flexible for dance pics
• Stayed home from 2 activities I wanted to go to the few days before so I could go to sleep earlier and train my body to wake up earlier for the 3am start time

The mini group I hiked with

As I told my friends, family, and coworkers about the big hike, they were enthusiastic and encouraging but I got more and more scared and anxious.

Supportive person - “Are you getting excited for the hike?!”
Me - “No, I’m dreading it and I just want it to be over.”

Early morning light

One coworker said, “If you’re dreading it so much, why don’t you just drop out?” I was horrified by that suggestion and replied, “I can’t quit! I’d lose all respect for myself!” So I actually started thinking about all the reasons I’m choosing to put myself thru this despite the fact that I hate hiking and am not good at endurance workouts at all. I came up with a lot of reasons!

• Because YOLO
• To get out of my comfort zone
• To prove to myself I can do hard things
• To see one of the 7 natural wonders of the world up close 
• For exercise and to challenge my body
• To be more outdoorsy, cuz I live in the West now and it’s what ppl do for fun here (weird)
• For the dance pics

Look at all the trees in the desert!!

Friday morning, I woke up at 5am to do yoga and pack before meeting up with the 21 other people for the 6 hr drive down. My nose started running like crazy and the more I blew it, the more stuffy it got. I was confused because I didn’t feel sick and I’d taken my allergy medicine.

Ribbon Falls detour

On the drive, people were excitedly talking and getting to know each other but I barely spoke cuz I could barely breathe! started to worry and I'm a devout Mormon so I asked one of the guys if he could give me a Priesthood Blessing the next morning if my nose was still runny. He said he’d been inactive and was just starting to come back to the Church. I thought that was great he was coming back and said no problem.

Abundant cacti

As we set up camp at the trailhead, I was feeling so congested, I asked another guy if he could give me a blessing before bed cuz I couldn’t imagine having to do a full day of intense hiking without being able to breathe. He said, “Ok, let me go talk to someone first.” I said ok and waited in my tent. I waited for what seemed like a long time and finally peeked out looking for him. He was talking to another guy reviewing the words to give a Priesthood Blessing. I was touched and happy that he was humble enough to ask for help and gets a chance to exercise his Priesthood. He came back and said he didn’t have any consecrated oil and I said I didn’t care haha. He gave me a BEAUTIFUL blessing that gave me much more than I’d asked for. Not only did the Lord bless me through that guy with “clear breathing”, He also blessed me with strength, health, vigor, and a positive attitude to finish the hike. That last part was what I lacked the most up until that point but if the Lord believed in me, I did too!

Cool rock overhangs

I shared a tent with my friend who invited me. Despite sleeping with 2 sleeping pads, 2 sleeping bags, leggings & sweatpants, long sleeve shirt & sweatshirt, socks and furry slippers, a hat, gloves, and hand & feet warmers…I woke up many times freezing. It got down to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. We got 4-5 hours of sleep before starting the hike at 4:15am. The first 2-3 hours were steep going downhill in the dark and several things went wrong:

• My flashlight went out in the first 10 minutes, so I had to stay close to the person in front of me and whoever was behind me had to stay close too. 
• My water pouch tube didn’t work AT ALL. So whenever I needed to take a drink, I had to stop and drink from my big Gatorade bottle, which I will be forever grateful to my friend for making me buy. I don’t think I’d ever drank Gatorade. I just kept refilling that at all the water stations along the South Kaibab then Bright Angel trails. 
• I slipped and twisted my knee early on and it was sore for a while. 
• My portable charger never arrived so I just kept my phone on airplane mode, and I actually had 79% battery at the end of the hike!

Majestic rocks

BUT guess what?! I could breathe clearly the entire time! Didn’t even need to use my Kleenex and extra toilet paper til the end when it got chillier. The Lord didn’t let me down! Also, I later realized the problems with my portable charger and water pouch were a tender mercy cuz I returned it and got my $55 back haha. And I learned I always need to pack extra batteries.

Little stream we washed our feet in after lunch

As the sun came up, we were treated to gorgeous views. I marveled at all the desert fauna and flora (lots of deer), especially the odd-looking yucca plants. We were beside a bubbling stream nearly the whole time and I loved taking in all the greenery alongside the towering canyon walls. 14 miles in, we stopped at Phantom Ranch – a bigger camp ground with a few buildings, places for mules, bathrooms, and picnic tables. We rested for about an hour eating, dumping the red dirt from our shoes/socks, stretching, and washing our feet in the ice cold stream. I hate taking medicine unless I really need to but I took Ibuprofen to help with inflammation. That and Gatorade really made a difference; my muscles felt fatigued but not in pain.

The mighty Colorado

I actually led the way most of the time because [I learned that] when I’m focused on a time bound physical goal, I tend to minimize talking to conserve energy and just forge ahead to the finish (I learned this about myself on the hike). Or maybe it was because I was the 5th wheel with 2 couples haha.

The River that gauged this huge canyon over millenia

One of the hardest parts of the hike before the vertical climb at the end was the sandy part next to the Colorado River. We felt like we were on a beach trying to keep from sinking in! I’ve been studying Mindfulness this year and one of the most useful principles is – pain is mandatory [thru life] but suffering is optional. Suffering comes from resisting the pain. If we just accept the pain, it’ll come and pass. So I applied this on the hike by thinking “Ok, this is my life from now on and I’ll accept it” whenever things got harder – trail got steeper, legs got more tired, mounds of mule dung stunk up the trail, etc. Another useful mindset that I learned in my preparatory hikes is – enjoy the views and ignore the pain, basically redirecting my attention.

Beach sand at the bottom of a canyon!?

After our last stop for water and the restroom, it was a steep 4.5 miles straight up to the South Rim. That was when I mentally and physically kicked into another gear. I started focusing on getting to the top and refused to let my mind complain or dwell on how infinite the trail looked. I started praying a lot and talking to God like, “Ok Heavenly Father, you said I could do this. Please bless me with that strength, vigor, health and positive attitude you promised yesterday!”

View from the first set of switchbacks

I found a steady pace and stuck with it. In yoga, when things get really hard and painful, they tell you to focus on the breath and I got mine to be really regular – inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 4 counts. I found that if I gave my body enough oxygen, my muscles didn’t burn. I was in the zone! This was a really new foreign feeling to me because I avoid all endurance exercises/activities haha. I actually loved the log steps in the trail and the frequent switchbacks because it made me feel and see the rapid progress towards the top.

Pics don't do it justice at all

This is an unusual hike, opposite of hiking a mountain because the hardest part is at the end going uphill when you’re most exhausted! Lots of people gave the advice to eat and drink water regularly so I drank water in short intervals the whole time and ate my little bag of chocolate covered cherries slowly. I somehow started passing tons of people, but near the top when my pace slowed, tons of people passed me. I had to keep my pride in check and remind myself this is not a competition. Good thing I'm the least competitive person I know. We’re all on our own journey to endure to the end and it doesn’t matter how fast we go as long as we’re headed in the right direction and don’t quit. Yes, that is a directly applicable lesson for life.

The vertical wall up to the South Rim!

3 scriptures kept popping in my mind during the last arduous ascent:

• John 9:3 “Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” 
• Ether 12:27 “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” 
• Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” 

Gotta make it up before sunset!

So here’s the thing - the coolest part of this whole trip experience was feeling the love and power of God work in me and learning that sometimes, God gives us a weakness so we’ll be humbled to come to Him for help, and He’ll bless us with more than we ever asked for.

How much dynamite did it take to blow this hole for the trail?

The estimated time and distance was 16 hours, 24 miles. It took me 13 hours 10 minutes, 26 miles. I never would’ve finished that hike on my own if it weren’t for that Priesthood Blessing. I never would’ve thought to ask for a Priesthood Blessing if I didn’t suddenly get a miserably runny/stuffy nose. God gave me that small temporary problem so I would come to Him and He could give me greater blessings. How cool is that?! I feel like God gives us these blessings so we can help bring others to Him because He loves us and loves to bless us. I feel like Alma from the Book of Mormon who proclaimed, “Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.” (Alma 26:12)

Good thing I'm not afraid of heights. Oh wait, I AM.

The power of the Priesthood is real. I am so grateful for men who keep themselves worthy to serve and bless others. God loves and supports us, even in trials and challenges we volunteer and pay for! He keeps His promises and He always delivers, often more that we expect or deserve. I love Him so much and I’m grateful He stayed close to me through this entire experience.

My friends who passed me near the end - champs!

We all had ourselves a feast at the cafeteria that night, then camped again. Camping is the worst. Seriously, I don’t understand why anyone does this for fun. See Jim Gaffigan’s camping skit – it’s true!

I honestly loved the log steps cuz they gave me leverage going up.

Sunday morning, we took a long scenic route to drive home, stopping at 3 lookout spots along the Grand Canyon and got a completely different view from the rim! I’m grateful I found yummy sufficient nonperishable foods to bring so I didn’t have to spend money on the Sabbath. We got back to Provo about 8pm and all rushed to get home. That hot shower and soft warm bed never felt so good! And we all survived to tell the tale at work the next day :) Hallelujah.

Quick pause minutes before reaching the end

Scroll to the bottom for the dance pics I came for and got :)

Golly gee whiz - I climbed through that!!

Never expected all these gorgeous green trees around the rim

View from the Watchtower

Cool little mountain in the middle

Had to get cute souvenirs cuz I'm probably never coming back haha

Many thanks to my friends who patiently helped me take these dance pics. See more on my Instagram @lindanceflor.

5 Bright Sides of Trump's Presidency

I'm definitely not as thrilled about your presidency as you are, Mr. Trump. Actually, it'd be impossible for anyone to be.

I don't know about you, but my mental and emotional health has been severely affected by Donald Trump's victorious election, inauguration, and the breakneck speed of policy changes and public reactions in the last 3 months. Obviously, I did not vote for him, but I didn't vote for Hillary Clinton either. I voted for Jill Stein of the Green Party, which I didn't completely agree with but more so than Trump or Clinton. I didn't expect her to win but I certainly didn't expect Trump to win either. The unthinkable happened, and unthinkable things have kept happening.

I've never felt so many surges of negative emotions while reading/watching social media posts and news sources - frustration, annoyance, indignation, shock, outrage, despondence, hopelessness, helplessness, disgust, etc...I seriously considered moving to another country for the first time in my life because I saw only negative consequences for America and the world. Dirtier air and water, inflamed and systematized discrimination of women & minorities, inexperienced and corrupt appointed leaders, conflicts of interest between his personal businesses & politics, obstruction of scientific research and facts, greater threat of nuclear war, a sullying of America's reputation in the world, and various other fears/worries. I cannot and do not want to go on living in a state of gloom and anger for the next 4 years!

So I've been trying to cope. Looking for the good in the world and in my life. Continuing to write in my daily gratitude journal. Venting to others. Praying a whole lot, especially for Trump and his cabinet members to be wise, honest, altruistic, and just. And I decided I wanted to write and share the positive consequences I can think of from Trump's presidency. Here's what I came up with:

1. I am more informed - I barely read the news or cared about politics before this. But ignorance is a luxury I cannot indulge in anymore.  I am more motivated to stay informed because Trump is instating drastic high-level policies that will affect us all no matter how we might try to hide our heads in the sand. I need to know what's coming and do something about it if I can. I am now more aware of what's going on in the world, though I wish the headlines would be more balanced with positive things, like the things in this video I had no idea about.
2. I have more compassion for others - It has been heartening to see how all the groups who feel threatened (which seems like everyone except heterosexual white American Christian men) are organizing, uniting, and peacefully protesting things that matter to them. It is also amazing to see how people who are not directly threatened stand up for others who are more vulnerable out of a genuine concern for common humanity. I feel more empathic and connected to others around me despite outward differences. 
3. I am more articulate about my own stance - A lot of the things Trump has done/caused that have offended me do so on a deep emotional level, from which I respond with quick accusatory posts. My friends who think differently and present opposing views have forced me to better develop my own opinions, do more research to look for objective facts, and consider new perspectives. We are talking about politics and current events more than ever as a society, and I think it is important to learn to do so respectfully, clearly, calmly, and honestly. 
4. I am learning and practicing mindfulness & Dialectical Behavior Therapy - These are proven skills and tools for managing our difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors more calmly so we become less likely to make rash decisions out of impulse. Mindfulness is about bringing attention to the present moment without judgment, which is helpful for me because I tend to worry about what might happen in the future. I'm reading books, attending workshops, doing more yoga, and using an app to meditate everyday (I highly recommend the free app Calm). My country, our world, and my life are likely only going to get more complicated and stress-inducing, so I'm dedicating this year to building a stronger emotional and mental foundation to better handle the challenges ahead. 
5. I am drawing closer to Christ - I'm so grateful to have my Mormon faith to turn to throughout my life, especially now. I've been looking for General Conference talks and Ensign articles that offer hope and comfort. Teachings of the Presidents of the Church we are studying in church right now is a great resource. President Gordon B. Hinckley was such an exuberantly optimistic and positive prophet, along with President Thomas S. Monson. I'm grateful for their encouragement and example. All of these sources point me to Jesus Christ, my Savior and Redeemer. As I read the scriptures, I am inspired by how past people of God endured much harder times of war and persecution with firm faith and hope in the future. I know Christ will come again and be a just and merciful king who will lead us to eternal life free from sin and suffering. Trump is president for 4 years (hopefully less) but Christ is our king forever (Revelations 19:15-16). Because Christ is always the answer. 

I'm hoping I can think of more positive things as time passes. Feel free to share yours in the comments below!

Farewell Letter to President Obama

Wow I never expected to be writing this but we live in extraordinary times. A man I didn't vote for in 2008 and 2012 is leaving the Presidency and I am so sad. And thankful. And anxious about his successor, who has already garnered way too much press and mostly for negative things. 

But I don't want to focus on the negative right now; there has been too much of that. This blog post is one of profound gratitude for the Obamas - for their leadership, example, faith, integrity, passion, and sacrifices. We don't always fully appreciate what (who) we have until we're about to lose it (them)! 

It was heartwarming to go back and read my "Prayer for the President" (see blog post) when he won the election in 2012. I respected him then, but I also greatly admire and love him now. I am touched and grateful to Heavenly Father for answering my prayer for the president over the last 4 years. President Obama has accomplished amazing things in the face of terrible odds and I, as an American, will forever be proud to have lived during his terms in office. Please see my letter below.

Dear President Obama, 

What an amazing honorable legacy you're leaving. You are such an admirable man in so many ways and makes us all want to be a better human and a better American. I just want to find a husband who adores and respects me like you adore and respect Michelle, who prioritizes fatherhood and family dinners when you could make so many excuses not to.

Thank you for your vision of inclusion of every person regardless of their beliefs, background, or lifestyle choices. Thank you for taking the threats of climate change seriously and being a fierce fighter to confront it. Thank you for your example of civility, dignity, and compassion during the many many trials and tragedies our country has faced in the last 8 years. Thank you for frequently and unapologetically calling upon God to bless us and bless this country, for being wise and humble enough to know we can't do this America thing without a higher power. You handle political pressures with calmness, creativity, courage, and exceptional optimism. Thank you for your puns and dad jokes, your shameless singing and joyful dancing, your playfulness with children and animals, and youthful enjoyment of life despite the burdens you carry.

I never voted for you but now I love and will miss you more than I ever imagined. I hope you get a much-needed and well-deserved vacation with your loved ones. I hope you find meaningful work after your presidency and will continue to inspire us with your talents in various capacities. May God bless you, Michelle, Sasha, and Malia with health, safety, peace, and joy for the rest of your lives.

With deep respect and admiration, 

Linda Flores

"Selma" - The Civil Rights Movement for Modern Audiences

***There is no spoiler alert because this was REAL HISTORY! Ha

Note: When I write Black(s), I'm referring to African American(s), not every group of the African Diaspora or modern African immigrants. 

It's so awesome to watch another movie that inspires me enough to want to, need to write about it. I would put it on the same level as other historic epics like Gandhi and Schindler's List that everyone needs to watch at least once in their lives to be more informed and empathetic about the scope and depth of human history, injustice, cruelty, mercy, hope, vision, violence, pride, greed, courage, and kindness. 

You should know by now (see previous posts) that I am obsessed with Black History & Culture. The peculiarity of the fact that I'm 100% Chinese and am not nearly as interested in Asian American History & Culture is not lost on me.

I have...

• read articles, historical books, and slave narratives;
• watched documentaries and biopics; 
• taken classes;
• written papers and blog posts;
• given presentations;
• listened to podcasts; 
• visited museums & monuments; and
• attended concerts and attend events

...to fuel my love of the subject, including this proud moment of marching with thousands in Washington, D.C. at the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington (see blog post) for jobs and freedom where Dr. King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963.

I love this stuff. Still, there is so much I don't know and would probably fail a test about the details. But it is extremely gratifying to see a mainstream movie backed by big name producers (thank you Brad Pitt & Oprah) and a big budget that is so well done. And I think the movie Selma was spot on in many ways in bringing more awareness to the Civil Rights Movement for modern audiences:

- It was impeccably well-timed - released 1 week before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 1 month before Black History Month, and 50 years after the actual event. 

- It starts with an intimate scene between Dr. King and his wife. Then it suddenly switches to the utterly shocking, senseless, and cruel events of the Birmingham Church Bombing that killed 4 little black girls and murder of Jimmie Lee Jackson after the 1st attempted march at Selma. It is crucial to remember that these single shattering tragedies represent numerous untold stories of black suffering, many that are much worse and gruesome. Don't even get me started on lynchings...

- It portrays Dr. King as the articulate, courageous, visionary leader he was...but also a morally imperfect human being who had extramarital affairs and people within his group who criticized him. It shows him strong, charismatic, and vocal at the podium, but also exhausted, disheartened, and overwhelmed at night alone, as well as the constant threat of death and heavy guilt he carried. 

- It reminds us that there were many white sympathizers who believed strongly in the Movement and sacrificed much, including their lives at the hands of other whites who despised blacks, Dr. King, and the whole Movement. They broke the mindset of race solidarity that had been instilled in whites since the days of slavery to prevent sympathizing whites from supporting blacks. 

- It points out that there were many ways blacks wanted to obtain equality and there was dissension within the Movement, namely between SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference, led by Dr. King) and SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee), and between Dr. King and Malcolm X.  

- It revealed the tense period of the controversial Vietnam War that many alive today remember well - and the hypocrisy Dr. King saw in the federal government spending millions of dollars to send Americans to fight for people in a faraway country while leaving its own people helpless in America. I admit I don't know much about the Vietnam War but his indignation is completely understandable. 

- It highlights the fact that without mass media (newspapers, radio, and especially TV), Dr. King's nonviolent tactics would not be nearly as effective, and most likely not even worth doing. The main reason he risked blacks getting injured, jailed, and killed was because he expected journalists and news broadcasters to expose the injustice and violence of white supremacy and police brutality in order to prevent more suffering.

I definitely shed tears during the film. It hurts my soul to see such injustice and cruelty heaped upon a whole race of people just because of their skin color. It infuriates me whenever I think that the descendants of slave masters continue to treat the descendants of slaves with contempt, discrimination, and barbarity.

Truly, the only way I can bear to learn about this harsh history and reality is by constantly remembering that Jesus Christ paid for every single person's sins (if they are willing to repent) and will make up for every unfair thing ever suffered in human history. Scriptures such as these are a spiritual balm to me:

"Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be exceedingly glad; for Israel’s God is their God, and he will mete out a just recompense of reward upon the heads of all their oppressors." (D&C 127:3) 

“ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God.” (Alma 60:13)

As we know from the recent events surrounding Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, and others (#blacklivesmatter), racism and police brutality are unfortunately still with us. Slavery left a long ugly legacy. The struggle is real and it continues.

Go watch Selma.