Sidney Poitier Remembered on Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

 

Sidney Poitier is one of the actors of my childhood that I have always respected, so much so in fact that 2013 I purchased Life Beyond Measure: Letters to My Great-Granddaughter written by Sidney Poitier.  As a man, this man born February 20, 1927, and deceased on January 6, 2022 had a dramatic impact on life in America, not just among Afro Americans, but also among all peoples of America. As I write this, we are approaching Martin Luther King Jr. Day in America. With Mr. Poitier’s recent death, I thought it fitting to pay tribute to a man who as well had such a dramatic impact on Civil Rights in this country, for you see, Mr. Poitier wasn’t just an actor, he was an instrument of change and an example when America especially needed that example that he so eloquently, much like Jackie Robertson presented in his life, actions, and impact on their respective fields.
 
Sidney Poitier was known for his involvement in the world of movies. He became the first Afro American man to receive an Academy Award for the 1964 for Best Actor for the movie Lilies of the Valley. Hattie McDaniel, a Wichita Kansas Native was the first Afro American to receive an Oscar for her role in Gone with the Wind.  While she played in some ways a stereotypical character of the time, Mr. Poitier was among the first, and certainly among the most important Afro American actors to bring the perspective of the Afro American in a respectful way during what prior to and during the civil rights era. His roles in films such as Lilies of the Valley, Blackboard Jungle, The Defiant Ones, Porgy and Bess, A Raisin in the Son and even some fun movies but important impact such as Buck and the Preacher and other such powerful films as To Sir with Love, In the Heat of the Night and the all-important, Guess Whose Coming To Dinner, Mr. Poitier and his roles on screen helped change America. 

Sidney Poitier’s impact started in the 1940’s while working in stage work and being a founding member of the Committee for the Negro in the Arts, an organization dedicated to presenting an alternative analysis to the current state of class and racial exploitation at the time. This was critical in getting Afro Americans in the arts, in such a way as to have a dramatic impact on America at the time. That struggle in many ways would continue and be a part of Mr. Poitier’s life efforts until his last stages of life. While progress was made over the course of time, he never forgot about his dedication to his people, as he sought and desired for his people to have, and experience the benefits of all Americans not just some Americans.  
 
Over the years we could see others who would work with exploiting the strength of Poitier, individuals such as Wild Bill, William Wellman the director and film maker who won the first Academy Award for Best Picture of the Year with the movie Wings. Mr. Wellman was a white film maker who was innovative in the history of making film by making an effort to show the power of equality of not just African Americans in his movies, but notably women and the poor.  There is little doubt of the impact of individuals like Wellman in the belief in himself by Sidney Poitier and others. This only helps to show the importance of being there to support and encourage others in their own talents and beliefs. They are in many ways, if you will, ways that shows others the importance of going after and achieving their dreams, while believing in oneself in the beauty of one’s dreams. It is one of the reasons that Langston Hughes would feature among many others Sidney Poitier in his book Black Magic which focused on the talents of Afro Americans in the arts. 
 
Over the years many have contributed to the concept of having dreams as presented by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Among those who had a dramatic impact were Sidney Poitier.  It is with his recent death, and his many contributions which helped break down and destroy the walls of racism and inequality in America that is a worthy concept to remember this holiday.  To that, I say, thank you Sidney Poitier for the sacrifices and contributions you made to America through film. You showed that without question, The Big Screen is more than “Hollywood” and that Hollywood if you will, can, and often does, makes a difference in a good way for not just America, but the world. 

In the following video we can hear Sidney Poitier early in his career speak on race, Dr. King, and the media.  

Reporters Ask Sidney Poitier His Views on Race (1968) - YouTube  

------------------------------------------------------

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org
Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com
If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches
Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.
Blessings and thank you,
Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.
Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org
To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:
 
The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg
https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 
The Movie Guys
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
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Netflix's Procession, Sexual Abuse In The Church and Its Impact

Procession is a documentary movie that explores the impact of sexual abuse at the hands of some in the Roman Catholic Church from various priests largely out of the Kansas City Kansas, Kansas City Missouri locations.  Released in November of 2021 on Netflix this documentary maintains legs and continues to draw viewers.  The issue of sexual abuse is one that hits hard as me as an award winning short and documentary regarding my own abuse, along with 2 hours of special features has been released as well as my book The Keystone Kid chronicles my life of abuse and its impact. My own experiences made watching the film difficult and although my abuse didn’t come at the hands of the church, some within the church were involved and the longtime trauma was certainly much the same as what I saw on screen and that is something unique about this documentary. So it was, after being made aware of this movie by a listener to the weekly radio show I participate on at KFH Radio in Wichita Kansas with Jeff and Bob Lutz that I decided to watch this one right away after the recommendation. My willingness to appreciate the listeners and readers who make recommendations is one of the few smart things I’ve done in life. This is an example of that.

 

Procession is a documentary that is largely directed and edited by Robert Green. The film follows the stories of 6 men who have been sexually abused. The uniqueness and beauty, complete with its own sadness is that all 6 men are involved in the telling of the story where they reenact there, and each other’s stories in dramatic form. As the men go through the process, we see their stories and the impact of their experience’s years later not just on screen, but in real life. I could personally relate to the dream and nightmare sequences we see portrayed as well as the triggers of going back to locations where the abuse took place.  We see the long-term impact of abuse as well, especially in situations where people either don’t want to hear, know about, or act on the abuse of the perpetrators of abuse. We see the impact of many within the “Church,” that either does not seem to care or certainly is unwilling to act on the abuse. They focus more on maintaining the image of the Church and less on the life-time trauma on the victims of abuse.  The place of healing is difficult to come to in part because of the long-term trauma and the realization that people either don’t seem to care or are more concerned about their religious dogmas.

 

This film is powerful as we see everyone relive and work through their stories. Each person’s experiences are responded to differently. We see one individual who is gone to a place of withdrawal from society, another who has developed difficulty relating to others, another who has become a rather brash confrontational individual, and more.  They feel largely misunderstood because they are misunderstood. Their being misunderstood is a point I strongly related to. I often tell people, if they really want to understand me, they will read my book, but often, if not most of the time, they won’t.  For those who have they understand the impact of abuse on the life of an individual, it is painful to relive experiences of this sort, and this movie details that, not just me, but the six characters in the film and ultimately, for virtually everyone who has gone through a level of abuse. I don’t know if it is different for women, but as a man, this is very much the case. 

 

There is a lot to ponder in this film. I ponder the reasons as to why the Roman Catholic Church, and I believe other churches, are so reluctant to address sexual abuse cases within their congregations?  I know from experiences as I offer to speak at churches and other groups regarding my own abuse, that I have had people actually get up, walk out of a service, because according to those individuals as they have told me, these are issues that should not be addressed in churches. I also know for a fact, that virtually every church I have ever spoken at I have had individuals in every case come to tell me about abuse in the church, from janitors, to pastors, and from deacons to others in the church.  Yet, many churches do now want to have this discussion despite the reality that I know I have seen healing from people being able to discuss it for the first time in their lives. That is the starting point of healing. 

As questioned in the documentary, I wonder what these religious leaders will say to Jesus when they see Jesus regarding their abuse. I can’t help to think of Jesus own words in Luke 17: 1-3 “that it would be better to tie a heavy stone around your neck and throw yourself into the sea than to do harm to a little one.” Yet, many, (not all) of those in ministry purposes where they are called to help others, spend time doing a lifetime of harm instead of good, to of all people, initially children when in reality, the harm to that child doesn’t just last for a moment, but lasts for a lifetime.

 

In today’s world of social media and a world where it seems easier to argue, be critical and condemning of others for whatever reason, maybe just maybe we can take the time to learn more about issues like abuse. One of the beautiful things about some things we can see on the screen can have an impact on providing knowledge and understanding. Maybe the person we don’t understand has reasons or things that are going on that have driven them to that point. While this isn’t always the reason, sometimes maybe it is. I do believe though, again from my own experiences, that sometimes, a friend who is willing to be there during tough times, or even someone who cares enough to say things like, I would really like you to watch this movie to let me know what you think in one way, or another is being used by God to help you address issues you are going through. Then again, maybe writing about a movie like Procession is a way to let others know who may read this review realize they are not alone. 

 

To those who have been abused, male, or female, you are not alone. I realize that due to the trauma for some of reliving experiences reliving or being reminded of those experiences may not be a good thing, for others it provides a sense of reality that you are not alone.  I can’t recommend this to everyone for that reason, but I can say, think about it, consider it. For others though, I highly recommend it to understand the emotions, traumas that some have gone through. I also challenge though to the Church and individual churches, STAND UP! Speak out against abuse and provide help to those abused in your congregations.  We either act on the concept of love, or we just run our mouths and are no better than those priests/pastors with their clanging bells on their robes who make a lot of noise but in reality do nothing more than make obnoxious deafening noise.

On a scale of 1 -10 I would really like to have seen the documentary acted out in docudrama form in its entirety.  This one would have made two great movies, instead of one very good documentary, so I give it a very well deserved 8, just a tad short of what I wanted, but still what I needed.

 For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

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The Virtual Pew News

 

Sandra Bullock Returns in Netflix's The Unforgiveable

 

In life we often make choices, those choices are made for various reasons, some for good and in wisdom, others foolishly that end up having horrible consequences. The thing is, we never know why one makes the decisions they do but unfortunately that doesn’t change the consequences of the choices we make. Such is driven home in the new Netflix movie starring Sandra Bullock, The Unforgiveable.

Bullock is back in full force in this story driven narrative that explores the life of a “convicted cop killer.” Along side her are such notables as Richard Thomas, who to me will always be John Boy from the Waltons but a deserving actor none the less along with the great Viola Davis, Vincent D’Onofrio, John Bernthal and others in this nicely cast Netflix Movie.

The Unforgiveable raises many questions that are answered in the flashbacks throughout the movie. Typically, the use of flashbacks can be tricky but the script and direction provided by Nora Fingscheidt is spot on.  While there are some minor setbacks in the character development and story line, it is still nicely woven.

 

As a society and as individuals we often make judgements as to what is and what is not unforgiveable. Even in faith there are many questions as to what is “the unforgiveable sin.”  It is amazing at times the various answers one gets as to what that “sin” might be and unfortunately, we all have our own individual reasons as to what we deem to be unforgiveable.  The movie The Unforgiveable does a good job at raising questions about judgements about things we may be too quick to judge. We often base our opinions on our knowledge of a situation but is it possible that we make those judgements with only partial judgement when our opinions would change if we knew the whole truth. How does that effect the consequences on may have to go through because of those quick judgements we have made. Even there though, sometimes we make voluntary judgements based not on our own need, but quite possibly in many situations the needs of others. Yet, the consequences are often the same, and in reality not fair. Who is to blame for those consequences, the one who voluntarily took them on themselves or the ones making judgements without knowing the truth?

 

The Unforgiveable is not a perfect film but it is a film well worth watching if for no other reason to get us to think about how we sometimes make poor judgments not just in the doing but in the judging.  It was nice to see Sandra Bullock back in full force as a truly powerful force in the acting field.  The supporting cast is superb and quite enjoyable. The best part of this story though, is the story. The writers of The Unforgiveable have done an excellent job. The last thing I will mention here is the amazing trend that streaming networks such as Netflix and Amazon seem to be providing top notch quality movies that while are deserving of theatrical release are instead released directly onto those streaming networks. My oh my how the world of movies has changed.

 

On a scale of 1 – 10 except for a couple of minor flaws I give a very deserving and thought provoking 8

To see the trailer for The Unforgiveable, check out the following link:

https://youtu.be/JNUjx7LZoiU

The Following is information about Mike Furches Reviews and The Virtual Pew and ways you can support our work. 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News

Midnight Mass on Netflix

 

Over the years I’ve been ridiculed, praised, unfriended, friended, called a heretic, called a prophet and on and on regarding my appreciation for horror. To be honest, I’m at this point used to it all and if one doesn’t like my positions, they don’t have to read, but I’ll be honest about it, sometimes, I think I have insight into a few things that are worth exploring and thinking about. Sometimes I am as well impressed with the quality of a series, movie, show that has me thinking beyond the norm, especially using the genera of horror. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, nothing addresses spiritual themes quite like horror. With that said, few shows in recent years has done this in such a thought-provoking way as the new Netflix Series, Midnight Mass.

Midnight Mass, created and directed by Mike Flanagan is a brilliant, thought provoking story that has at it’s heart religion, specifically Christianity, and the influence of evil into the concepts of the church. In fact, the miniseries stars Kate Siegel known for various roles including her role in the late television series, Hawaii Five-O, Zach Gifford well known as the High School quarterback in the great television series, Friday Night Lights and many others including, Rahul Kohli playing a Muslim Sheriff on the small island town and Hamish Linklater as pivotal character Father Paul.  Each actor gets their fair share on screen and one of the wonderful things about a series like this is the ability to explore various subplots and focus on the characters in the story. This series does a terrific job at this.

 

The first 2 2/3rds episodes would have one from a fundamentalist Christian perspective praising the series, even though the primary religion portrayed is Catholicism. Even with that the case, from a Christian perspective, the series never really disrespects the ideals and calling of Christian responsibility, but the last third of episode three of the 8-episode series has the series taking a drastic twist for the remainder of the series. Remember this is classified as a horror series and for good reason, but that reason and the story is such a dramatic epiphany twist that it will shock many a viewer and for some who may be offended at the strong “Christian” message and themes at the beginning, and, throughout the entire series, will be pleasantly surprised at the twist the series takes. It frankly reminds me of the movie Dracula 2000 that has as a part of Dracula’s origins, Judas Iscariot. 

 

There are serious questions asked in the series, among of which the greatest is what is good and/or evil. How do we interpret that which is good verses that which is evil? How can the intentions of one destroy the goodness and potential around them?  There are serious questions about healing, can God heal?  Is it possible for healing to take place under the appearance of being from God but, come from other sources?  One of the great questions surrounding faith questions is the concept that Jesus and the writers of the New Testament advocated, that is, that no greater love can any human show than their willingness to lay down their life for another. There is another question though, that is brilliantly answered at the conclusion of this series. Is there the potential for redemption for those who have gone astray, done wrong, been deceived and if so, how does one obtain that redemption?  As I clearly stated, without giving a spoiler here, I think that last question and the way it is dealt with in this series is dealt with brilliantly and frankly, makes great sermon material. There are so many other themes wonderfully addressed in this series that to address them in a review would have me going on and on and on.

 

The Bible states that Jesus never taught them anything without first telling them stories. I can, frankly, see Jesus using stories like what is presented in Midnight Mass to get people to think and to drive points on issues like redemption, good vs. evil and so many others home. While not quire perfect, it is refreshing to see something as good as Midnight Mass. Sure, I expect a few to once again be extremely critical, going so far as calling me a false teacher or heretic for praising the story lines of this series, but let the dirt fly and land where it lands. In my opinion this program has a far greater chance to challenge one to think about their faith than it does to turn anyone away from their faith. 

Each episode of the 8 series season is right at or a little over an hour, yet I binged the entire series in less than 24 hours. It held my attention and challenged me to think regarding my own faith, heck, I’m still thinking about the themes, and this is a rare series that will likely have me watching it again. 

 

On a scale of 1 – 10 it is very hard to not give this series a perfect score, but I just can’t go there, I almost can, but not quite, therefore, I give Midnight Mass a still very good score of a 9. 

The Following is the trailer from Netflix for Midnight Madness

(155) Midnight Mass | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube 

The Following is information about Mike Furches Reviews and The Virtual Pew and ways you can support our work. 

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

Pay Pal to The Virtual Pew at mike@furches.org

Pay Pal to Mosaic at mikefurches@yahoo.com

If making contributions via pay pal, please designate as a gift to family or friends as to prevent us from having to pay additional fees to pay pal. 

You can donate at cash app at $MichaelFurches

Donations can be made at FaceBook via messenger to my facebook account Mike Furches

Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

To Donate via Cash App, donate at $MichaelFurches

Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter

Mike Furches on Faceboook.

Click to subscribe to my blog

You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

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Lessons from Netflix and Bob Ross

 

Did you ever have one of those days where it seems everything is off kilter?  That’s kind of been my day, a day where it is easy to get to a depressed state and not really knowing why, so, it was, I decided to watch the Netflix Documentary Bob Ross, Happy Accidents Betrayal and Greed.  It was then I realized, sometimes, no matter how hard you try, there are just some things out of your control.

This documentary is fantastic, let me say first, I was never really a fan of Bob Ross, just wasn’t my kind of entertainment. Now that said, as I’ve gotten older, I realize, kind of like Mr. Rogers, what all I missed out on. This documentary, well done and produced in part by Melissa McCarthy, tells a story that pays tribute to the man, while also telling the catastrophic story of how ultimately, some of the things that meant  the most to him, according to the filmmakers, gets left behind and here we see their presentation of betrayal and greed.  Of course, the driving force of that in the documentary is the desire for money, a selfish self interest that seems to take little concern and passion to the real desires and wishes of Bob Ross. 

 

It is at this point this changes from a film review, which I would give an 8 star review out of 10, but more into a commentary on life. A commentary driven by some research done on Bob Ross after viewing the film, but also reflecting on my own life.

 

Many in this world seek to do good and, for a period seem to do good. That comes about for various reasons, for me, my driving force is my faith, for others it may be an epiphany moment where they realize that their life while in the military drives them to be a kinder and gentler person, as is apparently the case of Bob Ross from some of the research I’ve done.  Nevertheless, all of us will have some force that will cause us to reflect on life and not just the life we lead now, but the life and example that hopefully carries on after death.  Sometimes, as in the case of the corporate world, or even our lives living from day to day, there are others around us who may have motives outside of our own desires to where our lives benefit them as opposed to the things we wanted. I wonder, what drives the desires of others?  Is it love? Compassion? To get something for themselves.  What is it? 

(122) Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube

 The Following is information about Mike Furches Reviews and The Virtual Pew and ways you can support our work. 

The truth is we can only control a part of who we are and the legacy we leave in life. If lucky and blessed, we will have loved ones who care enough about us to maintain that legacy as opposed to “profiting” in some way off that legacy.  Are we and do we work at maintaining the relationships where we love people more than profits or money?  I am reminded after the documentary of the Bible verse that says the “love of money is the root of all evil.”  Then again, I kind of wonder, are there things that are just as important as money to individuals, say status, or the opinions of others?  I think anything that ultimately has us focusing on things, or feelings over the needs of people can fall into that category.

 

While we never see any indication of faith related to Bob Ross, we do see a representation of what appears to be a good man, with a few mistakes who came upon hard times. He didn’t focus on those times, instead of giving up when it was discovered he had cancer, he worked harder to make sure his legacy and work lived on.  Yet, others around him according to the documentary tarnished his desires and wishes. That doesn’t take away from Bob Ross and those types of things, as much as they may take away from our efforts and lives either.

Today, I’ve reflected, largely alone and truth is, I would have rather had someone to reflect with, but I didn’t, so I deal with those reflections of life, service, and so forth alone. Am I or is my work appreciated? Much like most people at times I think it is okay to reflect on these things. It is then we realize, maybe all we can do is do what we can and understand that there are some things in life we have little, if any control over. That isn’t an upbeat reminder, but it is a truthful reminder, one I think each of us can learn to focus on and think about. I know that in the case of Bob Ross, I may have never watched him, but now, I sure think about him and his efforts, despite the apparent lack of appreciation from many of those around him who saw profits as opposed to the dreams and work the man did which inspired then, and continues to do so now, so many around the world.

 

For going on some thirty years now I have done the work of The Virtual Pew, in part planting seeds but another huge part is getting to know people and being called by many Pastor Mike by my involvement in social media. From engaging in life, I have seen the impact of my work on people on the fringes all over the world. I have run homeless programs, housed homeless people worked with drug addicts, prostitutes and much more. All while giving back my salary, and for the last 8+ years not taking a salary. You can help tremendously by supporting the work, not just from the movie reviews but the work that goes along side that in the development of relationships of helping save lives and give purpose to the lives of others. I appreciate your consideration in this calling that I have seen and know God uses. 

If willing to help, it is greatly appreciated. I ask you, do not write checks or make contributions to me. All contributions should be made either to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic. The Virtual Pew is a Religious Organization and Mosaic is a 501-C3 nonprofit. 

If willing to help this ministry continue you can donate online at the following.

You can support us monthly at Mike Furches / The Virtual Pew / Mosaic is creating A Community of Faith To Those on the Fringes | Patreon

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Or you can send a check to The Virtual Pew or Mosaic at the following address.
1249 North Saint Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214

If desiring more information about this ministry or the testimonials from others, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really am dependent on others to support this missional ministry to keep it going. I have nothing left to give as I’ve depleted, and I’m not complaining, my savings and retirement accounts, now, it really is dependent on you to allow yourself to be used by God to help us out.

I am more than willing to share at your church, business and so forth. I have shared across America as to the work God has done and done for me. I love those opportunities.

Blessings and thank you,

Mike Furches

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You can also check out Mike's Musical ventures by searching for Mike Furches and Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band. Mary Jane's album is available online and by contacting Mike and the Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band album is available on over 150 download formats.

There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives on The Virtual Pew and Mike Furches Reviews. You can also contact me for a free audio book link of The Keystone Kid at mike@furches.org You can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/.

Hopefully, you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.

You can donate via paypal at mike@furches.org or cash app at $MichaelFurches

Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word. Here is our contact information

The Virtual Pew
1249 N. St. Francis
Wichita Kansas, 67214
Email: mike@furches.org

To follow Mike's Band, Pastor Mike and the Demon Slayer Blues Band, click the following link:

 

The Pastor Mike and Demon Slayer Blues Band

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5lrkdvEZGg

https://www.facebook.com/TheDemonSlayers 

The Movie Guys

Donations to The Virtual Pew

The Virtual Pew Blog

Reviews With Mike

The Virtual Pew Sermons

The Virtual Pew News