Chariots of Fire...

It has been some time since I have seen this movie. I was just a kid when it was originally released. I purchased a copy for Christmas or something but hadn't yet watched it until little c started talking about her interest in track and field. I thought she might like it and so we watched it as a family last night.

What an inspiring film it is. I love where Eric Liddell explains to his sister his desire to run, "I believe that God made me for a purpose... (the mission), but He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure." And, when he is speaking to a large congregation before an Olympic race he quotes Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

I love the character of Harold Abrahams and his desire to win the hearts and minds of those who would be prejudiced against him by living a life of excellence in every area.

When little c asked what the film was about, C said, "It's about two men who want to be the fastest runners and very good men too."

You know, the working title of the film was "Running," until the writer of the film Colin Welland saw the scene with the singing of the hymn Jerusalem (based on a poem by William Blake) and changed the title to Chariots of Fire. Good move.

The following is the beautiful poem by William Blake...

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did the Countenance Divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among these dark Satanic Mills?
Bring me my Bow of burning gold;
Bring me my Arrows of Desire;
Bring me my Spear; O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of Fire!
I will not cease from Mental Fight
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England’s green and pleasant Land.