Life-affirming

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139.14

'Peanut Butter Falcon' is a film which tells the story of Zak Gottsagen, a young man with Down's Syndrome who runs away to achieve his dream of becoming a wrestler. Apparently it was inspired by Zak's encounter with the directors of the film. When he expressed his desire to be a film star, they crafted a script around the dreams and hopes he had for his life.

The cinematography is gorgeous and the musical score is exceptional but what distinguishes this film is the way it confirms the value of life, by focusing on an individual who would never normally be regarded as worthy of attention and allowing his aspirations to take centre stage. That what emerges is every bit as moving, funny and entertaining as any Hollywood blockbuster is simply life-affirming.

The parables of Jesus work in a similar way, to reveal deep truths through simple stories. That the are the product of our Creator lends them special authority. It also endorses the truth at the heart of everything: that life is sacred - and that includes the dreams we have for the life that is ours. In 'The Cloths of Heaven', WB Yeats wrote:

"Had I the heaven's embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths Of night and light and the half-light; I would spread the cloths under your feet: But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams."