I love Back to the Future—the movie was released while I was in college and my friends, and I managed to see it several times. We loved the music, adored Michael J. Fox and appreciated a movie that was part rom-com, part time-travel, and a bit science fiction; this one checked all the boxes.
This summer my daughter has been trying to watch a list of movies that her dad and I think are true classics from our youth—Back to the Future was for sure one we think was worth watching. One of the best parts of the story are the lessons that are illustrated by the premise of going back in time and what it would mean if that were truly possible. In fact, the irony was not lost on me that these were some of the very things I hope I have imparted on my child and especially important as this is the last summer we have before she heads off to college. I have found myself taking a few moments each day to tell her, again, a few things I hope she will remember when she is not in the safe space of home anymore. After I talk a while reiterating a critical “life lesson” and her eyes have glazed over with a look of “I know, I know—you’ve told me before,” I then remember that I probably have told her before and she will probably be just fine.
I think, though, that is why I was especially glad she was watching so many of my favorite old movies. It’s nostalgic, it is sentimental, and these shows seem to be filled with beautiful pearls of wisdom. Not that I expect these old movies to truly teach vital life lessons, and I surely don’t believe they are a substitute for years of (hopefully) good parenting; however, as I have revisited a few I do see that many of them have valuable takeaways that she will see as well.
So back to, Back to the Future. This story teaches about: taking control of your own destiny, the importance of not repeating past mistakes, earning and keeping true love, and facing up to bullies. These lessons pretty much sum up what I hope my young adult child takes with her into the world: make your own way in the world—make good choices and learn from mistakes you’ve already had. You can find love—but you must be responsible to earn that love and true love is work hanging on to. You will encounter bullies—know your worth and know how to best face up to those challenges. And even though you can’t go back in time, you can head to the future better prepared because of the parents, friends, and family of faith that have surrounded you with love as you’ve grown up.
I hope to see you for St. Luke’s on Broadway. Each week there will be great music, beautiful stories, and God’s love shared through these Broadway shows. I know some will be nostalgic, or sentimental but for sure you will find a pearl of wisdom for your life as well.
Lori Hall, Executive Director of Missions
