I have not seen the new version of “True Grit,” but I have read a few favorable reviews, one of which lauded the moralistic virtue that comes through the film especially embodied in the character of young Maddie. The review quoted her as saying: “My father would want me to be firm in the right, as he always was.” And then… “The Author of all things watches over me … and I have a good horse.”
Now that’s enough to sell me right there.
We are, all of us, a combination of very human, very ordinary things, yet with a spiritual component of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It’s this balance, this sacred right up next to secular – the holy and the common – that makes up who we are. You can’t have one without the other. Try to spiritualize everything and you lose the human element that makes life real. Try and explain everything in human terms and you miss the hand of God shaping and giving meaning to everything.
Indeed, you can’t understand Jesus without accepting the human and the divine altogether. And it’s not half and half, 50% of each. Jesus was (is) 100% God and 100% man. That’s why he can identify with us.
Yes, the Author of all things watches over me… and I have a good horse!
John Fischer The Catch 
Like to add a right on! To this: “Yes, the Author of all things watches over me…”
I thought it was really well done. There were several references to God’s grace, it opens with a verse out of Proverbs, and the background music is “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.” I’ve seen it twice. 🙂
I enjoyed the film– but as far as spiritual values they were subtly implied at best. There were several references to God– but the novel even has Scripture references in it. Young Mattie comtemplates predestination… If you want to find a more spiritual viewpoint, the novel depicts it much more deeply than the film. The concept of Mattie’s desire for vengeance as a holy mission is implied.
Otherwise, there is the implication that God watches over us all in a loving fashion. For the believer this is true, for those outside of Christ it is not exactly so. God’s face is against those who do evil. Those lost in their sins are objects of God’s wrath.
As entertainment, True Grit was fine. As far as the final, climactic battle, I did not find Bridges as compelling as the Duke. In the rest of the film I felt Bridges outclassed John Wayne as an actor hands down. He just didn’t have the chops for the action sequences, in my opinion.
Hello John,
I hope all is well with you and your family today! I am hoping you will share your thoughts on a quote that I read recently. It bothered me! I just wonder if I’m overly-sensitive or our my “feelings” valid. I’m currently reading your book,”12 steps for the recovering Pharisee,” and maybe I’m crossing over the line in my feelings. But, anyway here it is:
“We cannot keep company with the timid to achieve greatness.” Teddy Roosevelt
I know the Bible warns us to make friends wisely, but this just bothers me. Maybe there was history from his personal life that provoked this. Please share any thoughts you have, that might help me with this.
p.s This was a quote shared on fb by a person that I recently met and trying to consider if our thinking about relationship, although we are both Christians, is in any way relatable. I do have trust issues. But, as I’m trying to “re-cover” from pharasaical ways of thinking, I want to “choose” my friends wisely! Sorry so long-winded and thanks for any advice or input in advance!
The issue is the word “timid.” You can’t reach greatness being afraid.
Thanks for responding to my question. I was more focused on how unloving and de-valuing of someone it sounded than focusing on the word “timid!” I see that the hurt I felt was that I am aware of “timidity” and “fear(s)” that I am fighting to overcome and just hope to find friends that will be graceful enough towards me! I took it personally! Asking for you and Marti to remember me in your prayer life; I will do the same for you both. Thanks again…
S~
John,
I was intrigued by the quote from “True Grit” which you shared…”The Author of all things watches over me…and I have a good horse.” What does it mean for us today to “have a good horse”? I like the idea that our life in Christ is both spiritual and physical, that God uses the everyday things to both enhance our relationship with God and to enhance our ministry with others. But, what is your good horse? What do you ride on your mission to share with all the Good News of Jesus Christ? I would be interested in hearing you reflect more on this.
Blessings in your ministry!
This is exactly what I wanted you to think about. I would think it to be a natural talent or gift. What we’re good at humanly speaking.
Yes. As opposed to asking God to “bless this mess” it is to have the confidence that I have worked to make an interesting Bible Study or sermon. That I have skills in art and have applied myself to making something of quality. I don’t think it means to trust in the “horse” but to have done are preparation otherwise.
Yes, I think that’s what it means.