Finn, Intro to screenplay by Tasha Thompson
Original artwork by anonymous
Some people - I’ve only met a few - contain a singular sort of magic that allows them to evoke trust, respect, and love from every person they know. I don’t claim to understand it, and I certainly do not consider myself to have it. But I’ve witnessed it a handful of times - in a military man, a full-time mother, an administrative assistant, an entrepreneur, a pastor - and every example of this magic has left a new mark on my understanding of human nature.
There are people in this world who are easy to submit to. And there are people who are not.
Finn is a character my brother Eames and I created together. We’ve been talking about her for years. She is a kid trying to find her way in the world, but she cannot be led by her parents. They do not have the integrity to command respect and submission from this strong-willed girl.
Finn finds a different kind of leadership in her aunt and uncle when she is sent to live with them. Under their roof, she is capable of being respectful and submissive to her elders, because they deserve her respect and submission. She learns that there is nothing wrong with her, and that when she feels loved she is a different person altogether.
God parents with the magic I mentioned. Instead of earning submission with an iron fist, He draws hearts to do His will through lovingkindess and faithfulness (Jeremiah 31:3-6). He is unchanging, and therefore can be trusted with ease (James 1:17). He gives generously and unselfishly to his children so they will have abundant life and power over darkness (John 3:16). God’s love experienced changes its recipients into lovers too - it empowers us to pursue and will good things for people we might otherwise hate or not even notice (1 John 4:19).
This is only the first act of Finn’s story, but there is more to come. Thank you for joining me in a journey to discover how she is affected by the authority figures in her life, and also for reflecting with me about which leadership qualities trigger respect rather than defiance. If you have any personal stories or reflections to share on this topic, I would love to engage further at tashakolar@gmail.com.