paintings. But slowly, with much endurance, she rises
out of that shadow as her own work begins to garner
recognition.
Both Frida and Diego eventually demonstrate
emotional endurance and a willingness to discover
whom the other person is as well as discovering their
own true identity. When the film ends with Frida’s
death, the impression remains that despite the many
crises in her life, she never lost her passion, remained
full of courage to be who she was, and to take life as it
came, even the suffering.Watch Frida (or choose an appropriate film you’ve already
seen), or select one from the Film Index(especially the cate-
gories Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Hope and
Encouragement— both found under Inspiration). Select one
whose characters demonstrate determination, steadfastness,
and courage, which leads them to transformative changes. It is
not crucial that the plot matches your situation exactly. More
important is that you get a sense of the strength that the char-
acters find in themselves that helps them prevail. Some experi-
ence a profound inner change in the process. Focus on these
aspects of the films.
The following list might refresh your memory or give you
some more specific ideas about a movie to choose:
Whale Rider (2003)
In present-day New Zealand the twelve-year-old
Maori girl, Pai believes that she could serve as the chief
of her tribe. Her grandfather loves her but fiercely
opposes this idea. He doubts Pai, questioning her
achievements, insists, despite everything she achieves,
that she is only a girl. This causes her much pain, but
she perseveres, demonstrating amazing strength and
determination to reach her goal.“And ever has it been that
love knows not its own
depth until the hour of
separation.”
Kalhil GibranGrief and Transformation 121