Monday, December 16, 2013

Never Give Up, Never Surrender


Never Give Up, Never Surrender
 

This has been a hard year for many of us but I want to end the year on a lighter note and talk about a brighter future on the horizon…and I'd like to use the movie Galaxy Quest to illustrate my point.

Now, if you haven't seen this movie, I suggest you rectify that immediately. It's a brilliant satire, poking fun at Star Trek. Beyond that, though, is a touching story about what it means to be an ordinary hero.

Like the crew of the Galaxy Quest, we can feel beaten down. Has-beens. Yesterday's news. Nothing to distinguish us from anybody else. Struggling to rise to the top and be noticed.

Are you depressed yet? Don't be. Remember the motto. Never give up. Never surrender.

At any time we could be called upon to be a hero – a hero in someone else's life or even a hero in our own – something a good friend recently reminded me to be. And like the Galaxy Quest crew, we shouldn't be afraid to accept help from others to accomplish our goals.

Remember that the people around us are willing to help. All we need to do is ask. It's the sharing which makes us strong as a people. We don't have to hide in the darkness or struggle alone.

Three things Galaxy Quest taught me:

1.      No matter how tough your circumstance, you will always meet somebody with bigger problems than you.

2.      Friends can pull you out of the worst of situations.

3.      True friendship is the most valuable thing you can possess.

During the hustle and bustle of this holiday season I hope you find your inner strength and reach out to someone who needs a hero in their life. You can make a difference.

Oh, and just to be safe, don't wear a red shirt when you go outside…
 
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And while you're here, please take a moment to check out the brand-new tab above which says: Composers for Relief. Thank you and blessings to all.

40 comments:

  1. River, these are some great points. I love this movie, but don't ever stop to think about those underlying lessons. Thanks for sharing a great perspective on this =)

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    1. I usually watch movies the same way, Emilyann. It's only at later points in time that a message will strike me. :)

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  2. I can't tell you how much I needed to read this today. Thank you so very much.

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    1. Then I'm doubly glad I posted it, EC! Many, many hugs to you. :)

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  3. And be sure to watch the episodes of your life so you don't make dumb mistakes!
    Excellent movie and great points of wisdom.

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    1. Oh, my. That would be painful to watch, Alex! I can't imagine being forced to relive certain episodes of my life. :)

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  4. One of my very favorite movies ever, and totally underrated. It's one of those movies I pop in on particularly challenging days.

    ALL THE FEELS! <3

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    1. It really is a feel-good movie, Netta! I hadn't watched it in awhile so really enjoyed it fresh. :)
      FEELS BACK ATCHA! <3

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  5. Love Galaxy Quest! And what great lessons from it!

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  6. It's been forever since I've seen that movie. Thanks for the pep talk. I think sometimes we just need a break or some distance to see what a difference we are making in the world. It's so easy to get stuck in tunnel vision. =)

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    1. Yes, Crystal! And we all know that writer's tunnel vision is the tunneliest...uh, the worst. ;)

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  7. I've seen that movie a few times, but never saw it that way. Wasn't that motto also a line from Karate Kid?

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    1. Hi, Jay! All I remember of the Karate Kid is "wax on, wax off." :)

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  8. It's been forever since I've seen this movie. Now I want to watch it again.

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    1. Now you have something fun to watch, Aldrea! Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  9. Great movie! Love your 3 truths.
    I have a friend that tells me to "Grab a root and growl."

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    1. Thanks, David! That's a hilarious statement. I had to go look it up. :)

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  10. I lurves Galaxy Quest. I need to watch it again. It's so fantastic. Never surrender. So true. Thank you for your friendship. :) It makes my days brighter.

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    1. Aww, thanks, Mary! You make my days brighter too. :)

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  11. I've never viewed Galaxy Quest. Sorry. I love "Never give up. Never surrender." Those words remind me of Churchill in 1940: "Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule, we shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." Note how many times he dares to repeat "we shall fight" until he rises to the penultimate "we shall never surrender." He writes almost as well as you do, River.

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    1. You absolutely must see this movie, Ron! David will love it, I'm sure.

      I'm laughing so hard I can't catch my breath here. ;) I truly wish I had Churchhill's eloquence...or his drinking capacity! He had such a gift.

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  12. Never give up!.. You really motivated me, I lost my focus but now I'm feeling boosted, Thank You River Ma'am.

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    1. I'm honored to have helped in any way, Sakib! It's so easy to lose focus, especially when so many other things are vying for one's attention.

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  13. Hi River,

    Wise, thoughtful, encouraging words, my friend. Galaxy Quest is the perfect movie to reflect your analogy. I do know that no matter what, that our struggles in life have their own validity. I understand that despite my troubles, I know of those worse off. That's why I try to be there for somebody who is finding it hard to cope. Coping can be enhanced through the power of sincere friendship. You truly display this dear friend. We share a gift. The gift of empathy.

    I am most aware of the cause you note. Kudos to the lovely Samantha. I was flattered to have been asked. However, but the time I replied, all 28 writing posts had been filled.

    Once again, thank you for your words of support and wisdom.

    Gary :)

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    1. You are an inspiration to me, Gary. I can only hope to emulate the empathy you show to others. Many times I've been heartened by your words and your puns, coming away with a smile on my face that you put there. :) Thank you for being such a bright star - oh, I'm sorry. Penny's the star - but you shine just as much.

      Sam's project is a terrific endeavor. I hope it raises a goodly amount of money!

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  14. I'm so thankful to count you among my friends who keep me going. I love the future; it's just chock-full of potential!

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    1. And chock-full of wine bottles too, Julie! :D And blanket tents, and chocolate, and...

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  15. Great post! Thank you for this! :-)

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  16. Galaxy Quest is one of my most favorite movies! When I saw it in Dec. 1999, my youngest brother had just died at age 44. While I watched and laughed in the theater, I also allowed myself the luxury of crying as well. Laughing and crying are just a hair apart.

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    1. You're right, Susan. The two emotions walk a tightrope with each other. Movies can become touchstones for us and our feelings.

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  17. This is a great movie, and the truths that you pointed out are amazing.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  18. Hi, Gina! It is a great movie, isn't it? :)

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  19. So true. Being heroic isn't something that just happens. It's a choice we have to make every day.

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    1. Hi Misha! You're right. Sometimes the circumstances just happen, but we still have to make a choice. We can all be heroes to somebody. :)

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  20. One of my favorite movies of all time, and a fantastic motto to keep in mind! Happy New Year!

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    1. It's such a fun movie, Beverly! Happy New Year to you, too. :)

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  21. I never wear red! Seriously, wise words in this post.

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