So, did you watch the Academy Awards 2009 last night?
I almost missed it myself but thanks to a true friend of popular culture who thought to remind me, I caught the last several hours. Most award shows can’t sustain my attention but last night I thought the presentation was stunning.
I had several favorite moments but since it is Monday and we all have way too much to do, I’ll just give you two:
1) The dance tribute to the Musical for once again gaining momentum. The stage was full of fun performers like Beyonce’, Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Amanda Seyfried all celebrating the once much-loved genre making its way back into mainstream popularity. Oh and I feel like inserting here: I still don’t like Musicals. I’m just not sassy enough to appreciate Musicals but my personal deficiency at this point does not steal my joy for those who are.
2) The gathering of five female Hollywood hall of famers (Shirley MacLaine, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Sophia Loren, Halle Berry) to recognize the five female nominees for best actress in a leading role (the nominees were: Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Melissa Leo, Meryl Streep, and Kate Winslet). Shirley MacLaine’s speech to Anne Hathaway was so kind and gracious that I could barely make out that hideously mean yet brilliant character Ouiser from Steel Magnolias. And then I remembered why she was on the stage in the first place.
For those of you who didn’t watch, Kate Winslet won the much-coveted award for best performance by an actress in a leading role. One of the delightful things about watching the Academy Awards is that actors/actresses who often play it cool and composed can’t help but get expressive. Even though they’re all dolled up, they appear surprisingly taken off guard and even corny. I found the moments of cheesiness to be a little bit refreshing. For instance, the exquisite Kate Winslet was no longer a calm and sophisticated socialite restrained in a tight corset like she once was in Titanic, for she resembled a giggly little girl whose bursts of excitement hindered her words from keeping up with her heart. She even waved to her Daddy out in the crowd. I loved when she said:
“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t made a version of this speech before, I think I was probably eight years old and staring into the bathroom mirror. And this (holding up her statuette) would’ve been a shampoo bottle. Well, it’s not a shampoo bottle now!”
Oh the glory of seeing the fruit of one’s hard work and determination actually realized. You can almost be emotionally moved by it.
I bash Hollywood quite a bit. I’m especially hard on the women. I wonder if it has anything to do with how beautiful they are…? But, I’ve gotta admit, those chics work hard! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that they are dang good at what they do, even if we personally wouldn’t morally approve of the movie they star in. Now, you’re thinking, “Do you have any idea how much they get paid, Melissa???” Point well taken. But still.
I’m taking their example of hard work and excellence as a challenge this week. Notice that I didn’t say I am taking their moral excellence as a challenge. Please don’t misunderstand me. But back to the point– Since I am paid to be a research assistant what this means for me is sitting down with my technical books, articles, and commentaries and reading them like Angelina Jolie would read her script. Now you might think that my job sounds fun and easy, but it isn’t all fun and games. There are days I read small print for eight hours straight. Did I mention I have bi-focals? That’s because I never wear them. Anyway, there are times during the day when I get bored and want to take a nap just like you probably do. I love my job and I find great satisfaction in it but it is still a job and sometimes it is very hard.
This week I don’t want to just do a good job; I want to do an excellent job. From the corporate woman, to the student, all the way to the stay-at-home Mom, we’ve all been given important and often daunting tasks. Let’s be excellent at what we do here on this earth. We may never single-handedly change the world and get to sport Oscar de la Renta evening wear all at the same time but we can be excellent in the various spheres of influence we’ve been given by the Lord.
And on a broad spiritual level, may we continue to persevere in our callings and prove ourselves to be good stewards of our time and resources so that one day we may taste sweet and ultimate victory. A life lived excellently as unto the Lord. No earthly acknowledgment, not even Shirley MacLaine’s toast to Anne Hathaway, could ever hold a candle to the Master’s words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master.”
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thanks for the recap and perspecitve… i missed the whole thing and now you enabled me to hit delete and feel ok about doing that. you are so wonderfully expressive with your words that there is no need to waaste my time watching… thank you my dear!! loved it!! Leigh
Well said Melissa! I agree, last nights Oscars was refreshing. Thank you for challenging us to be the best women we can possibly be. Being a stay at home mom can be daunting, but I know I’m making a difference in my families lives.
Very well written, Melissa. For being so young, you and Amanda have such wise minds and exceptional talents. I know your parents must glow with pride. Your comment has affirmed my 3rd scripture memorization. Heb. 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off all that hinders; and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverence the race that is marked out for us”. (I did that from memory too !!!) Thanks again.
Melissa:
I so enjoyed watching last night as well. And one of the things that struck me was when the actors and actresses from not so far a distants came out and gave the awards to the new nominees. Just a reminder of keeping your eye on excellence that you will excel at whatever you try to do. The Lord is good to all of us who put His wants and needs for us before our own.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts today. I too love the challenge …
Lichelle
I wrote in my prayer journal this morning that I wanted to be careful to focus on God’s calling for me and not cut corners. Sometimes with 3 little ones (and a big guy) clamoring for my attention, I am ready to fudge here and there. I could use the excuse that I am about to short circuit, and while there is certainly some truth to that, really, it’s about priorities.
Melissa–I didn't watch the awards last night, but so appreciated your call to excellence! I especially needed the reminder today when the "brainy" girl in me had to be shoved aside to babysit an 18-month old & make a meatloaf for my husband who's home today! Let me tell you what–juggling the two tasks took some brains & braun! In the world, but not of the world…thanks for your challenge!
This whole striving for excellence thing has been on my mind lately. But rather than watching the Academy Awards – I have been watching football players at the NFL combine. The effort that those guys put forth on every drill and test is truly inspiring – and it really gets me moving!
Thanks for the encouragement today, girl!
Inspired,
Kate 🙂
That’s a good challenge to excel in all that the Lord has called us individually to do – no matter what it is and no matter how small. I appreciate that reminder, Melissa.
Gotta say that I’ve decided after last night to not watch these award shows anymore. I remember your Mom talking about how she and your Dad were considering joining a gym right after she turned 40, and she said, “No, don’t think I will – don’t want to go there.” I feel exactly the same about these shows – makes me feel things that are not healthy. Honestly, I feel the need for a shower after watching and listening to all that wordly stuff. Wish I were more immune to it, since it can be a lot of fun. But, at this season in my life there are some very tough things I have to accept. And it doesn’t help to see all the things I am not. Sure would appreciate your prayers as I journey through this difficult season.
Blessings to you all,
Gretchen in Thousand Oaks, CA
Melissa:
I did not see the award show. But you words were very timely. I am facing a mountain of mess in my home do to some extra tasks I did not count on. I was starting to feel like just getting the tasks done and not worry about how well they are done. But God has been clear to me about doing things right and for His glory. So, God has definitely spoken to me through this post. I want to pursue doing the things before me with excellence and to His glory. Kim B. in AZ
Well said, Rabbi. or Rabiette. Whatever.
And, what deficiency is it that keeps you from liking musicals????? Can you take a pill for that, because I will personally find them and ship them to you so you can start on that medication right away.
Melissa,
This was a great post. Evidently all the Moore women are gifted writers ( and BEAUTIFUL to boot).
I too thought the way the best actor and actress awards were presented was very cool.
May we all strive for excellence this week.
Love, LINDA
Point well taken Melissa. I did not watch the oscars, I often joke about how many award shows there are for actors. But maybe if we had award shows for every day folks we would work just a little harder, feel a little more appreciated. If we all go about our days thinking of our great reward, maybe we will accomplish just a little more for Him.
And maybe it is ok to sometimes hold an award show with only two attendants, me and my God.
Oh I love musicals. If I could have danced in one i would have. I use to take jazz, ballet, tap and man i love all that stuff. I love the broadway dancing. Yes, the Oscars are a show case of talent and looks too. I do get caught up in all those gowns, glamour and some of those gorgeous men. Whew! Well, not being married…you know. I think I am a Cinderella girl at heart. But Meryl Streep has so much class a gifted actress and can sing too. I still liked Kate in the Titanic.
You don’t have bi-foals! you just have big beautiful eyes that can see a nat from a distant! And, if you do so what. And the last statement you made, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your master.” The Oscars, don’t hold a flicker to it.
Oh, looking for work! Graphic Designer and watercolorist. Prayer would be nice too.
Allison
Surprisingly in our marriage it is my husband that is into those shows way way more than me, I think it is because I never watch movies and have no idea who is whom.
But the thought of excellence in all things intrigues me and I would have to say after such a long long winter in the north excellence becomes something you hope to look for in the Spring.
My husband and I are heading for points south this week and I think the thought of excellence has inspired me a month sooner than normal up here in the East Coast of Canada.
We are in Florida for the month of March and after the 11th storm in 9 weeks has just flown past (They called it a Colorado clipper)not before dropping 15 cms. of snow I have to say March’s place of resting cannot come fast enough. But in all that I shall do everything on this little break like God Himself is standing there watching me doing it. I know it is a place we are suppose to live all the time, but I think because we are humans simply human. We often forget excellence in all things.
Thanks for the thoughts.
Amen – Well Said Melissa – let us all be good stewards of what the Lord has provided… for the Lord – and not for man – May we excel in Him – thru Him – for Him…
HOLY GHOST BUMPS HERE!
WELL DONE, MELISSA!
YOU ARE A WISE ONE!!!
I, too, just want to please my Master!
And a little side praise that I have to share with all of my Siestas!
God is doing an AMAZING work with the Women of the Word (WOW) Sunday School Class at my church.
He is helping each of us take off the garment of guilt, shame, depression, opression, fear, unworthiness and whatever else it is the enemy likes to dress us in. The FATHER OF GRACE is clothing each of the ladies in His righteousness and they are putting on their garments of praise, love, peace, joy, kindness, etc. Walking the way a daughter of ROYALTY should walk. Shoulders back, head held high, hands out to serve and to give.
Seeing this transformation right before my very eyes has slain me more times than I can count.
What joy! What awe!!
OH PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!
I pray each of you walk as the Princesses that He has made you. You are worthy, Dear Ones, for our Daddy God said so.
Love you and love loving Him with you!!!!
XOOXOXO
Well said, Melissa, well said.
I didn’t catch the awards but I did need to read this post. I’m a stay-at-home mom who told her husband this very morning, “I don’t want to go to work today!” Thanks for the encouragement and keep up the good work;)
Ok, I didn’t watch the Academy Award, so I’ll give you that I can’t understand the potential impact of some of those moments or speeches, but I’m not on board with this post. I mean this is a group of people who are systematically trying to, and somewhat succeeding at, tearing down our culture and totally bent on redefining marriage. And, yes, we can say they’re hard workers — why not emulate their work ethic? But seriously, can’t we find a more worthy group to hold up as an example? I mean, even Satan has a dang good work ethic but I’m not about to give him props 🙂
Melissa in CA
I too was really impressed with the presentation of previous winners bestowing words of encouragement in their presentation of the nominees. It made me think of the call on all seasoned Christians (women or men) to speak intentional words of truth, encouragement and blessing to the younger Christian. What would happen if we had a similar setting, maybe a women’s banquet, where we had several seasoned women speaking these words on their younger sisters in the faith? What a blessing that would be!
Hmm, so well said. I am also such a basher of hollywood. I’m feeling convicted. I could stand to gain some perspective and a few lessons about ingenuity and stick-to-ativeness that I could apply to my very normal, cheerio and pizza-sauce laden job of Stay at Home Mom. Now, if i could only do it with great posture and a nice little up-do! 🙂
I didn’t watch the Academy Awards last night, but I can so identify with “the need for excellency”.
I echo your Mom’s sentiments, “Lord,overtake and enable us (me)”.
At 75, I want to look as sassy as Sophia Loren looked with her hand on her hip, and wearing that stunning yellow dress.
AMEN sister…..great post. I too want to do the Lord’s work in excellence.
So, isn’t it about time for your and Collins anniversary???? If so HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! If I am late, I apologize. So how has the first year of marriage been? I hope and pray it has been wonderful.
God Bless
I teach elementary school. Our school, East Elementary School, recently adopted a new motto: Be excellent! It’s short, it’s sweet – but how it reminds us all. Every morning when I hear that on the intercom, I want to get started because when I’m serving the kids with excellence, I’m serving the Lord, too. Thanks for this reminder today.
Excellent exhortaion, Melissa!
Thank you for this post. I’ve grown kind of weary and I really needed the reminder and the encouragement to get back it in a most excellent way.
denise
Oh this is so great, Melissa! Thank you so much. I was a perfectionist for many, many years. And for me that meant make one little mistake and crawl into the next available pit. I heard a teaching on excellence vs perfectionism, and after that,I made it a goal to do things with excellence rather than be a perfectionist (the teaching said perfectionism was rooted in pride, but excellence was doing your best and doing it as unto the Lord…) I am at a point where I have a couple of big things I’m focusing on, and then there are the small, everyday things. Thank you for the reminder to do the every day things with excellence.
Andreea
OH Melissa you’ve given me tears. I was thinking this same sort of thing this morning when I was cleaning toilets. (Why do we have some many bathrooms!!!) Anyway…I assure you I wasn’t feeling to glamorous in my navy sweats… BUT somewhere this morning between the toilets, homeschooling and getting dinner started…God assured me that doing what HE called me to for this season was worth so much more than a stunning evening gown and borrowed jewelry. He reminded me that He is going to give me some pretty stunning jewelry one day…and I can’t wait to give it back to Him.
Thank you for this post!
stephanie
I understand the point about who we hold up for emulation. It’s a valid one and one we must give consideration to, particularly when the culture gives us such skewed models. (This is on my mind lately, having just come from Harvard’s Veritas Forum where the subject was beauty–in people, in our communities, and in our world.)
But there is something to be admired and acknowledged when we find beautiful things, wherever we find them. Theologians call this common grace. Some of these actors may have personal lives that I wouldn’t want to emulate, but they have put portrayals on film that bring to life the joy and heartbreak of being human, and that is beautiful no matter where we find it.
And frankly *I* have a personal life that you should not want to emulate, and that I don’t want to emulate myself! I have done things that, if you knew me, would make you not even want to share a cup of coffee with me. And you know what? You’d be missing out, because I am danged fun (and funny) over a cup of coffee.
Let’s admire excellence and diligence in the task at hand wherever we find it. If we hold people up to lofty personal standards as a prerequisite to appreciating their work, we’re going to have to throw out a lot of the beautiful art, culture, music and science of the last millennia. I, for one, am not willing to give up Langston Hughes’ “I, too, sing America/ I am the darker brother…They’ll see how beautiful I am and be ashamed/ I, too, am America” just because he was gay and communist and not a believer.
The pyramids are still spectacular though they were built to pagan gods.
The rock art of the San people in South Africa is still stunning though it predates Christianity.
I will continue to be stunned by Meryl Streep’s silent scream when she gives up one of her children in “Sophie’s Choice”, whatever her personal life, as a wrenching portrayal of deeply human moments when all of the choices before us are unthinkable.
Common grace is everywhere, and I need all the grace I can get.
Shannon (in Cambridge, not the other Shannon)
Boy did I need this!!
First of all, I do love an awards show, even if I didn’t see any of the movies nominated. I LOVED the 5 women and men that excelled in their work presenting awards to Best Actor/Actress and Supporting Actor/Actress. Their words of encouragement and praise for those following in their footsteps was very heartwarming. I even cried….just a little.
Secondly, I remember telling a woman who is very much my mentor that I thought my work leading a ministry at our church was coming to a close. She asked me where God was directing me to move on to and I had no answer for her. She told me that God will not remove you until He is moving you.
That coupled with this post reminds me that perseverance is something I need to pray for. That being excellent in my work, whether it’s for the kindgom or not, is an absolute must.
Thank you for the reminder!!!
Melissa,
It’s me again. I’ll be gone for a month this summer so I want to get in all my blogging until then (nice excuse).
I just want to say that your post is very appropriate. You took something that so many women watch and envy and drew a parallel to show us that we can achieve excellancy for God’s glory whether we are working in the home or outside. This post, I’m sure, showed many women that everything we do is very worthy and that we can do everything for the Glory of God, whether it be heading up a company or mopping the floor.
I’m glad that you addressed this issue head on and did not ignore it or keep it “hushed.” You know how many women watch this and you took it and put it in the right perspective. Thank you for being so real and pro-active.
Also, to the OC Siesta, I think what you said is very profound. Sin is sin and as people we tend to separate sin. Homosexuality is a demonic stronghold just like addiction, cussing, whatever it may be. God loves them as much as He loves us. I love to hear testimonies from people who have been delivered from that.
God may not let us have promotions or money that we want for our own good at times. But one thing is for sure and two for certain, He will always deliver us from demonic strongholds, ALWAYS if we seek Him out for it. There is no question about that. There is no maybe or another time. It will come if we seek Him.
I’m sorry about my looong posts. I am not trying to be a blog-hog. I almost refrain from posting sometimes because I know I have to say what’s on my mind. I can’t just write a little if I’m thinking a lot.
I have always gone to secular universities. One thing professors do is try to discredit the Bible and Jesus. I mean they go out of their way to do that. My hubby always jokes and says “church lady goes to school” b/c I’ll keep my mouth shut until that goes on and then I know it is sin for me to stay quiet. Me and some fellow Christians have taken up entire courses speaking truth. I called a PHD down for running his mouth when he does not know diddly about the Bible. I got a B in that class when I should have had an A. That’s nothing though.
I go to school armed with Lee Strobel’s books and Motorcycle Association Bibles to hand out. My point is that Jesus said we would have to be in the world, but not to be of the world. We are called to be set apart and be a godly example to the lost. I make friends with atheists at school. Usually, after class discussion, they hate me and I am the last person they want to talk to, but I go to them and just talk everyday stuff and get the gospel in there when opportunity arises and God ALWAYS makes it arise, even if they reject Him. I do not fit what they think of as sterotypical Christians. I even have a tattoo from my old days for credibility. We can all be credible with a heart for God, whether we are in jeans or a church dress. It doesn’t matter what is on the outside, it only matters what is on the inside and that will always shine through!
I do love to write on this blog because I revel in that fact that proof-reading is discouraged!
Barbara S. Katy
Shannon (in Cambridge), I have played that scene by Meryl Streep in Sophie’s Choice in my mind A MILLION TIMES! It totally haunts me! I so get what you’re saying!
Wow, excellent post! God does give us a circle of influence and I have found that I am not called to influence the whole nation, but I do have a circle around me and I have arms long enough to reach them. Striving for excellence, not just endurance, as Bobbie said, not just persevering but exceeding in excellence. I like that, I’m in too. In everything I do, I will do it with excellence. Not just say it, but study it, dig for it, ask for it. Thank you. 🙂
Thanks for the challenge to excellence!
Hugs,
Shellie
Wow! Who knew even the academy awards could even inspire some good teaching! I never watch them. Way too boring. Sorry. But I needed this. Just now I was thinking I sure could use a nap.
Amen and amen. Great Post!!!
In Pursuit of Excellence,
Melissa B.
you always say exactly what im needing to hear! thank you sharing, and that you for your boldness!
I heard a sermon on the radio today that said almost the same thing! I think God may be trying to tell me something! : )
Oh I want to pursue excellence in my life! Lord I do need you to overtake and enable my procrastinating self!
Thanks for the post!
Emmy : )
Thank you Melissa for writing this for me. 😉
I just put signs on the staff doors at church that simply say “excellence.”
You are speakin’ my language here!
Hugs,
Fran
Hey Melissa,
Thanks for the encouraging reminder to pursue excellence for His glory! I am OVERWHELMED with law school right now and often find myself wanting to give up. Thank you for being transparent enough to admit that there are days when you want to take a nap instead of doing what the Lord has called you to do.
Isn’t it reassuring to know that (unlike the actors and actresses at the Oscars, who have no guarantee that they’ll ever receive the “prize” for their efforts) we can rest assured knowing that “He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it!” (Even on our worst days…) Ok, enough jabber, I’m going to go get BUSY!
Love,
Missy
Melissa,
Your post picked me up! I was in “Woo is mee, I don’t do anything important” mode.
But you know what you put a bounce in my step and I am going to get up and wash those dishes till they shine, play with my kids till there laughing, and love on my husband till… well, I will stop there.
Thank you for giving this stay at home mom a greater sense of purpose.
Love and kisses,
Geri K
I do the old “Flip-Flip”on the awards shows. Some I want to see and some I can’t stand to see. I believe the show last night had some very, very talented people. Now if the “so-so” ones would stop trying to talk for all of us in the political arena and do their jobs (putting a story together on screen) we would be much better off. Even for those we may not agree with. Let them get paid for a job well done and not for some ranting over politics. And by the way I just love to look at all the fashions–I am such a girl!!
Hello. this is Heidi in fayetteville Georgia. I would love to sign in with one of those cute little blue names with a picture but cannot for the life of me figure out how. So for now, I guess i’ll have to be anonymous.
I found the way they presented the awards to best actress/actor very kind and affirming. To be applauded by those who have been honored was a prize in itself for each of those nominated. I couldnt help seeing it as a wonderful thing for us to emulate in the body of Christ. Words of kindness, encouragement and affirmation but not just to a few but each to each other.
How about a blog Melissa of each persons favorite moments in a movie that portrayed God or the Lord Jesus. for example Aragorn in LOTR in the scene where he exhorts them to fight the last battle against evil?
I recently saw a scene that moved me to tears. I watched the movie “Blood Diamond”. It has some hard scenes to watch because of how it depicts the horrible slavery in Africa of the boy soldiers. There is one scene where a father Solomon Vandy goes after his son to save him from evil men who are using his son to commit atrocities. His incredible determination – even though he may lose his life – to rescue his son is an incredible picture of God and his love for us. Its powerful and the movie ending is edifying to say the least.
The Lord Jesus is everywhere. Not just in movies but in books too. I’m always open to hearing from others where they have seen him and been blessed by something.
thanks for being so real
Heidi in Fayetteville
Hey girl,
You disappeared off FB! Where’d you go? We miss you!
Great post! Today I started a job that is not in the least a “fun” job – cleaning our church until the cleaning lady gets through with recovery from a surgery. I had thoughts this morning of how people would think of me now being a “cleaning lady”. Then I thought of my friend Miss Donna who had done it for years and I remembered the great job she did. Then the Lord said to me – … do it unto me. Do everything you do as unto me. Give me the Glory and all will be well. I had the best time cleaning those floors and taking out the trash and picking up just stuff that people stuff in the pew racks! I talked to Him all morning long. GREAT DAY!! Whatever your hands find to do – do it as unto the Lord and all will be well. God is so GOOD! Thanks for the post – I loved it!! Vicki
I worked on important things like Bible study, connecting with friends and some newly made friends, a lot of resting and enjoying time away from the office. Created realities just don’t fit within all the real drama in life that need prayers and keeping the Word close at heart to make it through.
Julie, I got off FaceBook indefinitely. It was taking up entirely too much time and energy and my mind was split by a million things all day long! But I miss you all, too!
Melissa, Thank you for your thoughts. Great reminder to “do our work unto the Lord.” In Jesus’ Love Kathy Knoblock
I can just picture Hannah, Ruth, Esther, Mary and Mary Magdalene clothed in righteousness addressing each one of us still in the Christian race…encouraging us to be women of excellence…cheering us all on to victory in Jesus Christ!
Thanks for the visual, Melissa. I pray that it stays with me for a lifetime.
Oh, boy. I glanced at this post earlier and thought, “The Oscars?! Bah!”
Something made me come back tonight.
Wow. Very, very, VERY convicting. Today was the most un-excellent day ever. But even if I spend all day tomorrow taking care of a feverish 6-year-old, may I do it excellently for my Lord!
Thank you, Melissa!!