Friendship as Solidarity
I love television commercials.
Actually, that’s not really accurate. Most often, I hate television commercials because I experience them as interruptions of whatever I’m watching, as all-too-often inane sale pitches, and sometimes as downright insulting with regard to the various stereotypes they perpetuate.
At the same time, though, from time to time I am surprised, delighted, even inspired by commercials, and that’s when I love them. Sometimes it’s simply that they make me chuckle, as with the VW ad about the little boy playing Darth Vadar. Other times, I’m actually captivated and given insight not only into our popular culture but also into what it means to be human. So this year, when I come across these commercials, I thought I’d share them and why they impacted me.
The first one I want to share comes from Guinness; you know, the Irish brewer. Like a lot of ads today, it has pretty much nothing to do with the product. Instead, it invites you to imagine life being a certain way and then associate that way of life with its product. In this case, Guinness wants us to image, or maybe re-imagine, friendship. Not as just hanging out with each other; not simply as having a good time; not even as drinking beer together. Rather, Guinness invites us to think about friendship as standing with one another, as identifying with each other, as walking along side each other in true solidarity.
I won’t say more about the commercial for fear of spoiling it. But I will say that on watching it I was reminded of Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John, where Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as the “paraclete,” which can be translated as the “helper,” “comforter,” or “advocate.” Most literally, it means “the one who comes along side.” Jesus’ promise is that the Holy Spirit comes along side of us, supporting us and advocating for us in and through life’s challenges.
I’m used to think of the Holy Spirit this way, but – with the help of Guinness – I’m also now thinking about friendship this way as well, wondering how I might come along side friends, family members, and colleagues to identify and stand with them.
Enjoy the commercial, and if you have some favorites of your own that created a similar “wow” experience, please let me know.
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That is a powerful 62 seconds. Thanks for sharing your insight and your challenge to stand with those for whom we care. I’m glad to have your posts back in my inbox. -Tom
Your blog was passed on to me with the comment that it reminded the sender of my blog. I too love the great ad. I am amazed by the stories that can be told and the emotions evoked in 30 or 60 seconds. Would you mind if I linked to this post in my blog sometime? Thanks for sharing!
Bill
Yes Prof Lose – this is one of the greatest commercials I’ve ever seen – I remember the first time I saw it I was only half paying attention to it. when it came on the next time, I stopped whatever I was doing to watch – AMAZING!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
The commercial just launched this week’s Confirmation Sunday sermon:
“The choices we make reveal the true nature of our character.” Because in this world, there are plenty of things, experiences and people vying for our time and attention. By choosing to be confirmed and become a member of this church–your church, you are claiming for yourself and before others that you:
(a) don’t have it all together
(b) can’t and don’t want to do life on your own
(c) want to be a part of something bigger than yourself
(d) need other Christ followers to walk with you on this road called life
(e) do, or want to prioritize God
(f) vow to be there for others
(g) want to make a difference in the world
(h) want to keep asking questions, learning and growing spiritually — faith is always evolving after all, or at least it should be!
(i) need the love and support of others to keep you going during those rough times in life
(j) need accountability; a back-up system in place for those days and times when you don’t feel like you matter or that church matters or that God even matters
(k) want to be challenged and try new things
(l) have a place to belong, just as you are
(m) value community, partnerships and teamwork
(n) want to spend time with people with whom you have something in common
(o) want to spend time with people who are different from you
(p) value the importance of intergenerational relationships
(q) want to share hope with others
(r) need to be reminded that it’s not about you!
(s) believe God has called you (or may be calling you) to a life of discipleship
(t) are loved–period
Like the wise man who built his house upon the rock, may your decision to claim for yourself the vows that were made on your behalf at your baptism and to choose Christ serve as your foundation in life. Storms will come and go. People, like a house built on sand, will wash away. But Jesus Christ will be your solid rock. And though this church will disappoint you–it’s inevitable, God’s grace will not.
Choosing this church on this day says you are committing to the work of God in this world and in this life; that when the storms of life batter you, when your “protection” from the elements wears thin, and when you find yourself knocked to the ground entirely, you will be able to rise again and rebuild, knowing that your foundation in Jesus Christ canNOT be moved. For life in Jesus Christ is NEVER over!
THAT, my friends, is what it means to have faith.
THAT is what it means to experience resurrection.
THAT is what it means to believe in eternal life!
THAT is the gospel the world not only needs to hear, but it needs to KNOW!
And THAT, my friends, is why the Church exists!
THANK YOU for believing in the work of the Church!
THANK YOU for believing that THIS church can make a difference!
THANK YOU for committing to experiencing, growing, serving and sharing your life in Christ.
May we ALL be so moved this day and set to work rebuilding the world on the solid rock of God.
Amen!
Your confirmation sermon is powerful. Ive been thinking about how most of the thoughts you used might be shared with some of my family who although baptized have chosen to turn from organized worship and community. I will continue to think and pray about this.
Thanks
Thank you, Carol. I will be holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings!
What really hit me in watching the video was when at the end of the game all but one of the men stood up and walked. It so told the story that they had met their friend where he was ( permanently in a wheelchair) and accompanied him on his journey. When I get feeling unhappy with myself of “not” being a “leader” in my community or church and being more of a listener and I see something like this it makes me realize how blessed I am to be able to accompany people on their journey. thanks again for your profound sharing.