The first time I viewed the film, Mom’s Night Out, was at a
preview during the 2014 Hearts at Home Conference in Bloomington, Illinois.
Sitting in a room filled with moms from all across the spectrum, laughter and
tears dominated. I was left encouraged and entertained anticipating opening day
in the theaters.
When opening weekend hit, I gathered two groups of friends
to watch the movie. Whether we were a large group of 10 or an intimate group of
3, moms from different seasons of life connected over this presentation. Each
time, the movie spurred laughs and heartfelt emotions that were very authentic.
After having seen the show 3 times, I still felt the need to
return to the theater once more with my husband. Now that I’ve watched it with
him, I finally feel like I’ve had my fill. Hearing his laughter validated the
relevance of the flick. I wasn’t just some crazy stay-at-home mom connecting
only because I was in desperate need of some time away. My husband’s response
confirmed the reality that our life paralleled with the main characters of the movie
on so many levels.
Sure, everything in this film is taken a bit to the extreme.
That’s usually how comedies work, isn’t it? Each moment is just relatable
enough to play with the heartstrings. All the while, each scene is taken to the
point where every mind over exaggerates the situation but never quite experiences
in effort to brings forth the laughs.
The movie comes from the perspective of the main character,
Allyson: a stay-at-home mom. Her mind works very similarly to the way mine
operates in real life… as well as that of the many other moms I know
(stay-at-home, working part-time or full-time aside). This was the BEST movie I’ve
seen in a long time. Hollywood needs to produce more movies like this and “movie
critics” should find some perspective from those of us who live it out every
day.
Allyson expresses the sum of her feelings: “I can’t. No matter how hard I try or how
much I give. I’m not enough.”
These were the lines that brought me to tears the first time
I watched “Mom’s Night Out” because it's how I feel. I’m not a stay-at-home mom because I’m forced to
be. My vocation in life is a choice. Just like any choice, we sometimes need a
reminder that what we do is important.
The difference between being in the workforce and choosing
to find your identity in your role at home is in the validation. In the
corporate world, we are given performance reviews and receive pay checks. While
my job earlier in life was “only” that of a legal secretary, I was respected in
the work I did. My boss, other attorneys, loan officers, realtors and even
clients endorsed my efforts. These days, voices come at me from every angle as
to how I do not measure up.
Don’t get me wrong. My husband supports me and encourages
me. I love my kids and I have a purpose outside of raising my children and
cleaning my home. Still, it’s not the same as being in the workplace. Having my
husband notice all my hard work and sacrifice isn’t the same as the affirmation
of a boss or colleague or even a pay check or other type of reward.
A couple of characters in the movie find themselves mesmerized
by an “Eagle cam”. They stare endlessly at a Momma Eagle taking care of her
babies. Towards the end of the movie, I found myself taken by surprise with some
encouragement as an unlikely source.
“He loves you. No matter who you are or what you do or how
far you run. Jesus will always love you with His arms open wide. Just for being
you. It’s a beautiful thing watching one of God’s creation do just what He
created it to do. And that’s enough.”
No matter how loudly the outside world shouts, don’t let
them guilt or deceive you. Being a stay-at-home mom is a worthy profession. It’s
our job to raise the next generation.
“I’m a mess. But I’m a beautiful mess. I’m His masterpiece
and that’s enough!”
Don’t listen to the critics. Get out and see Mom’s Night Out. This movie is worth every penny!
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