Trust like Ivy, love like Lucius.

In my final free week before fall classes start, I'm spending a lot of time doing what rejuvenates me. Sitting in silence. Playing with my dog. Watching my favorite movies.

A couple nights ago, I watched the Village.

I won't spoil too much of the film for those who haven't seen it, but here's some context: the woods that surround the village in the film are forbidden. The village's elders always warn about about "those we do not speak of," the enemies who'll invade with a vengeance if a villager visits the woods.

But somebody does it anyway. So "those we do not speak of" are spotted and it sends the village into a frenzy of slamming shut shutters, locking doors and hiding in basements. Almost everybody freaks out.

Then, there's Ivy (Bryce Dallas Howard), a blind girl who stands at her open front door while everyone else runs for cover. Her sister implores her to shut the door, to save herself.

There is also Lucius (Joaquin Phoenix), who -- while his entire community hides from what might happen -- takes risks with selfless, reckless abandon.

I wonder what the world would look like if we trusted God with trust like Ivy's and loved each other like Lucius loves:



Originally posted on Arleen Spenceley's blog.