This is a fantastic movie for any woman to see. I have not finished the book yet, but I felt compelled to see the movie right away as Elizabeth Gilbert speaks to some of the same issues I am dealing with right now.
Let me make a disclaimer first. I know there are a lot of opinions about this movie and book and I respect your right to your opinion. This blog post is not meant to debate the good or evil of Liz Gilbert’s choices or the quality of Julia Roberts acting. I am writing about how this movie resonated with me at this point in my life.
I also want to make another disclaimer. As a Christian, I do not agree with all of her spiritual findings. I believe, however, that God can use all things to teach us, and several of her revelations in Eastern religions resonated within me.
Let me explain. Liz felt she had lost herself, she had no idea who she was anymore. She had always ‘had’ to have a guy to complete her. Her mind was tormented with her own thoughts of who she was ‘supposed’ to be, and other people’s expectations of her. She could not find herself among all the noise.
Elizabeth Gilbert Prays in India
Those words shot like an arrow through my heart. You see, my brain is overflowing, constantly racing. Beating me up for what I should and should not be doing. For what I should or should not be feeling. If I was a ‘good’ Christian, I should be able to pray and move beyond this. I cannot stop the noise.
My Journey
Now I am not going to India, or Bali anytime soon (although I WOULD like to go to Italy!) however, my sweet husband is sending me on personal retreat to Savannah, just a couple of hours away, for a week. Due to my recent meltdown and anxiety, he is joining me for the first 2 days to settle me in, and then I will be left on my own.
My plan is to spend some time with my Bible and my journal and to pray and to learn to be quiet. I want to learn to use a type of guided meditation, with scripture and music, to help me to clear MY mind. There is WAY too much of ME in there. I have to empty all that out. I feel that God is preparing me for something better in my life, my next step, but I have to learn to get out of the way first. I have to quiet the noise so that I can hear Him.
Empty Me
I have to empty me of me so I can be filled with Him. American Idol contestant Chris Sligh expresses so well how I feel right now in his song “Empty Me”.
I know that my writing can be a little raw and personal at times. This is part of my therapeutic process and I also hope that I can reach out to someone who may be where I am, or maybe help you catch yourself ‘before’ you sink as deep as I did. I appreciate any comments you may leave, but if you’d rather not share on the blog, click here to email me privately. If you know anyone who you feel could benefit from my blog, I’d love for you to share it with them.
Bernice, I’m so happy for you that you’ll have the opportunity to ‘be’ with yourself and be still. What a wonderful husband you have! I’m sure he’s part of your gratitude journal daily.
I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you to find peace.
Barbara,
Thank you for your encouragement and support! And yes, my husband is fantastic!
Bernice
That is very good to hear that you recommend all women to see this film. I have read the book and I could relate to it a lot!!! I have been hesitant to see the movie because I didn’t want to be disappointed. Oh well, guess I will check it out today anyway!
I already know there are quite a few differences between the book and movie, there is only so much you can fit into 2 hours! I am going to try not to compare the 2 as I finish the book. I see the movie as a visual synopsis if the book.
Thanks for coming by!
Bernice
I have neither read the book or seen the movie, so can’t comment on that. Just wanted to say Have a great time in Savannah. I’ve always wanted to go there! I would seek out all the best places to eat, of course. If you haven’t seen Calendar Girls, that’s another movie that’s good for women of a certain age!
Bernice, I tried to email you, but couldn’t… an error message kept coming up.
If you’re looking for other inspirational books for your retreat I highly recommend ‘You can Heal Your Life’ by Louise Hay, and ‘Unconditional Bliss, Finding Happiness in the Face of Hardship’ by Raphael Cushnir. They both helped me through some pretty dark times.
And take lots of pictures in Savannah!
All the best…
Thank you for sharing.
I definitely have moments of needing to quiet down. Perhaps a retreat would be just the thing for me too.
I’m glad your hubby understands and is doing everything in his power to help you out.
i loved this song! if we are to be His vessels than we must empty ourselves of everything so that He can fill us up as only He can – you have a divine purpose and a very special destiny that is all your own, hand crafted by the One who spoke the world into existence and breathed life into you – continue on this journey sweet bella, He is there, with you, beside you, carrying you every step of the way – keep that antenna up! if you haven’t had a chance to read my post “stuffed french toast with a side of augustine yet” – check it out, there is a beautiful augustine poem that i love so much that you might enjoy too – have a wonderful day bella
This is a great post. I have to let you know that I took the movie the same way you did. I too, am a Christian and don’t agree with all of the movie but like you I saw relevance and great takeaways from what she learned on her journey. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I hope that you are doing well and I will keep you in my prayers. I deal with/have dealt with some of the same things you have/are.
Mrs. O
you are indeed going through a difficult time right now and your diagnosis is correct–realizing the need for more time alone with the LORD. i’ve been at that place myself.
i cringe when i hear christians identify w the solutions jullia roberts came up with. i hear you identifying with the feelings of the character, not necessarily her solutions.
i also don’t think that emptying yourself of “you” will necessarily be the solution either. God created you for a unique purpose, with special abilities and gifts. yes, you are sinful…all of you is corrupted by sin, but b/c of the grace of God, you have been cleansed and forgiven. There will always be the struggle with sin, the need to repent and the courage of faith to face each day. faith that Christ’s work on your behalf really is enough. Then you can trust Him to complete the work He started in you (phil. 1:6)
enjoy the time you have to be alone with the Lord.the refreshment will be great as His Word encourages you through the reading and prayer.
I really liked the book and the movie. It’s like any literature or movie…take what you want from it, use it and discard the rest. You’ll know in your heart what’s right for you.
I stumbled upon your blog and I love it, it is a little how you say raw but thats what gives it depth you write with feeling. Bravo, you are an inspiration! I hope things have picked up for you and you have found peace of mind.
-Vanessa
http://www.inkstainsinmylife.com