The term, “don’t judge a book by its cover” keeps resurfacing for me and this movie is certainly no exception. I originally rented it more as entertainment for my teenage niece who was coming for a visit. I certainly had no idea that it would turn out to be such a pleasant surprise. Maybe it spoke to me at a deeper level as I recognized some very real similarities in some of my writings. And even if that is not the case with you, I feel you may still be able to benefit and relate. 

     If you choose to remain wading in the shallow surface waters you will find it entertaining and the leading actress a delight. Oh, but that’s just scratching the surface. For those wanting to get more than just their feet wet, the plunge into the deep contains some wonderful insights regarding relational living.

     Haven’t seen it yet? Allow me to introduce the two of you. It is the classic tale of girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl and boy makeup, and they lived happily ever after. Yes ladies and gentlemen, Cinderella has been revamped for the 21st Century and is all decked out in Gucci and Prada, but that's just a small portion.

     To elaborate further, the movie tells the story of a young, shopaholic journalist named Rebecca. She yearns to break free from her lame job and land a more lucrative one. Hearing of an opening at the employer of her dreams she applies for the position, but her high hopes are soon dashed when she discovered the position had already been filled. Although all is not lost for as life can be, when one door closes, another one opens and one quickly did for her. While there she learns of a golden opportunity at an affiliated financial magazine. Her own finances are a mess and resemble a bad wreck, this is clearly not her field of expertise, but she is told it is a wonderful stepping stone into the other magazine so she immediately applies. Although her interview was poor (that's putting it mildly), a mishap helps to highlight the quality and benefits of her work and she lands the job.

     Her first attempt to write an article was ridden with excerpts from a financial book she consulted at the library.  Her keen boss spots the plagiarism then confronts her about it.     Communicating his disappointment, he rejects her initial attempt while encouraging her to leave behind her copycat ways, write from her own angle, and try again. So she takes his advice and becomes an overnight hit. Magazine sales significantly increase, attracting a reader demography that it was unable to previously reach.

     See, although the magazine had many educated writers that knew the dynamics of finances well, their knowledge and “out of touch” approach was like a foreign language to the average consumer, but this new gal was one of them. She spoke their language and had personal experience that they related to.

     There’s much more. The movie also contains some nice minor stories, like her challenges in overcoming her addiction, along with a blooming romance, although the human relating aspect was the area I was most impressed with and for me held the main event.

     And what did I get from it? Glad you asked. From a believer’s perspective I feel confident to say that many of us are no longer satisfied with just learning the dynamics of the Word of God. We want to see how it connects to our daily challenges in a real way.  Our human experience can help us relate to each other.  Not only that, the relational view also equips us for our priestly service as we become a house of prayer for all nations and offer up intercession for our fellowman.  This also appeared to be the journey Jesus, the Son of God, went through in his role as Son of man.

     Although I feel the need to include a warning about being careful not to unite in a method that may be just a branch.  Our human experience is a branch that needs to find its home in Jesus.  Furthermore, the need to recognize the role of the progressive journey in our lives and that of our fellowman.     

     I also give it “two thumbs up” for its successful delivery of entertainment and good story-telling without the aid of obscenities. For me that is always an impressive quality.