The Greatest Showman: A Symphony of Resilience Amidst Brokenness

Few things clarify life's precepts like a classic movie. Please, allow me to explore one of my all-time favorites, "The Greatest Showman".

I often ponder, "What in our lives will bring the greatest influence?" "Is it our strengths or is it our brokenness?"

John Maxwell says,

Your greatest influence flows out of your greatest strength.

However, I say, your greatest strength is birthed out of your brokenness. This is why I like "The Greatest Showman" it profoundly exploits that principle. Additionally, it points the way to someone Greater who was "broken for us" and arose out of His brokenness, even death, to be the example of how He can take our brokenness and turn it into our greatest strength.

Tragedy comes to our life, as a platform of suffering, out of which we can rise to serve others to a greater level. ~ Rob Carroll

Let's explore "The Greatest Showman" and see what parallels it can bring to the birth, sacrificial life, death and resurrection that points to the redemptive Grace of Jesus Christ.

Movie Backdrop:

The movie is a cinematic extravaganza that unfolds the extraordinary life of P.T. Barnum, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, as he transforms his vision into a mesmerizing spectacle. The film is a vibrant celebration of resilience, and the power of imagination and a resurrected hope that births a purified vision from the ashes. At its heart, the movie explores the theme of embracing one's uniqueness, as Barnum gathers a troupe of individuals deemed outsiders by society, and forms a groundbreaking circus. The narrative beautifully weaves elements of brokenness, acceptance, and the pursuit of dreams.

Hugh Jackman's charismatic performance anchors the film, capturing the passion and determination of Barnum. The musical numbers, featuring original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, elevate the storytelling, turning each scene into a dynamic and emotionally charged experience.

Zendaya and Zac Efron deliver compelling performances, adding depth to the narrative through their characters' romantic subplot. Michelle Williams also shines as Barnum's supportive wife, providing a touching anchor to his ambitious endeavors.

The visual spectacle of the circus performances, combined with the vibrant choreography, creates a feast for the eyes. Director Michael Gracey's visually stunning sequences, coupled with the infectious musical score, make "The Greatest Showman" a cinematic treat.

While some critics note deviations from the historical accuracy of Barnum's life, the film's intention is clear — to inspire and entertain. "The Greatest Showman" is a feel-good cinematic experience that leaves audiences tapping their toes and, perhaps, contemplating the magic that can emerge from embracing one's uniqueness in the face of adversity. Overall, it's a captivating journey into the world of dreams, brokenness, and the redemptive power of renewed vision.

Symbolic parallelism:

We all carry a few scars and injuries as we get older. It's part of life, and they are reminders of many an adventure. Some I don't mind; others I do. I feel embarrassed about the state of my feet, for example. Both of them are especially wonky and misshapen. But the truth is that I shouldn't be ashamed of damage or brokenness. They are signs of being in the battle and of having survived. Deformed feet and scars can be so beautiful. They show dignity and courage.

Jesus knew this all too well. It was only through His scars, through being punished in our place, that He could truly reach us. His scars are our gateway to life.

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. ~ Isaiah 53:5

So instead of seeking perfection (which doesn't even exist in this human life) let's embrace the misshapen and the scars, because it is in the broken parts of our lives that the mercy and tenderness shines brightest. That's His nature. And His presence is always good and always healing.

Isaiah 53: A Poem

"In pastures of our wayward hearts, we stray,

Like sheep, we wander, led astray each day.

Yet in the silence, a lamb emerged so mild,

Bearing our sins, innocence defiled.

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Quietly, He bore the weight we couldn't bear,

Not a word from Him, though in pain He'd wear.

His blood, a sacred offering, freely given,

A lamb for sin, a pathway to heaven.

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Wounded for our stumbles, bruised for each wrong,

He carried our burdens, His love so strong.

Iniquities bowed beneath His mercy's reel,

By His stripes, a healing touch we feel.

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A portrait of Grace, on a cross, displayed,

Our Shepherd's sacrifice, sins' debt He paid.

In the tapestry of Isaiah's lyrical art,

Hope rises from wounds, a mended heart."

In the dazzling world of "The Greatest Showman," I am reminded that where the spotlight illuminates the extraordinary amid the ordinary, we find a profound narrative that resonates with the symphony of life. Within the folds of this cinematic spectacle lies the timeless truth that out of brokenness — beauty, purpose, and redemption can arise.? As we embark on this reflective journey, let's draw parallels between the brokenness depicted in the film and the profound brokenness of Christ for a lost world. If you'll allow me a little freedom, I would like to draw three parallels that stand-out to me. It is amazing to me how "The Greatest Showman" points directly to the amazing redemptive story of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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Embracing Brokenness: A Prelude to Redemption

In the tapestry of P.T. Barnum's journey, we witness the raw, unraveled threads of brokenness. His life becomes a canvas where societal judgments and personal struggles paint a poignant picture of the human condition. Yet, beneath the surface of perceived imperfection, Barnum discovers a profound truth — that brokenness, when embraced, becomes a prelude to redemption.

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Much like a mosaic where shattered pieces form a mesmerizing whole, Barnum's acceptance of his own brokenness becomes the catalyst for a transformative journey. It is an anthem that echoes through the ages, inviting us to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and find redemption in the very fragments that make us uniquely human. Ultimately, Christ, in His earthly sojourn, embraced the brokenness of humanity, offering solace to the weary and teaching us to find beauty in imperfection.? Christ's life was the epitome of embracing brokenness. His ministry was a beacon of hope for the broken, as He healed the sick, comforted the downtrodden, and forgave the repentant.

Birth of a Vision: Crafting Beauty from Chaos

From the ashes of societal rejection, Barnum conceives a vision — a circus celebrating the macob in their uniqueness and diversity. In this birth of a vision, we witness the alchemy that turns adversity into opportunity. The circus becomes a kaleidoscope of dreams, where individuals deemed broken by society find a stage to showcase their true brilliance.

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This birth of a vision transcends the limitations of circumstance and societal norms. It speaks to the eternal truth that, even in the darkest corners of brokenness, there exists the potential for the birth of something extraordinary. It is a testament to the creative resilience of the human spirit, echoing the Divine's act of creation that brings forth beauty from chaos.? The film paints a vivid picture of Barnum's vision — a circus celebrating uniqueness and diversity. This vision, born from the ashes of societal rejection, parallels Christ's redemptive vision for a fallen world. The birth of these visions signifies the hope that can arise even in the darkest corners of brokenness.

Christ's vision was the redemption of humanity. His birth in a humble stable marked the inception of a Divine plan to reconcile a broken world to Himself.

Death of a Vision: Sacrifice and the Agony of Shattered Dreams

As Barnum faces societal critique and internal strife, his vision experiences a death that parallels the agony of shattered dreams. This phase of the narrative serves as a crucible, testing the depth of commitment and the willingness to sacrifice for the sake of a greater purpose.

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In this death of a vision, we find a profound lesson — that the pursuit of an extraordinary vision often involves personal sacrifice. It mirrors the universal truth that genuine, transformative change demands a willingness to let go of comfort and confront the painful reality of broken dreams. It is an acknowledgment that, in the tapestry of resilience, threads of sacrifice and shattered dreams are woven alongside those of triumph. As Barnum faces societal critique and internal strife, we witness the demise of his vision. Yet, in this death, there is a poignant lesson — the cost of embracing a vision often involves personal sacrifice and the agony of shattered dreams. In contrast, Christ's journey, however, led to the ultimate sacrifice on the cross, the death of a sinless Savior for a world ensnared in brokenness.

A Choice: The Divine Exchange

In a moment of Divine revelation, Jesus led His disciples up the mountain, a silent invitation into the sacredness of His Purpose. As they ascended, the air grew charged, a celestial anticipation lingering in every step.?Upon reaching the summit, a transformation unfolded. The very fabric of His being radiated with a celestial light, transcending mortal comprehension. The disciples witnessed Christ's luminous glory, a glimpse of His heavenly majesty veiled within human form. Yet, this mountaintop encounter was more than a spectacle—it was a deliberate choice, a pivotal moment in the tapestry of His purpose. Christ, in His Divine wisdom, momentarily unveiled His celestial radiance, bridging the chasm between heaven's splendor and earthly mission.

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In this transfiguration, He affirmed His Divine identity and purpose, a resolute step toward the path of fulfillment. It was a profound choice—to momentarily reveal the glory He left behind, affirming His commitment to the redemptive destiny set before Him. As the disciples stood in awe, this transcendent moment echoed the resounding truth: Jesus willingly embraced the human experience, leaving the heavenly realm to fulfill His mission of salvation—a choice marked by selflessness and unwavering dedication to the redemption of humanity. In this celestial spectacle, Jesus affirmed His Divine identity, a proclamation of His commitment to the redemptive mission awaiting Him. His choice was deliberate—to reveal momentarily the glory He left behind, grounding His earthly steps in the fulfillment of a Divine Destiny.

Our Choice: Laying Down Our Earthly Ambitions?

Contrastingly, we stand at the precipice of our own choices. Often, we cling fiercely to our visions, aspirations, and ambitions, crafting monuments of our own design. But in the grand tapestry of existence, these structures can become idols, eclipsing the greater purpose waiting to be revealed. Similar to Christ's choice to leave the heavenly realm, our path to renewed purpose often demands the demise of our self-made visions. It's a choice to face the death of our own ambitions, surrendering them at the altar of a higher calling—a journey toward a profound transformation.

A calling is a purpose with a higher touch. ~ John Maxwell

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Just as Christ chose to lay aside His celestial glory, we're beckoned to relinquish our tightly held aspirations, allowing them to be reshaped, redefined, and renewed in the light of Christ's Purpose expressed through each of us. In this surrender, a rebirth occurs—a metamorphosis from the death of our own visions to the resurrection of a purpose aligned with Christ's redemptive plan. Therefore, in the shadows of our own ambitions, let us choose the Divine Exchange—laying down our aspirations to discover a greater purpose, a resurrection of vision, illuminated by the radiance of Christ's eternal glory.

A Poem: The Great Exchange

"Upon a distant hill, a scene unfurled,

An unfair proposition, before a righteous world.

A choice was laid before a noble man's embrace,

Could've altered fate, yet He chose Grace.

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The Great Exchange, where eternity met time,

He journeyed to that place, a sacred paradigm.

In that chosen destination, God's grace was bared,

A longing to redeem us, compassion fully shared.

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Even then, in that moment, he knew each name,

Bearing the weight of love, unyielding in its flame.

An undeserving servant, forever changed and rearranged,

Transformed by the power of the Great Exchange.

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Upon that same hillside, where prayers found their way,

He unveiled the wrongs, the price He chose to pay.

Rising forgiven, a soul's loss now gained,

Transformed by mercy at the Great Exchange.

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All that humanity lost, Christ's hands reclaimed,

Forging a path to eternity, by His death ordained.

This offering, this chance, to meet Him today,

To encounter Grace and Love at the Great Exchange."

Christ's crucifixion was the death of the ultimate vision — the sacrifice that paved the way for the resurrection of humanity from the grip of sin.

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Resurrection of a Vision: Triumph of the Human Spirit

Against the backdrop of societal critique and personal challenges, "The Greatest Showman" stages a triumphant resurrection of Barnum's vision. This resurrection is not merely a revival but a metamorphosis — a testament to the resilience of the human spirit to rise above adversity, learn from failures, and rebuild with newfound strength and wisdom.

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The resurrection of a vision becomes a beacon of hope, a proclamation that brokenness does not have the final say. It is a celebration of God's grace and human capacity for renewal and reinvention. In this triumphant crescendo, we find echoes of a timeless truth — that redemption is not only possible but is, in fact, the destiny of those who dare to dream despite the fractures of life.

Now Faith is the substance of things hoped-for, the evidence of things not yet seen. ~ Hebrews 11:1

"The Greatest Showman" echoes themes of resilience and the triumph of the human spirit as Barnum resurrects his circus dream. Likewise, Christ's resurrection, after His sacrificial death, becomes the cornerstone of hope for all who believe. Both narratives illustrate the transformative power that lies in the resurrection of a vision, transcending the limitations of brokenness.

In contrast, ultimately, Christ's resurrection not only conquered death but also inaugurated a new vision — the hope of eternal life and redemption for those broken by sin.

Conclusion: A Symphony of Redemption

In "The Greatest Showman," the symphony of resilience amidst brokenness unfolds with a poignant melody — a melody that invites us to embrace our vulnerabilities, birth visionary dreams from chaos, navigate the crucible of sacrifice and shattered dreams, and ultimately, experience the triumphant resurrection of our most profound visions.

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It is a cinematic spectacle that echoes the eternal truth: out of brokenness emerges a symphony of redemption, where the beauty of our humanity shines brightest in the face of adversity. May we, like Barnum's troupe of extraordinary individuals, find solace in our brokenness and courage in the pursuit of transformative visions that redefine the narrative of our lives.

"The Greatest Showman" mirrors the human experience of brokenness and the possibility of redemption through resilience and vision. In contemplating this narrative, we are reminded of Christ's profound journey — from embracing our brokenness to birthing a vision of redemption, facing the death of that vision on the cross, and finally, triumphantly rising in resurrection.

In the symphony of brokenness, Barnum's tale points to Christ's story harmonizing to teach us, through the fractures of life, emerges the melody of redemption — a melody that offers hope, healing, and the promise of a resurrected, renewed vision for a world yearning to be made whole.

In Summary: The Sacred Journey - Birth, Death, and Resurrection of Vision

In the tapestry of our lives, the birth of a vision is a Divine gift—an awakening of purpose, a stirring in the soul that beckons us toward greater horizons. It emerges in whispers, a revelation of what could be, igniting passion and hope within us. This birth heralds the dawn of a journey toward fulfillment.

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Yet, as we tread the pathways of this vision, we encounter the inevitable: the death of that which we've crafted, nurtured, and held dear. It is the crucible where aspirations collide with reality, where dreams meet the harsh edges of life's complexities. This death isn't merely an end; it's a transformative passage—a moment that demands surrender, an invitation to let go of our self-made constructs.

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Amidst the shards of shattered dreams, a pivotal truth emerges: in the ashes of our own ambitions, Christ extends an invitation—to partake in His resurrection power, to witness the rebirth of our vision in alignment with His Divine purpose. The resurrection isn't merely about restoration; it's a Divine Exchange, where our brokenness meets His wholeness.

To find true fulfillment in our purpose, we must traverse this sacred journey—a journey marked by birth, death, and resurrection. It's in embracing the birth of vision, facing the death of our own aspirations, and surrendering to Christ's resurrection power that we find the essence of our true calling.

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As Christ resurrected, so shall our visions—transformed, refined, and infused with the radiance of His eternal purpose. True fulfillment isn't merely found in the realization of our dreams; it's discovered in the alignment of our visions with the heartbeat of God's will, in sync with His redemptive plan for our lives.

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Therefore, let us embrace the sacred cycle of birth, death, and resurrection—knowing that in surrendering our visions to Christ, we unearth the ultimate fulfillment: a purpose that resonates with eternity, woven into the very fabric of His Divine Design.

A Poem:

In the realm where shadows dance, a story unfolds,

"The Greatest Showman," a tale of courage untold.

Through the canvas of life, brokenness weaves,

Yet within its fractures, redemption conceives.

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Embracing Brokenness:

In the carnival of souls, broken hearts unite,

A tapestry of flaws, yet bathed in heavenly light.

Acceptance whispers, a melody of Grace,

A symphony of brokenness, where love finds its place.

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Birth of a Vision:

From the ashes of rejection, a vision takes flight,

A circus of dreams, bathed in starlight.

Like Bethlehem's stable, humility's embrace,

A birth of redemption, in a broken world's space.

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Death of a Vision:

Yet the storm clouds gather, the critics' harsh refrain,

A death of a vision, a poignant, painful strain.

Sacrifice lingers, a bitter, haunting cry,

Echoes of Calvary, where our Savior dared to die.

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Resurrection of a Vision:

But hark, a resurrection, a triumphant rebirth,

Through trials and tribulations, the phoenix finds its worth.

A resurrection anthem, from the ashes it springs,

A kinship with the cross, where redemption sings.

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In this celluloid parable, echoes of the Divine,

As Barnum's tale dances with a narrative so fine.

Christ, ultimately, embraced brokenness, a vision to unveil,

A symphony of salvation, where broken hearts set sail.

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In the Bethlehem manger, a vision took its breath,

A Savior for a broken world, a Divine plan of depth.

A death on a hill, a vision crushed and torn,

Yet, from the grave emerged a resurrection morn.

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Brokenness to beauty, purpose in each scar,

In the tapestry of life, redemption is our star.

So let this cinematic hymn resound,

In brokenness, a vision's truth is found.

If you go back and look at this article's cover image, it's a reminder that eventually when our vision dies and we are flat on our back with brokenness, we must look up to our Divine Source...

I trust this article points you to the redemptive power of Christ and has added value to YOU today.

Robert J. Carroll Jr.?

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