johnmdemarco posted on January 15, 2011 20:48
Tonight I saw a film that is surely one of the best made in recent memory, The King’s Speech. It impacted me on a personal basis more than I could have imagined.
Set in 1930s England, the movie chronicles King George VI’s ascension to the throne—and his lifelong battle against a ferocious stammering habit. Through the graces of a talented (although non-credentialed) speech impediment expert, he makes gradual improvements that culminate in a thundering, inspiring address to the nation and the world as Great Britain engages the militant Nazis in the commencement of World War II. The king, played beautifully by Colin Firth, taps into a wellspring of inspiration and courage that defeats the so-called impediment in the end.
As I watched, I remembered. And I felt. And I saw.
I saw a young man with dorky glasses and bow legs who was terrified to speak in public because of a persistent stammer, but with a knack for words that he hoped one day might inspire people. I saw him trade the glasses for contacts and grow into his own skin, and gradually heed an embryonic call to speak and lead and motivate. I saw him--never fully stripped to this day of the fear of stammering—eventually preach the Gospel and baptize babies, officiate weddings and celebrate the lives of the passed, and finally train, coach and consult with business leaders.
The film reminded me tonight just how grateful I am to have made the journey from stammering to letting my words flow forth, and for the God who inspires me to persevere with the gifts he has provided.
And I hope I never forget where my journey began, and never lose sight of the artist as a young dork. A little bit of nervous edge is good for the character, and certainly enables humility to undergird the inspiration.