“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?” -Romans 8:31-32
The first musical I remember watching as a child was Annie. I did not see it on the stage, but on the big screen. It was the 1982 movie starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, and Carol Burnett. I was thrilled to see a movie with music, dancing and a good story that held my attention. Later, my parents bought a VHS copy of Annie. I am sure I wore it out.
Since that time, I have had the privilege of introducing my daughters to Annie. They love watching the girls in the orphanage give Miss Hannigan a hard time, and their faces always light up when with the beautiful music and dancing. We were blessed this year to be part of the St. Luke’s production of Annie in the Poteet Theatre. It was such a joy to bring this wonderful story to life on the stage.
Annie is a great musical and children almost always love it. However, the story of Annie is not just for children. There is a message within the plot that speaks to the heart of everyone. It is a story of hope.
The story of Annie moves the audience from the hopeless, “Hard-Knock Life” to a better time, beyond the present-day struggles. Throughout the story, Annie encounters people working in difficult situations, living through trials and doing all they can to move beyond their current circumstances. Annie opens the audience to the possibility of hope; the possibility that life can be different, life can be more than what we currently see and know.
Hope is also the story of our faith. It is the Easter message! The resurrection of Christ shows the world that God, in grace, overcomes the darkest moments this life presents. God is able and does bring a new day, filled with new possibilities to each of us. God is active in our “Hard-Knock Life” and because of that we have hope. Thanks be to God.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
