During the past year, I have watched three musical films. Bohemian Rhapsody is a biopic of the late Freddie Mercury featuring the music of Queen (which reminds me of my student days). Yesterday is a comedy featuring the music of the Beatles alongside a fictional story about Jack Malik. Rocketman is a biopic of Elton John featuring his music. I enjoyed all three, not only for the music but also for the stories they told – two based on real life and one entirely imaginary.
Looking back at these films, there is a common theme in them. In each, the lead character is looking for acceptance and love. Freddie, Jack and Elton are each portrayed as having a profound sense of loneliness. They want to be accepted for who they are and to know that they are loved for themselves – so that they will not feel so alone.
This theme will resonate with many people today. Loneliness and isolation are growing problems in our society. We all need to know that we are loved and accepted just as we are.
We can start with self-acceptance. When we stop trying to be someone that we are not and accept ourselves as God has made us, we make it easier for others to accept us. We may think that by putting on an act we can make others like us more – but in fact it keeps them at a distance and stops them from really getting to know us.
Secondly, we can learn to accept other people just as they are. They may be different from us – with different tastes, different strengths and weaknesses. But we can accept that and show them appreciation, love and acceptance.
Finally, and most importantly, we can recognise that God is prepared to love and accept us just as we are. The main theme of the Bible is that God loves us, he made us and will accept us if we humbly come to him.
There is a Christian chorus from the 1970’s which expresses this humble approach to God very clearly:
Jesus, take me as I am,
I can come no other way.
If we approach God with that attitude, we can find true acceptance and love.