From the San Diego Union-Tribune, a story of Michelle Williams, who has been nominated for an Oscar for her role in “Brokeback Mountain”:
A provocative film about two cowboys in Wyoming whose friendship becomes a romance, “Brokeback Mountain” is a long way from the rigorous religious precepts of Santa Fe Christian and the G-rated productions of “The Sound of Music” at CYT. Nevertheless, Carla Williams is ecstatic about her daughter’s success: “She’s sweet, she has a heart, I’m so proud of her.”
Not so proud is Santa Fe Christian headmaster Jim Hopson. “We don’t want to have anything to do with her in relation to that movie,” said Hopson, who turned down a request from a Union-Tribune reporter to visit the school and chat with students about the movies and one of their own being up for an Academy Award.
“Michelle doesn’t represent the values of this institution. We would not approve of her movies and TV shows (including the teen drama “Dawson’s Creek”). We’d not like to be tied to ‘Brokeback Mountain.’
“I hope we offered her something in life. But she made the kinds of choices of which we wouldn’t approve. ‘Brokeback Mountain’ basically promotes a lifestyle we don’t promote. It’s not the word of God.”
Now, Pam Spaulding is angry about this, alleging its “homo bigotry by association.” Not exactly, Michelle has never played many virtuous roles. As she said of herself:
The actress told one interviewer, “My parents are so proud. I did a movie called ‘Dick.’ I got naked on stage (in an off-Broadway show). I did this HBO thing where I’m a lesbian. I mean, good God, I’m just causing shame to my household.”
Add to that premarital sex and an out of wedlock child in the process and the school’s reason for disappointment becomes obvious.
Update
As Michael mentions in the comments, Michelle took responsibility in that she had her child. And that choice is commendable and I would definitely encourage people in a crisis pregnancy situation to that.
I also don’t want to be interpreted as saying any of this is unforgivable. Its certainly not, but repentance is important and rather than saying, “she’s made mistakes and she’s repented” the argument has been “Michelle’s just wonderful.”
Christian School teachers, administrators who dream of their schools producing people who will change the world, and make an impact for Christ.
What’s happened with Michelle is a monumental waste. She’s become just another part of the problem. Another actress spewing forth cultural sewage and degrading herself for the camera and the big bucks.
There’s a lesson in here for Christian parents. The mother’s not ashamed or at all embarassed and has no problem with the roles her daughter plays on the screen. She got what she wanted, her daughter is a successful and famous actress. Never mind, if she’s contributing the breakdown of our culture with shows like Dawson’s Creek.
If you wnat your kids to be dedicated to things like holiness, righteousness, and truth, then you have to instill them and make that your focus. If your focus is fame and success, and money, that’s where the kids are going to learn to focus.
I don’t condemn Michelle Williams. Other than the fact that we both come from Kalispell, she and I have something in common: choices.
Its a challenge to keep your bearings in a culture where money and fame are everything. The temptation is there to do something you believe is wrong to make money, get famous, or to please someone. The greatest temptation is to give in, but I’ve stood firm for what I believe is right at a cost. Sometimes, in my darker moments, I think about what I could have, if I’d trade away a few principles.
Sometimes, I’ve compromised and lived to regret it and repented. I’ve chosen to follow principle, at times when its cost and cost dearly. I won’t go into it all here, but its been painful at times, and quite costly. Yet, at the end of the day, I’ve done my best to be faithful to what’s moral, right, and true, rather than going along to get along. Peakah’s Provocation has a quote on the front page, “Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self… -Cyril Connolly.” which I believe is true.
Who knows what’ll come of it? In my dreams, I hope to end up like the Oak Tree, which as the old adage goes, is just a nut that stands its ground. In the end, it doesn’t matter. All my goals and dreams pale in comparison of the reality of Christ. I hope to, as Paul wrote, “to count all else as “dung” compared to knowing Christ.” I stumble along the way, but the Lord is guiding my path and that’s worth more than all the money in the world.
“I belong to the lamb of God,
He purchased me with His precious blood.
I don’t need popularity,
I’d rather have what He gave to Me.
I belong to the King of Kings,
He’s my hope, He’s my joy, He’s my Everything.”
-Michael Combs in “Not For Sale”
