Director's Cut

Our recent series at church has been titled "The Director's Cut". It's based on a well-known concept in the entertainment industry. There is usually a "final cut" version of a movie. And then there's the "Director's Cut". That cut is one that has everything that the director WANTED and PLANNED to include in the movie. It's usually his or her picture of what the film "should" be. For many reasons, movies are cut down, however, to a "final cut". It could be financial, or time restraints, or simply someone's preference to remove a scene or two or three from the movie.

We have looked at people in the Bible who either took the "Director's Cut" and went the full length of a situation the way God (the ultimate Director) had planned (i.e.,Joshua and Caleb). We also looked at those who took shortcuts and missed important pieces (i.e., Jonah).

Honestly, the whole thing has made me wonder how many times in my life I've chosen a different way from what God had planned for and wanted from me. Last week, this verse from Romans 12 hit me right between the eyes:

1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Honestly, there is not a time in my life when I've been exposed to Romans 12 that I didn't squirm a bit. The whole chapter is challenging and worth investigation. Here's where the verses above impacted me this week:

During the week, I am surrounded by people from all different faith backgrounds and belief systems. I work hard to be "real" in my daily walk. I want people to know that, like all human beings, I don't always get it right. I make mistakes. I hurt. I struggle. But, I also want to be bold enough to tell people when they ask that "God's mercy and grace---the Director's Cut---makes a HUGE difference in my life!"

As I gnawed on Romans this week, I also devoured new artist Francesca Battistelli who has written my new favorite song: "Free to be Me". Here are partial lyrics (just change the "twenty years of age" to "forty (or so) years of age"):

At twenty years of age
I'm still looking for a dream
A war is already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can't always see, 'cause...

I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
And on my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

Here's another song off that album that makes me think of that "Director's Cut". It's called, "I'm Letting Go":

My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge
Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace
The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

It's a challenge...choosing the Director's Cut. I know that sometimes I do it well and other times I fail miserably. I'm thankful that I'm "Free to Be Me"! Here she is to remind us of this important lesson: