Review: 7th Street Theater (Episode: Shelley)

Hi everyone, if you are reading this on the Sabbath, then I’d like to wish you a Sabbath filled with peace, rest and joy.

This week’s program review is from the 7th Street Theater series. The episode is called Shelley. I have done reviews on several 7th Street Theater episodes - check out our podcast listing for the episode names. 7th Street Theater is a drama series about five Christian actors who perform a weekly stage show for their community. There are 3 Seasons in the series and a total of 64 episodes. Season One has 24 episodes, Season Two has 20 and Season Three has also 20. All of these episodes are on their YouTube channel as well as on the Christian Movies website. The series is produced by Dave Christiano.

The episode, Shelley, is split into two parts.

Description:

Part 1: Jamie falls in love.

Part 2: The love story unfolds between Jamie and Shelley

I will review both parts in this podcast episode.

Shelley is a powerful story about what we do when we are faced with challenges in our lives that hurt us, very deeply - who do we run to? I won’t spoil the story for you, but would like to highlight some key points.

The main character, Jamie, didn’t see the deep hurt that was about to come his way. When the hurt hits, he is surrounded by real friends who care for his well-being. His friends rely on prayer to help their friend instead of their own wisdom.

This episode highlights the following Christian standards:

Scripture alone - Jamie and his friends refer to and quote scripture as a vital part of the process and foundation of their decision making. One characters says, “God’s ways are higher than ours,” which comes from Isaiah 55:8-9

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,

Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Salvation through Christ - Faith is shown as the foundation of their lives.

Biblical marriage - the sanctity of marriage is discussed, according to what the Bible says, not what society or culture dictates.

Jamie mentions doing what is right and what is right to him is according to the Bible. He mentions doing what is right even though it hurts. Jamie’s character stands firm in his faith.

This reminds me of Psalm 15:

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

3 whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others;

4 who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind;

5 who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Another inspirational scene is where Joanna, the Office Manager, tells Jamie that she doesn’t know what to say. I really liked this, because we can sometimes think we have to say something to comfort someone, when sometimes, silence is the best answer. This reminds me of the initial reaction of Job’s friends in the Book of Job.

Another scene shows the friends trying to understand why the situation has happened and why God has allowed it. I really liked the realistic exchange of reasoning and reference to God’s character.

I would like to talk more about this episode. but then I would risk spoiling the plot. The main lesson in the episode Shelley, is to stand by the Christian standards God has set for us and the only way we are going to know what they are, is to read His word, regularly, with a humble heart.

As a last note, I really liked the reassurance Jamie’s character showed, when asked if he was going to be ok. It’s an encouraging scene that shows what Christians should do - rely on the Lord’s strength.

Thank you for reading this review. Until next time - peace be with you.

Film source: Christian movies channel - YouTube.

Thumbnail: www.christianmovies.com