The Blog: Ministry, Music, Media
Mo’Nique, Oscars, Movies and Kids? posted on March 10, 2010
Mo’Nique won the Oscar for her role as a supporting actress in the film, Precious.
Who has seen this film? If not, prepare yourself for a raw look at an urban nightmare, broken-hearted family, failed social service system and sheer strength of the human spirit to survive. I will rejoice the day this scenario is never, ever a story told. 
But today’s question is, can movies take us to places of action through the attachment to characters, compelling performances, story lines and other techniques of good, solid film making that offers the viewer a glimpse of life holding up a mirror?
As movie goers, we celebrate the love story and happy ending in this regard - we even buy the shoes the smiling celebrities wear. What about the story that is less lovely to hear? Are we also motivated into a feeling and does that feeling connect us to one another to create an action?
And finally, when the story is emotionally rough to read, see or hear as in the life of Claireece Precious Jones, or the war experience or the planet’s destruction - do we remain motionless and find nothing to show our kids? I am not suggesting parents need to take the children to the movies that are not age appropriate for them, just the opposite. I am suggesting that when we adults see the stories that move us off comfort-zone center, do we change something in our behavior? By doing that, do we contribute to the common good as what we have learned becomes a model for the children in our lives? We learn to love more deeply, stand for peace and justice, or, stop judging others.
How many of us saw the film, Precious? Did you go home and kiss the children, get active with after school programs in your school district, offer homework help or volunteer somewhere where help is needed?
Just wondering how this media touched your life, and if it did, let us know media is important as a tool of communication in your life.
blessings for the common good,
Pastor Robin
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International Women’s Day posted on March 8, 2010
March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day.
At Common Good Radio, we celebrate the voices of women in story and song and hope that when women of any age lift their voices they feel affirmed in their participation of contributing to the common good.
Listen for Sweet Honey in the Rock, Amy Grant, Ellen Allard, Mimi Bessette, Sandi Patty, Be Good Tonyas, Barlow Girl, Elizabeth Mitchell, Hillsong Kids, CeCe Winans, Claudia Martinez, Ella Jenkins, Jaci Velasquez, Bread for the Journey, Cathy Fink, Darlene Zschech, Margaret Becker, Linda Arnold, Susan Asheton, Chrystina Fincher, Sherry Hoffman, Candi Pearson, Joni Mitchell, Mahalia Jackson, Laura Nyro, Linda Arnold, Janice Hoffman, Pam Tillis, Suzie Shelton, Twila Paris, and yours, truly, Robin Blair.
This is a partial list and I just wanted to make a point: the women who write, produce and record music that brings you something of hope and love in the world is rich, full and worthy. Indeed, something to celebrate!
If you can think of artists that would be great contributors to the music of hope and love on Common Good Radio, please let us know - make comments below or send me an (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
blessings for the common good,
Pastor Robin
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You Amazing and Precious Life posted on February 27, 2010
Thanks to digital technology we can be reminded of how amazing and precious life is even in the midst of the chaotic everyday world, through video and music.
Take a look at this video, narrated by Deepak Chopra, and sink into the awe with gratitude.
Music on Common Good Radio that speaks to gratitude as a spiritual state: What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong, Count Your Blessings, Peter and Ellen Allard, I Love You, Robin Blair, Common Threads, Bobby McFerrin, Happy Girl, Beth Nielsen Chapman, So Glad I’m Here, Sweet Honey In the Rock - this list could go on for a long time.
Being a person who journeys with gratitude certainly contributes to the common good. I hope your path finds gratitude in your way, on your path.
Thank you.
with blessings for the common good,
Pastor Robin
