The lights dimmed slowly as the sound of slurping and packets crumpled from the seats behind. Looking around the room, expectant faces filled every chair as they buzzed with excitement and whisperings as the audience waited impatiently.
The atmosphere became suspenseful as the screen lit up. The suspense became almost unbearable, when all of a sudden countless amounts of stars filled the blank screen and the audience applauded and cheered as the words 'A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...' appeared in blue writing. *Cue the music* Dahhhh da da daa dum da da da dum dum dum dum dum... and well you all know how it goes.
Just when we thought all hope was lost after the tragic death of Han Solo in episode seven, which left audiences in complete heartbreak and despair over the beloved character, could there really be a new hope?
As Rey searched for Luke Skywalker, who had been gone for quite a long time, I loved watching the connection between Luke and Rey as she handed him his lightsaber. I related this moment to my faith in God. As Luke had been lost for quite some time, Rey finally found him and handed him something that had made him the person he was known for. Not his lightsaber, but by finding him through her strength within the force, they were both renewed in the force.
What is the force?
As the films are based around the force, believing in the force and staying true to being a Jedi, these films do not differ much from how faith is perceived. The reliance of the force was what greatly inspired and helped the Jedi achieve their fullest potential as they developed their skills.
When I follow God in my faith, I am connecting with him and creating a deeper relationship with him. Even in times of trial and when I feel lost, the faith is what upholds our hope and our relationship with God.
In the Star Wars movies, each of the characters go through trials and tribulations in which they are tested on their strength within the force, or as we could call it faith.
God and Star Wars
'May the force be with you'. This line is one of the most quotable, memorable and reoccurring lines from all seven movies. This one line is what drives and motivates each of the Jedi when it comes to overcoming their trials. Each of the Jedi lives by the rules of the force, relies on the force and defends the force.
Matthew chapter 28, verses 19-20 says:
'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.'
As Jesus spoke and comforted his disciples after his resurrection he told them to not only make more disciples in his name, but to remember he is always with them.
The Force
In Star Wars, the deal remains the same as they must continue to use the force, find and train more Jedi, and remember that the force is always with them. In Episode IV 'A New Hope', Luke Skywalker is shown flying an X-wing through the death star trying to destroy it and Darth Vader is flying behind him trying to shoot him. This is one of the many instances in which the force and the reliance of the force come into play.
Luke faces a trial in which he could potentially fail his mission and get killed by Darth Vader, but as he faces the midst of his challenge he hears a comforting and reassuring ghost-like voice in his head.
Faith and the Force
As Obi-Wan talks to Luke Skywalker, he reminds him to use the force, let go and to trust him. Luke grows confident with each word and soon destroys the death star and successfully completes his mission.
As he flies away from what is left of the explosion he hears Obi-Wan speak once again "remember, the force will be with you always." This assures Luke to trust in the force and to always believe that in the force he will succeed whatever challenges he may face.
Even amidst the challenge, the Dark Side (Darth Vader) could sense Luke's strength within the force and says "the force is strong with this one". Strength in the faith is one of the most important and vital things to accompany your relationship with God.
Just as Luke was able to complete his mission because he had confidence in the force, we too can overcome our weaknesses and challenges by living strongly within the faith.
'But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have repented, strengthen your brothers,' (Luke chapter 22, verse 32). Seek God in everything you do. Strengthen your faith and rely on God's help.
Be strong, be a Jedi. And may the faith be with you, always.
Cartia Moore is a connoisseur of fine chocolate and a sword fighter, trained and skilled in the art of fencing. She is currently studying a bachelor of arts majoring in drama, and screen & media studies. Her focus is film, television and swordfighting sequences. She hopes to graduate and form her own drama and acting school.
Cartia Moore's previous articles can be found at: http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cartia-moore.html