Bette Davis Was Right!
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
“Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” – Joseph Leo Mankiewicz, All About Eve
Today’s quote is taken from the 1950 movie All About Eve, written and directed by Joseph Mankiewicz and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It was based on a short story written by Mary Orr and was nominated for a record 14 Academy Awards, winning six of them including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The famous line was spoken by Bette Davis, a film legend who was at the height of her powers and popularity. She portrays an aging actress, Margo Channing, who befriends one of her fans only to discover – a little too late – that the young lady’s intentions are to replace her as a star.
I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say that there are quite a few plot twists along the way… just like in life.
Life’s twists and turns can be viewed in one of two ways. You can be upset and unsettled by them… or embrace them for what they are. As an eternal optimist, I choose the latter option. Simply put, life’s “plot twists” are what makes things interesting, just like in the movies. And besides, if God is truly sovereign (He is), knows the end from the beginning (He does), and has a perfect plan for your life and mine (He does), why sweat the small stuff?
As Bette Davis suggested, it’s better to fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride… bumps and all. Meanwhile, here are a few Bible verses to help you along the way.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (BSB)
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV)
“The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 (NASB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President