More Than Hairspray

Have you seen the new version of Hairspray? If you like musicals, you'll like it. If you like John Travolta, you'll like it--his acting reaches new heights, er, heft. It's a cute, feel-good movie with a great message: no matter what we look like on the outside, we count. That message is found in the Bible, too. Check out Galatians 3:28.

The heroine of Hairspray is a teenager named Tracy. She leads a march for integration because it's the right thing to do, even though she may lose her boyfriend and her dream spot on the movie's version of American Bandstand.

It reminded me of a time when someone in my family stood up and did the right thing, even though she was criticized for it. I'm going to be vague with the details, because this happened less than 18 years ago, and there might still be some uncomfortable feelings among people who read this. The story starts when my relative decided to host a baby shower for an unwed mother at her church. People called my relative and accused of her condoning premarital sex and setting a bad example. One person even asked her to cancel the shower.

It may have been the bravest thing my relative ever did--kind of like Tracy walking in that protest march. My relative told the people who complained that they didn't have to come to the party, but the young mother needed help, support, and to see the love of Jesus. The shower was held and by all accounts, was a success. Interestingly, the mother and the baby's father soon got married, had more children and are now active in that church.

As for the outcome of Hairspray, you'll have to see the movie.