What About Bob?

In the popular movie, "What About Bob," Bill Murray plays the part of a man with more than the average person's challenges. He drives his therapist to quit his practice. Bob is given a referral to Dr. Leo Marvin (played by Richard Dreyfus). The relationship between these two characters is so funny because it's about life's daily choices. Each baby step we take is going to lead us toward positive change or take us down the road to negative consequences.

Watch this clip and notice how Bob is progressing toward wholeness and Dr. Marvin regresses toward a mental breakdown:



So, what's the take away from this movie? For me, it's the reality that I have mental and emotional challenges that prevent me from working and cause insecurity in my relationships including the relationships with my therapists. I know I have problems but I'm willing to do the hard work. I show up, I speak up and I shut up. Part of learning from others who know what they are doing is to listen. And part of listening to others is knowing where they are coming from. And part of knowing where they are coming from is knowing they are here to help, not to hurt.

Bob? He's my hero.
Dr. Marvin? He's my hero, too.
Bob learned he's lovable and is capable of overcoming his fears by taking baby steps.
Dr. Marvin (God love him) learned you can't get rid of someone God has put into your path to teach you how to become a better human being.

And in the end, isn't that what you and I are striving toward? To reduce our fears and learn from others like Jesus taught us to do? God doesn't make mistakes when he hooks up hearts. Friends can be our sailing coaches but we have to get on the boat. Jesus is the safety gear we strap on. His calm water is where I long to be.

I pray is where you long to be, too.



Yes friends, keep sailing!!!!