'If I Have Strong Enough Faith': Let 'The List' in 'Little Boy' Film Inspire You to Act
"Little Boy," a heartwarming film about a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive, opens in theatres across the U.S. this weekend.
At the heart of the film is an 8-year-old boy exploring what it is to live out faith the size of a mustard seed through accomplishing specific tasks on The List, which is provided by his pastor. The message is not about working your way to salvation but actually embodying one's faith.
This List took on a new relevance for me recently when I was hosting a screening of "Little Boy" for faith leaders in Nashville, Tennessee. While the film was playing to the audience, I was in the green room chatting with Jakob, the star of "Little Boy." There were a few others in the room having their own conversations, when into the room stepped two dark-haired, Middle-Eastern looking women, who were apparently there to visit with one of my other colleagues.
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They sat close to me and began a conversation with their friend. I was eventually drawn into the dialogue and then their incredible story began to unfold. One of the women told me that the day before she had Christian family members in Syria kidnapped and killed by ISIS. Tears began to well up in the eyes of these women, asking me, what can be done to help the struggle of so many facing persecution and death. They felt their families and their people were forgotten by the global Church
I began to describe the various initiatives that were under way – programs to help provide support for the suffering. As I rambled on, tears began to flow and I could find no more words. I began to weep. One of the two women came over to me, got on her knees, took my hand, looked at me through her tears and said, "Your tears are a part of the healing of our family, our people, our nation. You are recognizing us. You are entering into our pain."
It was almost time for me to go on stage and talk to the audience about "Little Boy" and specifically how The List could help motivate millions of people to engage in acts of faith and kindness. As I composed myself, I made my way to the stage, with The List in my hand. I began to think about how The List would find root in situations like Syria. How could it be used to help and console the persecuted and suffering? How could it help turn the tide on ISIS?
While The List can be applied in many contexts, locally and globally, here's what I thought about that night in Nashville and what I continue to act upon.
The List
Feed the Hungry:
Could I fast one meal a week and give away the value to those who are providing food and water to those in need?
Shelter the Homeless
Can I give funds that will provide refugee family with shelter?
Visit those in Prison
While not being physically able to visit those who have been kidnapped, I can pray daily for those who are being held against their will and are being abused, or torture.
Clothe the Naked
Being forced to deny your faith in exchange for your life leaves one vulnerable, your faith fully exposed. I pray for my sisters and brothers in those moments that God will give strength and courage. It causes me to expose my own vulnerability, my own depth of faith.
Bury the Dead
As we lay people to rest, we give testimony of the life that is lost. We speak about them. I ask how I can bring voice to the media, to governments, to those in my church, my workplace and my community for those who have been martyred. Our sisters and brothers need to know we are speaking out for them and have not forgotten them.
Befriend __________
Befriend a Muslim. Demonstrate that the narrative of ISIS is a lie, that Christians do not hate Muslims. Christ love compels us to love everyone.
That's how I am trying to applying The List. How can you apply The List to your life? The List is very personal and can be applied in many different contexts. All I know is that God expects us to live out our faith, even if is the size of a mustard seed.
