Sunday, June 14, 2009

Hollywood Needs Jesus Too



While enjoying my Sunday afternoon- iced tea in one hand, newspaper in the other, I stumbled across an interview with actor Shia LaBeouf. If you have children you might remember him as the star from the Transformers or Holes movies. His interview left me feeling pretty sad.

At 23 years old he is at the top of the fame and fortune mountain and has every material thing possible for happiness. Yet, he was quoted as saying, “I don't handle fame well. Most actors on most days don't think they're worthy.” LaBeouf says. “I have no idea where this insecurity comes from but it's a God-sized hole. If I knew, I'd fill it and I'd be on my way.”

It reminded me of how we are all born with a hole in our hearts. Some fill the hole with material things like money or clothes, the perfect house, the perfect job. While others attempt to fill their hole with food or alcohol, busyness, education, exercise and of course their spouse or child. You name it, people have tried everything to fill it - coming up empty no matter what they try. LaBeouf said it right the first time. It's a God-sized hole.

God says in His word we are all born with eternity in our hearts (Eccl. 3:11). Which means we are born already hard-wired to ask the questions; “Who made me? Why am I here? What is my purpose?” A gentle homing beacon, if you will, pointing us back to our Creator, our God. And because He loves us so much, He added the gift of free will. God is the perfect gentleman, never forcing us to follow. He wants us to love Him. If He were to force a relationship with us it wouldn't be love.

Before I became a Christian I attempted and failed many times to fill the hole in my own heart. I am surrounded by people everyday, both friends and family, trying their hardest to fill their hole themselves. You'd never hear them say they need the Lord. Their pride wouldn't allow it. If you asked they would tell you they are just fine, seeming like they have all the answers. They try and act real smart and overeducated that way. Yet, their anxieties, insecurities, and chaos-filled lives give them away everytime. They want to live the life they want to, no questions asked.

I can relate. I've been there. But, it's still sad to watch. We are born with the fingerprints of God all over us. Yet, we look to anyone or anything else for fulfillment.

I make no apology for my great disdain of all things Hollywood. I look for answers about my faith, my politics and how to be a wife and raise up a family from God's Word and His eternal perspective - not Oprah, Jon & Kate Plus Eight, or Bono.

We share with our children from time to time how the glitz and the glamor of Hollywood are all smoke and mirrors covering up Godless lives. So, I look forward to reading actor LaBeouf's honest thoughts on Tinsel Town with my teenage daughter today. Confirming once again what her father and I have tried to convey for years. LaBeouf said it perfectly, “The good actors are all screwed up. They're all in pain. It's a profession of bottom-feeders and heartbroken people.”

I'd have to agree but take it even one step further. Everyone is in pain without God. But isn't that where Jesus spent His time here on earth...with bottom-feeders and heartbroken people?

Someone needs to let Shia LaBeouf know that.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Eccl. 3:11

16 comments:

Mari said...

I just finished reading that article before I came here and agree with you - very sad. Even sadder is the thought of so many people in that same condition.

Anonymous said...

I needed that today. thank you.

Beth in NC said...

That is very sad. ;o( I pray he finds God to fill that God-sized hole.

Heather of the EO said...

I'm so glad he recognizes there is actually something missing. That's a good start to finding the way to a God who is crazy in love with him.

Great post, lady.

Barbara said...

At least he realizes something is missing..there are still so many who think they have it all...that money and fame are the answers to everything. How sad when they realize the truth?

Yet the answer is available to them all...are the ones who know doing all they can for the ones who don't? I questions myself often.

Kate said...

Well said. So much of what happens in our lives is just a cover up for an insecure heart.

Marsha said...

So sad. He acknowledged it's a God sized hole. What ashame he's incapable of realizing it's God he needs to fill that God's sized hole. It would be the perfect fit to his puzzle.

Denise said...

So very sad, he needs our prayers.

Jennsmere said...

Misspent lives looking for love and affirmation in all the wrong places...

I have to remind myself to pray for them, not dwell on their 'vain imaginings'.

Thanks for this truth-filled post, Joanne.
Be blessed,
Susan

North Jersey Christian Writers Group said...

Great post! I have a friend who is a missionary to Hollywood. One of the hardest mission fields, but they are making inroads by asking the powerful in Hollywood how they can pray for them.
Years ago, my husband wrote a song called "Hole in my Heart". It's an awesome rockin' song based on Pascal's statement "Everyone has a God-shaped hole in their heart."
Susan

Kate said...

I, too, have tried - and failed - to fill that God-sized hole. I hope that God will put someone in Shia's life to tell him that it's God-sized for a reason!

Shermanators said...

You are such a gifted writer!! :)

A Stone Gatherer said...

Joanne I read that very same article and immediately prayed for that boy! I was telling my son about him and the God size hole he had in him and that I hoped God would fill it. He is still on my mind today! Praying for him! It is so sad!

Jaclyn said...

Great post! And very sad.

So I have to ask...do you know Katie through blogging, or in "real life"?
http://gloriousreality.blogspot.com/

Jaclyn said...

LOL!!! I literally just choked on the cookie I was eating. Amazing, I am for sure NOT that! More like board and restless, and keeping my idle hands busy with projects. But thank you. :)

I was asking about Katie from: http://gloriousreality.blogspot.com/
I noticed that you were on her "followers" list. I've known Katie since we were little kids.

And YES!!! I would love to grab a Starbucks with you!!! I am planning on hanging out with my grandma (the one that lives in EDH) and so far, that's all I have planned. I probably will be up earlier in the morning (like around 9ish) and leave around 3:30/4ish. (It takes me about 1 1.5 hours to drive from my house up to EDH.) Let me know when you are available!

Runner Mom said...

Hey, Joanne! I hopped over from Elaine's blog to visit! So glad that I did! This post was wonderful. I looked up the scripture that you used from Ecc.--I had the first part highlighted in my Bible, but I had not really read the second half that you used. Thanks!

You know, if Shia realizes that he has a God-sized hole in his heart, maybe he knows what needs to be done--he just hasn't chosen to do it yet. I'll be praying for him--he's a great actor!

I'll be back to visit.
Hugs,
Susan

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin