Reflection to Insight

WOW…just WOW.

If you’re a fan of Keanu Reeves, assassins, or heavy action films with stunning displays of choreography, I highly recommend checking out John Wick Chapter 4.

This movie acts as the 4th installment in the John Wick franchise, and features actor Keanu Reeves as the lead role. This film handles the build up of John’s crazy life that has proficient assassins gunning for his head. John struggles against the High Table in a fight for his freedom. Wanting to leave the life of a mercenary behind, and finally get some rest. After the chaos he’s been through over the course of these movies, he definitely deserves it.

The actors and stunt crew did an amazing job with each and every fight scene. Whether it was the martial arts, gun play, or use of improvised weapons, each shot felt visceral and impactful.

As a martial artist myself, I’ve always been drawn in by the crazy fighting methods implemented in the John Wick movies. I love seeing how they apply realistic, imaginative, and fantastical elements into the scenes. Every movement steals your attention. And at the end of it, you feel tired just watching everything unfold.

After seeing this fourth movie and thinking about the prior films, I feel there is a powerful lesson we can take away from the franchise.

In the course of the story, many of John’s old associates noted that he was stepping back into a dangerous life. He finally got the retirement he wanted, but was throwing it all away by deciding to become an assassin again. Many of his friends warned him that if he entered into the chaos, escape would be extremely difficult. If not impossible.

In his resolve, John didn’t heed their warning, and carried on anyways. Then again, maybe he did heed their warning, but believed his conviction was more important than the perceived danger. Knowing what happens in the first film, I don’t really blame the man, and I understand why he did what he did.

Watching through the John Wick films, I think it conveys how if we aren’t careful, sometimes the convictions we act on can propel us into some treacherous positions. We end up biting off way more than we bargained for. As people our wisdom only gets us so far. At times, our emotions can deceive us into thinking that something is beneficial, even when it isn’t.

In moments where we feel angry, desperate, or anxious, we might make a move that ends up placing us in unnecessary pain. We may end up hurting people we care about as well.

It’s for these reasons that seeking wise council from others we trust is immensely helpful. Our loved ones can see things we can’t. They can empathize with our circumstances, but also provide healthy insight into a maneuver that will benefit us in the long run.

In my experience, seeking the wisdom and council of Jesus is especially important as well. The Lord is all knowing, and all powerful. His love is immeasurably more than we can imagine. More than anyone, He can empathize with our pain and confusion, and point us in the right direction. He sees the start and end of our lives. Knowing everything that occurs in each moment. Out of His love, He wants to walk alongside us and provide the best life we could ever live.

For this to happen though, we must trust Him.

This is much easier said than done, especially when we are hurting and upset. But in moments when we need to make a decision, I think talking with trusted comrades and walking with God can really pay off and save us extra hardship.

Admittedly the John Wick movies are all pretty violent. But if you enjoy over the top action and you’re a fan of the franchise, I will tell you that John Wick 4 is worth a watch. I hope you all have an awesome day, and I’ll catch ya later!