Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part 2

Last night Rich and I went to the last Harry Potter movie for our Family Home Evening.  The theater was practically deserted and we enjoyed not having to share it with the craziness that was probably the scene over the weekend.

During the day I had read a talk by Melvin Ballard given in1928 at the Tabernacle and reprinted in the New Era in 1984.  The talk, "Struggle for the Soul," is extraordinarily powerful...especially to me as I struggle to overcome the flesh and become my best self.  But as I watched Harry Potter I almost was mesmerized by the images that came before my eyes and I found myself reflecting over and over again on the prophetic words of the Lord through Elder Ballard.  I marvelled about how many best-selling books and movies are out right now with the immortal theme of good vs. evil - how J.K. Rowling had captured the hearts and minds of literally millions around the globe in this classic tale and how seriously true the tale is - in a metaphorical way.   It is even more sad to me that so many who love this story will view it just as a metaphor rather than recognizing the truths it contains.  At one point in the movie one of the characters refuses to not call the devil by his true name, thus recognizing his power and his war upon good and in so doing sets up the ultimate battle for the very soul of each and every character in the movie - only he who will see it, recognize it. call it what it is, and engage in the battle against it...only he will be victorious in the end.  

Speaking of the real-life battle we're all in, Elder Ballard noted:
    "When the first of the Father's faithful sons and daughters were about to come into earth life, they were undoubtedly warned and cautioned; for we were to have TWO new experiences.  First, we were to come into possession of a mortal tabernacle.  Never having had one before, it was all strange to us.  We were charged that we were to take possession of that mortal tabernacle and make it our servant, and were to be master over it, to honor it and yet to subjugate it.

    "[Second,] we were to be in the presence of the enemy who was now a majority.  If our eyes were only opened to see the powers that are about us, that seek to influence us, we could not have the courage to walk alone and unassisted.  These powers are about us, using their influence for the accomplishment of certain well-defined ends to win the coveted place for their chief, the fallen son of God.  When he fell the heavens wept over him, and he became Lucifer, the devil."

    I had to chuckle when Neville stood in the safety of the dome and mocked the evil mobs that sought to destroy him and all those at Hogwarts...because how often have I felt that same smugness in the protection and safety I have been in without realizing the true peril that was about to engulf me.  And it was with pleasure that I watched Neville stand against all that raged, knowing that he'd given his all, and if it required his life, so be it...but he could do so knowing that he had chosen for all that was good and right.  He had stood fast, firm, and immoveable.

    The portrayal of the dementors was also pretty fascinating to me.  The special effects, the music, and the darkness and forboding told the tale of their desire to destroy the very souls of mankind.  Elder Ballard said, "It is not bodies, it is immortal spirits that the devil wants.  And he tries to capture them through the body, for the body can enslave the spirit, but the spirit can keep the body a servant and be its master."

    There are so many things I can point to throughout the movie that vividly portray this war we are in...it is a haunting tale for sure...but perhaps the thing I was most struck with was the idea that in order to completely overcome evil Harry had to let the evil in him die...like Elder Maxwell once said..."Real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar.  Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed!"  It is only then that we are truly free from bondage and able to have the peace and happiness that comes from keeping the commandments of the Lord. 

    At the start of the movie I knew the outcome.  Even as I read the first book of the series I knew the outcome of the last.  It is the same with the real-life war that has been and continues to rage through the eons of time.  As Elder Ballard said, "Who fears the outcome?  Only he who is a deserter. But those who are on the Lord's side will close the ranks, fortify themselves, adhere to the standards, live in harmoney with those blessed principles of the gospel which Christ has given, depending absolutely upon his leadership.  And as sure as we live, victory shall come for Christ and his own."