On Sunday, March 8, Sandra Bullock won an Oscar as best actress for her role in the movie "The Blind Side." She turned in a riveting, convincing performance as a gritty, determined mom from the deep south (I say as the son of a southern mom). The night before, however, she received the dubious distinction of earning a "Razzie." The Razzie is given for awful performances or movies, and Bullock got hers for starring in the box office bomb, "All About Steve." Asked about being the only person in history to win an Oscar and Razzie in the same year, Bullock said, "You take the good with the not so good." She also said, "It probably means more because it happened at the same time, because it's the great equalizer. Nothing ever lets me get too full of myself." She mentioned that she'd probably put both awards side by side, though the Razzie might sit on a different, lower shelf (Bruce Kirkland, "Calgary Sun," 3/8/10).
You and I will not likely find ourselves on as big a "stage" as Ms. Bullock. Our work may not draw such public praise or put downs, but we are all subject to both. Now, we may wish that all we ever drew was accolades and honors for what we do. And, who gets warm and fuzzy about being criticized? But, if you ever amount to anything or hope to contribute anything of significance to society, community, or the church, you will get some thumbs up and some thumbs down. Don't let that cripple you or move you to self-pity. Don't get angry and quit your involvement just because not every word is a word of commendation. In this matter, Bullock is right. It's good to have the razzies to keep us humble, to build our determination to do better, and to keep us grounded. While we all need recognition to keep encouraged (and should remember that in doing all we can to encourage others), life cannot consist of just that. Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way" (Lk. 6:26). Build character and resilience when you are hero or goat.
You and I will not likely find ourselves on as big a "stage" as Ms. Bullock. Our work may not draw such public praise or put downs, but we are all subject to both. Now, we may wish that all we ever drew was accolades and honors for what we do. And, who gets warm and fuzzy about being criticized? But, if you ever amount to anything or hope to contribute anything of significance to society, community, or the church, you will get some thumbs up and some thumbs down. Don't let that cripple you or move you to self-pity. Don't get angry and quit your involvement just because not every word is a word of commendation. In this matter, Bullock is right. It's good to have the razzies to keep us humble, to build our determination to do better, and to keep us grounded. While we all need recognition to keep encouraged (and should remember that in doing all we can to encourage others), life cannot consist of just that. Jesus said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way" (Lk. 6:26). Build character and resilience when you are hero or goat.
Neal Pollard
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