Hannah Montana: The Movie

One of my best friends (who wishes to remain anonymous) and I went to see the new Hannah Montana movie earlier this evening. You can giggle about that all you like, the fact of the matter is I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The movie is well-produced, the soundtrack is excellent, and the story entertaining, but beyond the technical aspects, I found a deep theological relevance to my own life from Hannah's story. You see, Hannah has some pride issues at the beginning, and, well, that's something I've been heavily struggling with since last summer. My fight against myself began while I was leading the worship team at Abundant Life: instead of finding time for worship myself, playing music instead reinforced this idea in my head about "look at what a good person I am." The music wasn't about serving God anymore, it was Jeremy trying to be cool.

Near the beginning of the movie, Hannah and her Dad fly home to their native Tennessee (of course, Hannah thought she was flying to New York for a concert). On the road to Hannah/Miley's Grandmother's house, in the midst of a heated conversation, Dad suggests it might be time to be done: no more Hannah, no more double life. Miley protests and insists she can't give up Hannah. This reminded me of myself.

A few months ago, God essentially told me I needed to shape up, or else give up my guitar. Like Miley, I resisted. Like Miley, being asked to give up something that's become an integral part of who I am seems an impossible, and unjust, task. Like Miley, I wanted to find an easier way that didn't actually involve any sacrifice on my part.

In the movie, Miley rediscovers her love for her home town; like any comedy, there are a lot of bumps and stumbles along the way, but in the end, after willingly laying down her wig, she is encouraged not to give up: she's found her balance, and as long as she maintains that, she can still have the best of both worlds.

I'm still struggling with my pride, but I'm seeking that balance. Worshiping in a church but not being the worship leader was the first obstacle - I'm able to do that now. Finding the distinction between using my talents for God, and using them for my own glory, this is still difficult, but I'm learning to deal with it, slowly. Like Miley, I hold onto that hope of having the best of both worlds. God willing, I'll find my place.