The Last Dance, a Review

Another look at a documentary review posted in 2020.

Pilgrim on a Long, Long Journey

If you haven’t seen this ESPN documentary on Netflix it is extraordinary. Basically, the series of episodes are about a man who was larger than life. At 6 ft. 6, in incredible physical condition, Michael Jordan could beat the defensive player a multitude of ways, particularly under the pressure of the playoffs. He could out maneuver him on the boards, leap to greater heights and change the trajectory of his layups as if floating in mid-air. He could also hit from downtown when that outside shot was the only one available. It was all done with steel will and Hemingway’s “grace under pressure.”

In its breadth the multipart series is about what it took to form an almost unbelievable dynasty in the 90s. Scotty Pippen had to take some of the defense’s concentration off Michael. The unusual Dennis Rodman had to shut down the boards for Chicago, making the rebound…

View original post 81 more words

Risking Our Hearts

“Our stories remind us how precious and fragile life can be–and that we must risk our hearts every day to know happiness,” Luanne Rice, an American novelist. 

Love requires vulnerability. If I am not open to my loved one, she can’t know me. If my spouse doesn’t know me, she can’t love me. 

That’s the interesting thing about dating. It plays out on a stage. We are inclined to show only our best selves. No wonder while sparks fly, we only see with rose-colored glasses. Only roses are on the table. 

An articulate British philosopher, Alain de Botton, suggested the best start would be to ask the other person, “So, how are you crazy?” I think his remark is half in jest, but clothed in reality. The first year of married life would be less shocking if each person was vulnerable and open early on.

My 44 years with Kristine have been”… precious and fragile…” At eight years, the length of the average American marriage, ours was on the brink.

Our marital therapist, a Messianic Jew, led us to Christ saving and renewing our relationship. We realized at rock bottom we shared the same values. That drew us closer and more vulnerable with each other. Our salvation changed forever, the way we looked at life and each other.