A Mighty Heart
Last night I sleepily attempted to watch (meaning I began watching it at a late hour and, naturally, did not stay awake through the entire viewing) the movie 'A Mighty Heart'--the story of the life and death of journalist, Danny Pearl. Today I am proud of the title of my blog--it's a word used by Mariane Pearl throughout the story: dialogue--she states the word often, making it clear that she does not want to lose sight of the significance of dialogue between peoples. Even in the aftermath of the tragedy of losing her husband in a most horrific way, she remains steadfast in her belief that truthful exchanges and reporting can mend the wounds and hearts and souls of mankind and bring us all together as one human race.
That is what this story is about--truth, integrity, family, honor, respect for all people regardless of their faith, heritage, beliefs (perhaps peaceful coexistence)--at the heart of every human being is the strong belief in something that shapes who they become (whether this belief is based on religion, dysfunction, anything that influences a human). Having a certain level of 'respect' for this fact is key. To comprehend this is to begin to understand ourselves and one another on some basic, intrinsic level. The point is to find a way to truly connect with others, regardless of who they are and what has influenced them, rather than to dismiss or alienate one another.
Journalists (well, effective journalists) are 'rare animals' whose work requires them to stay mentally, emotionally, and spiritually open, not only to the discovery/finding of, but also the receiving and examining of, a myriad of information in order to provide truthful reporting. I believe a key component here is trust--one must determine whom they can trust. (This was beautifully portrayed in the movie through the bonding of characters who collectively embraced one central cause: finding and rescuing Daniel.) This often involves risk, and journalists take such risks every day. The significance of finding someone to trust, regardless of race/ethnicity, religious belief, or political bias, was an important element woven throughout the story. I feel the union/marriage of Mariane and Daniel Pearl was a perfect example of this ability to see beyond appearances and into the heart of a person, thus the title of her book: 'A Mighty Heart'. Not only did Daniel Pearl remain 'a mighty heart' in the face of his captors, he had previously embraced true love with a woman so different in every way from himself, which was in itself a mighty feat. Together they created the kind of bond/unity our world needs to witness as an example of how to lovingly and acceptingly coexist in the highest way. Truly, he carried that message with him to all people wherever he went, under all circumstances, even unto his death.
I am greatly moved by this story and find Mariane Pearl a role model for grace and dignity and strength of character. She has told a story that needs to be understood/embraced on many levels. It's a love story and a story of both tragedy and triumph of the human spirit. Such a well intended spirit of truth and justice and caring and peace cannot be killed. The real tragedy would be in allowing this spirit to die by neglecting to hear the story. I think the movie is worth watching again and again so that we may all take away from it a little of the mentality/heart of both Mariane and Daniel Pearl. Our world would become a better place if we each began to carry the message evident in this movie. Armed with this knowledge, we could begin to 'dialogue' with one another the significance of this information--in other words we could 'pass it on' (remember that song from the sixties?).
Mariane Pearl did not leave the allies who assisted in her attempts to rescue Daniel feeling as if they had failed her. She warmly and sincerely thanked them over a dinner--she raised a glass to them representing gratitude and appreciation for their support. She acknowledged the need to see Daniel's death as a personal triumph over terrorism by not feeling/accepting the terror intended by his captors. She dedicated her life to keeping that spirit alive and challenged those who were involved in his plight to continue to dialogue and spread his story and it's worth to the world. I was so inspired and I'm ready to do my part. What about you?! Go rent the movie or check out the book and begin there.
That is what this story is about--truth, integrity, family, honor, respect for all people regardless of their faith, heritage, beliefs (perhaps peaceful coexistence)--at the heart of every human being is the strong belief in something that shapes who they become (whether this belief is based on religion, dysfunction, anything that influences a human). Having a certain level of 'respect' for this fact is key. To comprehend this is to begin to understand ourselves and one another on some basic, intrinsic level. The point is to find a way to truly connect with others, regardless of who they are and what has influenced them, rather than to dismiss or alienate one another.
Journalists (well, effective journalists) are 'rare animals' whose work requires them to stay mentally, emotionally, and spiritually open, not only to the discovery/finding of, but also the receiving and examining of, a myriad of information in order to provide truthful reporting. I believe a key component here is trust--one must determine whom they can trust. (This was beautifully portrayed in the movie through the bonding of characters who collectively embraced one central cause: finding and rescuing Daniel.) This often involves risk, and journalists take such risks every day. The significance of finding someone to trust, regardless of race/ethnicity, religious belief, or political bias, was an important element woven throughout the story. I feel the union/marriage of Mariane and Daniel Pearl was a perfect example of this ability to see beyond appearances and into the heart of a person, thus the title of her book: 'A Mighty Heart'. Not only did Daniel Pearl remain 'a mighty heart' in the face of his captors, he had previously embraced true love with a woman so different in every way from himself, which was in itself a mighty feat. Together they created the kind of bond/unity our world needs to witness as an example of how to lovingly and acceptingly coexist in the highest way. Truly, he carried that message with him to all people wherever he went, under all circumstances, even unto his death.
I am greatly moved by this story and find Mariane Pearl a role model for grace and dignity and strength of character. She has told a story that needs to be understood/embraced on many levels. It's a love story and a story of both tragedy and triumph of the human spirit. Such a well intended spirit of truth and justice and caring and peace cannot be killed. The real tragedy would be in allowing this spirit to die by neglecting to hear the story. I think the movie is worth watching again and again so that we may all take away from it a little of the mentality/heart of both Mariane and Daniel Pearl. Our world would become a better place if we each began to carry the message evident in this movie. Armed with this knowledge, we could begin to 'dialogue' with one another the significance of this information--in other words we could 'pass it on' (remember that song from the sixties?).
Mariane Pearl did not leave the allies who assisted in her attempts to rescue Daniel feeling as if they had failed her. She warmly and sincerely thanked them over a dinner--she raised a glass to them representing gratitude and appreciation for their support. She acknowledged the need to see Daniel's death as a personal triumph over terrorism by not feeling/accepting the terror intended by his captors. She dedicated her life to keeping that spirit alive and challenged those who were involved in his plight to continue to dialogue and spread his story and it's worth to the world. I was so inspired and I'm ready to do my part. What about you?! Go rent the movie or check out the book and begin there.
posted by Di at 9:39 AM
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