Dhoop was the title of the movie that i was watching. It is about a young soldier serving in the Indian Military Academy. He was called to fight in the Kirgal War, one of India's most unforgettable with Pakistan, where he heroically died and was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (India's highest military honor).
At least that was what i thought the movie was about. See what happens is the government gives the soldier's grieving parents a gas station, which they decide to call Kirgal Heights, in memory of their son and every martyr of India. Noble, but the problem was the officials who control the building permit, electrical and water supplies and whatever else you can imagine a gas station needs, were not so noble. They cooperate - on bribes. Sadly a real look at a corrupt side of life in India grieves the parents even more. Did my son die for this they ask. They refuse to give in but they can't give up. And so, whether it was throwing aside their dignity to beg for a building license or being threatened with their lives if they seek help from government ministers or the media - the soldier's father garners strength by saying gently and resolutely to each obstacle "I am the father of Maha Vir Chakra winner martyr Captain Suresh Rohit Kapoor".
Eventually the parents come face to face with the Prime Minister to boldly request change and indeed the justice system is revived and the corrupt officials are thrown out. Kirgal Heights is built. My favorite part is right at the end when one of the "bad guys" really changes over a new leaf and even becomes an attendant in the gas station! You know what's amazing? This isn't just another run-of-the-mill good overcomes evil plot. It is based on a true story (just google Captain Anuj Nayar)!
Can you see why that movie caught me off guard that Saturday afternoon? Reel life imitates real life. I also know someone who died brutally but heroically. I know his motivation was for his love for his people. I know he knew that most of those people are corrupt. But i haven't walked around facing my obstacles with such resolute force...even though this person has a higher honor than a Maha Vir Chakra...and is the martyr of martyrs. What's more...he's no longer dead! He's actually with me when i face silly or serious obstacles. I know we can boldly approach him with our requests. I know he can throw out the corrupt and will, someday soon. I know he's buildingnot a gas station, but a kingdom. I know he has never stopped bringing the "bad guys" over to his side. I know because i'm one of them. You and i are part of the greatest unfolding too-good-to-be-true story!
I was on the verge of hopelessness that Saturday afternoon. Too many huge obstacles stood in the way of my needs and dreams. But God spoke through a movie and challenged my weak mindset. I now know how to face the seemingly too big and impossible. Instead of using my lips to grumble, complain, swear, cry, sulk, frown, or even breathe out anything negative, now i can boldly say, "I am the child of the martyr of martyrs, Jesus Christ."