You might think it is weird to do a character study on people by watching the oldie-but-goodie movie “Tootsie” – but well, it is a very good movie – thought provoking – and comical – with a soul-searching twist in his character flaws not unlike the plot twist of the movie – where he chooses to audition for a soap opera role as an older woman in disguise because he can’t land a role as a man – but he really can’t get the roles because he is a pompous hard-to-work-with temper tantrum throwing actor and person. Dustin Hoffman learns to be a better man by expressing the change in personality that he thinks is expected as a woman, yet could be applied to any person. He does suffer the exposure of him being what would although be praised to be more considerate, compassionate in his character, to becoming taking the brunt of bad jokes and sexism, giving him but MANY opportunities to see the arrogance of people not just men, (love the taxi cab scene). Dustin’s character as an actor gets different reception and results by being in the differnet character, and his own person learns being a better personna.

I know it is hard to understand this if you never saw the movie – but it both covers ground on seeing how SOME women were treated in that era – on those TV soap operas – and in the acting business – and by the folks around them – AND the movie brings out the main point that Dustin Hoffman’s charcter realizes how flawed he is – and how he needs change emotionally and in sensitivity too. That’s a good revelation for all of us.

Now – how about us – can we be better ourselves? Can we at least put ourselves in different shoes to examine each other’s lives?

Well – I think we can – and instead of personality transplantation or just by switching outfits, we need to examine ourselve more deeply…

What movitates us? – What changes us? – What are we oblivious to? Where do we fail and where do we fall?

Can we be a better ourself? Or a least a less worst one?

Scripture is a best be better book, the Bible gives day by day walking advice, sharing, being fair, keeping the tongue in check. Even taking time away to cool down and recheck in with God.

“Sin no more” is both a commandment and a gentle ask. Pay attention, do what pleases God, be fair, be obedient. Jesus also knows that the ultimate judge is God and Himself together as One, yet as a human states we are not to judge each other. Scripture also says God will take care of any punishment, our job is to love.

So, if a change of heart is what we pray for, let us start not with outside clothes or personna, but inside, and thoughtful recreating ourselves. 

We are made in God’s image, and so is everyone, let us reflect that to each other. Be the best we can be.

Amen