What would you take with you?

Steadfast, I saw this question last night and decided to sleep on it, because one of this caliber deserves a thought-out answer. You asked: "What one thing would show an alien race what we (all human beings, and not any one of us in particular) are all about?" Hmmm. Has to be something to strike the core values of most humans; something that we all have in common.

I asked myself, "Where do the hearts of most humans lie?" I concluded that, for nearly all of us, our hearts lie with our faith and with our families.

So, what is one thing I own which accurately portrays a typical family in America, and which realistically reflects the faith of most Americans (not what we see in this forum). The answer? A memorable little film that was made in 1983. A rare gem called "Testament."

"Testament" is the tale of what happens to the residents of a small California town in the aftermath of nuclear war, and one mother's struggle to keep her family alive.

There are no scenes of destruction; no gruesome horror; no mass panic in the streets, no roving bands of marauders hell-bent on victimizing the survivors. There is only the very real fight to survive in a world turned upside-down; to keep the family unit intact through the most awful situations imaginable; to honor the memories of those who are lost; to find comfort in faith, and to never lose hope. The movie accurately portrays people "... at their very best, when things are at their very worst..." (Jeff Bridges, Starman).

I think the "Starman" line speaks for us all, from the dawn of man through the modern age. Humans are a species who persevere. We will not give up the fight no matter what comes our way. We do not go silently into the night, nor do we run kicking and screaming in fear. We are people who stand "steadfast and true" and who face each and every obstacle with strength, courage, dignity and grace. Even when life seems not worth the living (as your scenario suggests) we hold on for our families, ourselves, for survival of the species, and because we have hope. We understand that -- sometimes -- living takes far more courage than dying. That is who we are, what we are about. And so, the movie "Testament" is what I would take with me.

Interestingly, the end of the film shows a birthday party, with the teenage Brad asking his mother what they should wish for. She answers, "that we remember it all ... the good and the awful."

That we remember.

(((((Steadfast)))))

If you're interested:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testament_%28film%29

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086429/usercomments

(((((Zilla)))))

(((((Eds))))) ... Nice to see you again, Eds. Hope you are well. :)

That's something I would have to consider for several weeks. 2000 miles isn't a big deal. Doing it in the 3rd world IS a big deal. Weapons? Water purification equipment? Doing the route so its through places where I can get spare parts?

Since I can only bring one thing, I guess it would be my mixed CD of music that ranges from Folk, Classical, Rock & Roll, Big Band and other representative music genres. Why? To show how culture, politics, spiriituality, etc. were reflected in music..

Wait! I'll have to make it 2 items: The CD player (with batteries and spares...)

Steadfast,

I would like to take my Bible and a picture of my family. GOD is very important to me and I feel that sharing the gospel with others is very important. I also would miss my wife and family so much that a picture would help them to understand what family means to me. Please take a look at this group...

http://www.thesteadfastfoundation.com/ Have a great week.

Thank You,

Eds

~~~

Red Queen,

What a lovely answer!

Lovingly,

Eds

~~~

.

The bible - the only collection of books you don't ever want to lose.

Being an American, I suppose it'd have to be either a classic Chevy or the remote for my TV lol.

(((Steadfast))))

to show them what we were about

a W87 nuclear warhead - great representation of the human species' destructiveness

of course, I wouldn't forget my towel...

My comfy shoes.

A book. Any book, to show our intellectual levels.

A six pack.