courage for the week 12.11.11

10 December 2011

it’s no secret that my favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey’s prayer in Martini’s bar is probably one that we have all offered at one point or another in our lives. Here’s that prayer and an excerpt from an article for Guideposts that Jimmy Stewart wrote about It’s a Wonderful Life:

“As I said those words, I felt the loneliness, the hopelessness of people who had nowhere to turn, and my eyes filled with tears. I broke down sobbing. This was not planned at all, but the power of that prayer, the realization that our Father in heaven is there to help the hopeless, had reduced me to tears.

Frank (Capra, the director), who loved spontaneity in his films, was ecstatic. He wanted a close-up of me saying that prayer, but was sensitive enough to know that my breaking down was real and that repeating it in another take was unlikely. But Frank got his close-up. The following week he worked long hours in the film laboratory, repeatedly enlarging the frames so that eventually it would appear as a close-up on the screen. I believe nothing like this had ever been done before. It involved thousands of enlargements with extra time and money. But he felt it was worth it…” ~Jimmy Stewart, Guideposts.

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More on why I love IAWL so much here.

12 comments

  1. I always enjoy your courage for the week, and this one is no exception! How moving!

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  2. I will never forget the first time I watched that movie and felt total sadness with the desperate situation George found himself in.  We watch that movie each year now and count our blessings and review some precarious times we have been in.

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  3. Thank you, Melissa!  Just last night I told Jack and the boys that I wanted to watch It's a Wonderful Life.  I added, "One of my best blogging friends named her blog after that movie."  Preston said, "So what did she name it?"  Your blog name is just perfect--a constant reminder of the movie--and so a constant reminder of the message Frank Capra worked so hard to share.  It's a timeless message, and one I NEED to hear over and over!

    Thank God for His loving care, at Christmastime and always!

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  4. ruth williamson1/8/14, 8:06 AM

    thank you, Melissa.  i was so inspired by this post, and how it tied in with a post that i published yesterday, that i linked over to you on my blog.  i'm a new blogger, so i hope i did it right ;-) i've never commented with Disqus before, so I can't tell if you can see my info. my blog is http://snortlaughingmom.blogspot.com/

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  5. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life1/8/14, 8:07 AM

    A perfect prayer that we all need to remember.  This is one of my most favorite films also.  A must for every Christmas.  I wish you and your family a very Blessed and Merry Christmas.  Hugs, Marty

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  6. Yes, the times I have cried and pleaded with George.  Thanks for the reminder.  It's one of the reasons I love the movie too!

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  7. Excellent reminder that we all need our Heavenly Father's guidance and care.  Mimi

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  8. I love your courage for the week. So many of your quotes have done just as the name implies--given me courage to face my week. This week is especially meaningful. I read this post and then followed the link to your post on why you love It's a Wonderful Life. Your thoughts were exactly what I needed to hear to night. It has been a difficult week--I injured my back, my husband's car broke down, followed by a costly house fire that will leave us homeless for a few weeks and some problems with my husbands work.  I've been playing poor me and this was a good reminder to look at the good things we have. I know Heavenly Father helps us when we need it, even if I don't have a funny angel named Clarence. Maybe he sent you to help me remember what is important. Thank you!

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  9. Designer Mom1/8/14, 8:08 AM

    What a wonderful reminder! Our country's economic situation has put so many people in George's shoes, if only we would remember to pray more often! Merry Christmas!

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  10. My favorite too!  The walk home scene when they are singing "Buffalo Girls" is perfection.  The whole movie is fantastic though, and the message that you come away with and that is refreshed every time you watch it is really comforting.  I just LOVE it!

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  11. kirsten krason1/8/14, 8:08 AM

    I love that movie. thanks for sharing! 

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  12. I share your love for this movie. It is a wonderful reminder of the message of God's care. Thank you for sharing this today. May the hopelessness and loneliness of people drive us all to tears.

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