Tonight I watched a movie named Antwone Fisher, telling a true story about a person raised without roots, who suffered much because of it.
Because he did not have his real family, he had to stay with a foster family who abused and denigrated him. As a result, he suffered through much of his youth until he left his foster family. After leaving his foster family, he stayed in the streets for some months till he finally went to the Navy. That is where the last part of his story starts.
While in the Navy, he got in trouble several times because of his temper, but his troubles began to find a solution in the counsel of a navy counselor who helped him begin the search for his roots. He showed him the importance of family through his own family and then led him on his way to try and find again his true family.
His journey home was faced with some challenges, but in the end he was able to find his mom. Though she was not very happy to see him, nevertheless he told her he loved her, even if he were not see her again.
But his life truly changed when he discovered his true family. All his ants, uncles and cousins, as soon as they learned he had come, gathered to welcome him back into the family. That was a true dream come true.
Later, he went back to thank his counselor for helping him, but to his surprise, the counselor revealed to him his own true story how he and his wife had struggled and that Antwone’s appearance had introduced a change into his own family’s life.
The beauty about Antwone Fisher’s story is the fact that it speaks to the greater reality of identity and relationships, which stem from our roots. No person can exist and coexist with others without a unique and true identify of their own. Otherwise, they will have to struggle all their life with great personal insecurities and the challenges of a world that can and will abuse you.
The principles revealed in this story are true for everyone. My hope is that all of us will always be aware of our roots and learn to decide what our true identity should be. Not one that is dependent on our circumstances, but one based on true values that can be found in true relationships with the ones we love and learn to love out of a pure and sincere heart.
Identity is formed and sustained by true relationships that are in turn based on true values of love, honesty, goodness and commitment.
Note: To read about Antwone Fisher’s story go here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antwone_Fisher
