Good morning…
Since Manchester by the Sea and Moonlight utilize images of water repeatedly, I googled, “What does water symbolize?” I discovered a fascinating quote.
“Most often, water represents cleansing, life, and freedom. Water is a contextual symbol in (art and) literature…it can symbolize many things depending on how it is used in a novel or a story (or movie).
Often, the type of water…is just as important as the fact that water is used as a symbol. Rivers often represent the flow of life or fertility. Rivers are typically used as symbols by authors because rivers flow; they are constantly moving and they follow a distinct path. Lakes are often used as symbols in tales in which characters face great decisions or much introspection. Oceans, on the other hand, because of their scope in relation to the earth, often represent obstacles or abysses from which things emerge or that characters must journey across to reach a destination. Oceans are often symbolically mysterious places that can symbolize overcoming a great obstacle or being dragged down into deep depths by it.
Water generally cleanses, however, and it inevitably becomes a symbol of characters in stories handling difficult life scenarios. In any case, water is a symbol of power in stories. It has the ability to free characters as well as claim them.” (https://www.reference.com/world-view/water-symbolize-literature-5e957247ad9e93aa#)
Both of the movies I saw this month were set by the ocean, symbolizing nearly insurmountable obstacles for the main characters and the threat of being dragged down into the deepest depths of despair. Each character yearned to be set free and I sensed their souls silently crying out.
But I pray to you, Lord.
So when the time is right,
answer me and help me
with your wonderful love.
Don’t let me sink in the mud,
but save me from my enemies
and from the deep water.
Don’t let me be
swept away by a flood
or drowned in the ocean
or swallowed by death (Psalm 69:13-15. CEV).
Now. Think about this. If you had to tell the story of your life right now, beside what type of water would your drama be set? Would a river best represent the story of your life, flowing, fertile, following a distinct path? Would you set your movie beside a lake, indicating your calm, still spirit, introspectively facing a great life decision? Or would your current life context be more like an ocean, as you overcome a mammoth obstacle, journey across to a new destination, or feel the threat of being dragged down into an abyss? What reasons do you have for your choice, river, lake, or ocean?
What prayer might give voice to the help you need from God right now?
…Sue…
