Every now and then, a film is released that captivates my attention.  One of those which I have heralded as of late is Akeelah and the Bee. This movie encapsulates so many heart-rending themes: triumph over adversity, resolve in forging trans-racial relationships, even some childhood romance. There is so much to love in this film. Yet the theme which speaks most profoundly to me is the importance of one’s community. 

After losing her austere, somewhat exacting spelling coach due to circumstances beyond her control, Akeelah, a young African-American girl, is left with a dilemma. She must either abandon all hope of winning first prize in the spelling bee, the award which she has set out with vigor to attain, or find another avenue of help in reaching her goal. By choosing the latter, Akeelah not only emerges victorious, but proves exemplary in the process by drawing on the strengths of individuals right in her neighborhood. Asked to help with a little bit of their time, Akeelah’s community responds with overwhelming support. Come to find out, several more coaches within walking distance were waiting in the wings. 

I champion this story perhaps because it so closely mirrors a portion of my own. The viewing of this film occurred during a season in my life when several mentoring relationships were closing down. I had been fortunate enough to experience wise teaching and counsel from a few men and women who had walked with me through thick and thin. Now, by everyone’s admission, it was time to move on. While my mind assented to the need for a new phase, my heart was a few steps behind. I had to set out, but would I choose to traverse alone or, like Akeelah, invite others along? This was my dilemma.  

Before I could commence into the future, I needed a reminder of where I was going.    Presently, I was being called to travel new paths, but they were anything but uncharted. The foremost Pioneer had gone before me to blaze the trail.  This meant that my future, unlike Akeelah, was decidedly prize-winning. Jesus had, in all respects, won the Bee on my behalf. At His return, I would behold the reward in all its fullness.  Everything within me longed for that day; yet, as I recalled the design of Christianity, I knew that I would be left wanting if I risked venturing alone.  

 My function as part of the body of Christ was unique, but I was never meant to survive on my own.  The very underpinnings of Christianity lay first in Christ and then in the Christian community.  I had needed the community of mentors at one juncture in life, yet they were only part of the whole story.  I would need the voices of other wayfaring pilgrims as the Great Perfecter guided me home.  My community was meant to continue through fellowship with other great saints in the days to come. Only by traveling with them could the full glory at the end of the age shine forth. 

 A bit further down the road, I am hearing the voices of other fellow journeymen and I trust that more will follow. I feel the life-giving breath of their words that come in times when my own faith is faltering, and I can’t help but picture Akeelah who exhibited similar strength as the faces of her community gave articulation to her words. She reminds me of my need for my neighbors and the fact that, together, we hasten toward a day when all of God’s people will finally be together. Though we live in a unique slice of space and time, we should not journey home alone. 

There will be days when even we as a community become confused, disoriented and lose our way. It is then that we must turn to hear the beckoning call of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before. They refocus our vision as they whisper assurances that we are indeed on the right path. And at the end of the journey, just like Akeelah and her friends, we will celebrate together with jubilant exaltation.  

© 2006 Melissa Kurtz