Dear Viewers,
What is your view of Ethiopia? The first word that comes to mind when I think of this East African nation is dust - the same dust God used to create Adam, the first man recorded in Genesis whom the Lord breathed into to make him into a living soul (Genesis 2:7). In today's world, we do soul-searching. When we don't find answers within us, we look around us. We visit ancient, historical places and find treasures that resonate with us. If you are looking for someone to guide your spirit to higher ground, here is an exciting and meditative documentary film for you.
I highly recommend watching "Breathe in the Roots," a short film documenting one man's journey from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Lalibela by horse. The main character in this film named Chris serves as a Christ-like character. In Luke 19:31, Jesus requested His disciples to loose a colt for Him to use to ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and expressed as support for their action if questioned, "...say...'Because the Lord has need of it.'"
We have need of witnessing Chris's triumphal entry into the New Jerusalem, Lalibela, where there are thirteen underground rock-hewn churches and an ongoing celebration of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Faith. Chris is an African-American who makes Ethiopia his home. He teaches English in Addis and eventually marries an Ethiopian woman. He is free to travel in the diaspora and awaken sparks of hope in the world around us. We need to hear his voice. He narrates this documentary and for our benefit. It is a coherent, compelling journey over the course of weeks condensed to approximately an hour-long film. The journey is filled with hospitality, courage and contentment. I pray we all make our journey home and that we are welcomed with open arms. I pray for the freedom to seek our greater that is yet to come. May the breath of life find its way in us and may we learn to trust.
With love, Yeru
