Think before I speak or write

These past few days of posting new blogs have got me thinking about this above picture, which I found on Facebook. I have been on my soapbox about a controversial movie coming to the theaters on Valentine's Day weekend and also trying to encourage more people to see another kind of movie that is not at all controversial. As I carefully write this post, I must consider each of these questions.

T- Is this true?

It is true that a certain movie (whose original rating was NC-17) is about bondage and other forms of sadomasochism. I know this because I've talked to several people who have read the books in this trilogy. Unfortunately, I got a detailed account about the books which is more than I really wanted to know. As for the movie, I've gone to IMDB (Internet Movie Database) and looked up the movie's ratings. I've also seen the movie's trailer on TV and read a few articles regarding this movie.

H- Is this helpful?

I admit that getting on my soapbox and complaining about the sinful ways of this world is not helpful. The best way I can be helpful is by informing people about the negativity of viewing pornographic films. I can share my testimony as to why I am against this type of mainstream movie coming to many theaters. Although I am not against consenting adults viewing this type of movie, I am more concerned for the younger generation because our society has not accurately portrayed healthy, romantic relationships in the media. The movie that I really encourage people to see is about a 30something couple who meet and take their time getting to know one another before getting physical. The media (books, TV, movies, reality shows) often portrays couples jumping into bed before marriage.

I- Is this inspiring?

I am afraid I have not been aiming to inspire in these last few posts. However, I hope that getting the message out about Old Fashioned, the movie I want people to see, will inspire others to see this movie. I just wish there was more information about this movie besides a few movie trailers, which have already inspired me. I believe that people will enjoy this light-hearted romance as well as see what a healthy relationship is. Being that my only relationship (which I had in my twenties) was not at all a healthy one and some of the issues I dealt with were traumatizing, I want to learn more about God-centered, healthy relationships. I want this younger generation to know and understand that romantic relationships are about mutual respect and treating one another with kindness. I also want people to know that romantic relationships do not need to be physical (meaning sexual activity) until marriage.

N- Is this necessary?

Yes and no. It's a free country so I have the right to my opinion as well as others do. What irritates me is that a number of people seem more offended when there are posts on Facebook or other social network sites, blogs, or articles that speak out against pornography, abortion, and other evils in this world. These people seem to become more opinionated and angry at those who stand up for their Christian beliefs. So, as a woman who is against pornography, my voice needs to be heard. I am also outraged that this controversial movie is coming to my once conservative hometown instead of the movie that promotes good, Christian values.

Maybe, this is not necessary for me to jump on my soapbox and complain about a trilogy of books that I will never read or a movie I will never see. Unfortunately, people want to stick their heads in the sand and say things like, "If you don't like the movie, then don't watch it." That's not the point! I am trying to express that pornography has ended marriages (including mine) and seems to be everywhere (from billboards in large cities to the Internet). It is being shoved into the minds of our younger generation when the movie trailers of this film come on at all hours of the day on TV. Whatever happened to the days when stuff like that was not on TV until late at night after the children were in bed?

K- Is this kind?

That depends on the individual who reads this post. It is kind in promoting Old Fashioned and informing people who want to watch clean entertainment that it exists, but not at enough theaters in the USA. The fans of the trilogy and those wanting to see this controversial film, may not take kindly to what I have to say. But, so what? I cannot please all the people all the time. I have tried to make my point without judging those who have read the trilogies and those who want to see the movie. If they are over the age of 18, they can do whatever they want. What I am against is the false advertising of this controversial film. Just call it what it is: porn disguised as romance! Not true romance, unless you find S & M and bondage romantic.