Have you seen the recent film based on the book from 1970, ARE YOU THERE GOD, IT’S ME, MARGARET? Controversy surrounds the books of Judy Blume. One writer says she is “perniciously wrong about all the social issues that matter” yet even Blume’s critics are calling this a “perfect” film. It tells the story of a girl moving to a new town, making new friends, and confronting adolescence. Her parents, one Jewish, the other Catholic, have chosen to raise Margaret without religion. But she talks to God anyway. I wish more kids would.
“Despite all the talk about its treatment of puberty, the movie is essentially about a young girl’s yearning for connection with God.”[1]
When I was a kid, I saw Judy Blume’s books everywhere—particularly ARE YOU THERE GOD, IT’S ME, MARGARET. I never read the book, but the title is one of those lines that is in my head every day; it’s such a casual, easy prayer. It may not convey all that we know of God’s power and holiness, but I know God welcomes prayers like this one. Just talk to Him, you know? You have to begin somewhere.
I like the line, “it’s me, Margaret.” I love the way she reminds God of her name, as though He may have forgotten.
Do you ever feel like God has forgotten you? Have you found yourself surrounded by so many disasters you feel like God is not paying attention? Do you have doubts—Maybe He loves so-and-so, but does He really love me? Here’s what God has to say about that: when Israel charged God with forgetting them, He answered with a pair of rhetorical questions—
“Can a woman forget her nursing child? Or lack compassion for the child of her womb? Even if she could, yet I will not forget you. Look! I have tattooed your face on the palms of My hands! Not only your face and name, but your broken down walls.” Isaiah 49:14-16.
God is reminding us how much He loves us!
He loves you so much it’s as though He tattooed your name, your face, AND your problems on the palms of His hands. He knows you, He LOVES you, and He is completely up-to-date on every problem that you are facing! Don’t be discouraged.
Take some time to talk to God and thank Him for His incredible, infinite love for you and the answers that He is going to provide for ALL your problems.
ΑΩ
[1] Barbara Nicolosi, PhD, “Are You There, Beauty? It’s That ‘Margaret’ Movie,” The National Catholic Register. https://www.ncregister.com/blog/are-you-there-god-judy-blume
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