Posted By Carol on October 20, 2009

In the film we focus on a vanity, shoved in a corner, veiled by a sheet, covered with dust and scratches from years of neglect.  I am very intrigued by the word veiled as it is used to describe the appearance of the vanity, because I think it communicates a powerful truth found in the Bible.    

Let me ask you a question?  Have you ever conceded to the pain in your life or scars from your past allowing them to veil or hide your identity?  You know, allowing your pain and your scars to define you in such a way that it has ultimately drowned out the voice of truth?  The truth that you are wonderfully created, a unique design with individual qualities given to no one else on this earth.     

That certainly has been the experience for me at different points in my journey.  I would allow the pain of my experiences or the scars I have suffered to veil the truth of who I am in Christ.  Many times I would use this veil of pain and suffering to hide from God and from relationships.  Even today, I have to fight this battle of isolation and continually renew my mind by taking every thought captive to Christ.  (2 Corinthians 10:5) 

But, the Bible says that whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (2 Corinthians 3:16)  What does that mean?  As I continued reading that passage of scripture it says that in the Lord, not only is the veil taken away, but that we have freedom.  We have freedom from our past and freedom from our scars.  We don’t need to hide in shame or be enslaved by those things we allowed to define us.  We are free.  

 I continued to explore this word in scripture and in the Old Testament there is a veil spoken of that was used in the temple.  The veil was used to close off the entrance to the Most Holy Place where God’s presence dwelled.  This veil meant that access in to the Most Holy Place was not permitted and only the High Priest could enter behind the veil. 

 Now, think of this, it is documented in the Bible that the very hour Jesus died on the cross that the veil of the temple that I am referring to was torn in two from top to bottom.  That is amazing.  The veil was torn in two and restricted access to God was no longer required.  The crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provided unrestricted access to God through Jesus Christ.

 There is no longer a need to veil ourselves by our pain or struggles.  A relationship with Jesus Christ makes us perfectly presentable to come in to the presence of our Heavenly Father.  My prayer for you and even for me is that we would no long hide beneath our veils and that we would see our selves as God see us.  In Christ the veil is taken away and we are beautiful.

 Here is the ending dialogue from “The Vanity”.  I think it does a good job communicating this truth.  

Good furniture is made for a purpose.  Finely crafted, no detail left to chance.

Yet often it finds itself under a sheet, shoved in a corner, hidden beneath years of dust, it’s finish dull and scratched from neglect. 

Yet, underneath is beauty waiting to be revealed.  In need of a craftsman’s touch. 

We are like furniture, in need of a Craftsman.  A hand, God’s hand that can mend scars, heal brokenness and reveal purpose. 

Three months after the miscarriage I found out I was pregnant again.  He gave me a second chance and I found myself uncovered, mended, restored by Him. 

So each time I look at that vanity I see much more than a good piece of furniture.  I see a life restored, refinished, revamped.

I see me, but most of all, I see the work of a loving Craftsman.

Category: Devotions, General | No Comments »
Tags: love, pain, short film, veil

Posted By Carol on October 14, 2009

“The Tide Will Carry” is the title of the original score written for “The Vanity” by David Neidert.  As David, also the director of “The Vanity” was laying out the story board and script he made a decision to tell this story with great attention given to the visual elements, with very little dialogue.  As the process of making the film took shape it became very clear that the score would play a key role in telling this story.

David had the difficult job of getting inside of my head so that he could effectively express my journey from brokenness to restoration.  “The Tide Will Carry” does a tremendous job supporting the visual elements of the film as this journey unfolds. 

A tide provides a great metaphor to express the difficulty of my journey.  To me, it illustrates that apart from a foundation in Jesus, we will be tossed about like waves on the ocean.  To further illustrate this point, the chorus says, “I will follow whatever guides me, although it’s nothing, at least it’s something.”  That statement is very profound to me.  Have you ever felt that way?  Even though you know the choices or situation where you find yourself can be defined as “nothing,” it at least allows you to grab hold of something.  

As the lyrics continue it says, “I’ll float on oceans, but empty my cup.”  Then it all changes, “One touch healed me, I was broken, but now my cup is overflowing.”  Jesus is the “Something” I was looking for all along. 

Enjoy the lyrics!!! 

“The Tide Will Carry”    

The tide will carry

Tiny pieces

Afloat on oceans

Distant places

And time has done

The same thing to me

Left me standing

Left me hurting

Chorus

I will follow

Whatever guides me

Although it’s nothing

At least it’s something 

Alone I am

No one to guide me

Standing, waiting

Feel like nothing

Seeking wholeness

To fill soul up

I’ll float on oceans

But empty my cup

 Chorus 

But one touch

Healed me

I was broken

But now my cup

Is overflowing

Now teach me

Guide me

To your own purpose

Life is yours

No need to search

 I will follow

You who guides me

He is something

The end and beginning

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags: lyrics, short film

Posted By Carol on September 5, 2009

I have always enjoyed writing.  Even as a child I found writing to be an effective way for me to communicate.  At that time in my life it would usually be in the form of a letter written to my Mom or to my Sister.  I’m sure, a letter expressing my hurt or frustration about some trespass that had been imposed on me.  For what ever reason, it was one way I found my voice.  

Having never fully believed in my abilities as a verbal communicator, I am intrigued with the various communication styles.  This intrigue, no doubt, is what has drawn me to explore video and photography as a means of expression.  God is funny that way.  He uses things in our life that we view as insufficiencies as a way to build up the unique design He has placed in each one of us.  

“The Vanity” found its form out of that truth.  The truth being, that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.  I’ll be honest, in the intensity of the battles I have faced; this truth has not always been easy for me to see.  But, God has proven to be faithful and over time I have come to put my faith and trust in that truth.    

Before I fully came to this understanding I was talking with a friend of mine and I was expressing to him this regret I was experiencing as I looked back over my life.  Do you know what I mean?  Have you ever got to that place where your expectations and dreams are not even coming close to aligning with the reality in which you find yourself?  I can’t tell you how many times I found myself in that position.  At this particular time as I was talking to my friend, I had just been diagnosed with cancer.  Let me tell you, at that point the dreams and expectations were not even coming close to matching the reality where I found myself. 

 As I looked back over my life, I recounted the failed relationships and wasted years of addictions and bad choices.  But God spoke an amazing truth to me through my friend on that day.  He said, “Carol, God will redeem those years.  None of them will be wasted.”  Well now, that changes everything doesn’t it?  If I would trust God and believe that He would redeem those years, using them for something good, then my dreams and expectations would be fully met, no matter what I experienced in my reality.  God would see to it that my life mattered and that He would fulfill His purpose in me.  What a sweet deal.   

“The Vanity” is my love offering to God for all the ways He has been at work in my life.  On June 26^th we had the great privilege to screen this film and hold a reception for the cast and crew who helped to make this story a reality.  Additionally, the film premiered on August 16^th to an audience of about 400 people.  If you or someone you know would be interested in a screening of this film, we would welcome your inquiry.  I will continue to use this blog to provide updates on ways God continues to redeem the years of my life.  I hope to share lessons He taught me over the years and even ways He is teaching me still.  We pray that you will join us on this journey of restoration and help share this message of hope. 

Carol Mulcahy

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags: hope, restoration, screening, short film

Posted By Carol on September 2, 2009

Thanks for visiting our blog. Check back often for a variety of updates.

Category: General | No Comments »
Tags: short films, the vanity movie, welcome post