A Raisin In The Sun

A Raisin In The Sun

One of my all time favorite movies is called "A Raisin In The Sun". It was based on a play that debuted on Broadway in 1959. It comes from the poem, "Harlem" (also known as a "Dream Deferred") by Lagnston Hughes. The story was based on a poor Black family's struggle in a Chicago neighborhood.

The movie was produced in 1961 and starred Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Louis Gossett Jr., to name a few. It was also re-created again in 2008 with Sean 'Puffy" Combs playing the main character.

The story not only depicted the struggles Blacks faced trying to get ahead in 'not so friendly' times of the 1950's, but also the strength and resolve of a family that struggled through poverty, set backs, hopes and dreams. The lessons that could be learned from the story are well worth the effort to watch the movie.

I recently came across an article that pointed out some spiritual truths that could be plucked out the script and thought it was worth sharing. Enjoy:

There's Always Something Left To Love - Tony Campolo

Some years ago, I saw Lorraine Hansberry's play, Raisin In The Sun, and heard a passage that still haunts me. In the play, an African-American family inherits $10,000 from their father's life insurance policy. The mother of the household sees in this legacy the chance to escape the ghetto life of Harlem and move into a little house with flower boxes out in the countryside. The brilliant daughter of this family sees in the money the chance to live out her dream and go to medical school.

But the older brother has a plea that is difficult to ignore. He begs for the money so that he and his 'friend' can go into business together. He tells the family that with the money he can make something of himself and make things good for the rest of them. He promises that if he can just have the money, he can give back to the family all the blessings that their hard lives have denied them.

Against her better judgment, the mother gives in to the pleas of her son. She has to admit that life's chances have never been good for him and that he deserves the chance that this money might give him.

As you might suspect, the so called "friend" skips town with the money. The desolate son has to return home and break the news to the family that their hopes for the future have been stolen and their dreams for a better life are gone. His sister lashes into him with a barrage of ugly epitaphs. She calls him every despicable thing she can imagine. Her contempt for her brother has no limits. 

When she takes a breathe in the midst of her tirade, the mother interrupts her says, "I thought I taught you to love him,"

Beneatha, the daughter, answers, "Love him? There's nothing left to love."

And the mother responds: 

"There's always something left to love. And if you ain't learned that, you ain't learned nothing. Have you cried for that boy today? I don't mean for yourself and the family because we lost all that money. I mean for him: for what he's been through and what it done to him. Child, when do you think is the time to love somebody the most: when they done good and made things easy for everybody? Well then, you ain't through learning, because that ain't the time at all. It's when he's at his lowest and can't believe in himself 'cause the world done whipped him so. When you starts measuring somebody, measure him right, child, measure him right. Make sure you done taken into account what hills and valleys he done come through before he got to wherever he is." 

That is Grace! It is love that is given when it is not deserved. It is forgiveness given when it is not earned. It is a gift that flows like a refreshing stream to quench the fires of angry and condemning words.

How much more loving and forgiving is the Father's love for us? And how much more is the grace of God for us?

I hope you enjoyed this and I hope you ponder those last two questions. When you feel as though you have lost your way, screwed up royally or have been condemned by others, remember; God is 'For' You! Who can stand against you? (Romans 8:31)

God Bless

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