Congratulations Honeyland!

Honeyland did not win any Oscars, but then they don't give Oscars for integrity, humility and benevolence of human spirit, all of which are found in the delightful, unpretentious Hatidze Murtova.

This beguiling Macedonian documentary film made history with its nomination both for best documentary and best international feature. It is not difficult to understand why. Having lived in Macedonia for fourteen years, I watched with emotional and nostalgic interest as scenes of majestic beauty and tranquility appeared. As details of Hatidze's meager existence were revealed, I was moved by the beauty and simplicity of a life lived against the backdrop of harshness and injustice. Yet the gentle Hatidze displays an outward calm and humility which is rarely seen these days.

Her motto with the honey "take half, leave half" is one we need to adopt in many aspects of life. In her own words, she sums it up: "I want the audience to learn only one message from the film: as I share with my bees I want all the people to share with each other."

Hatidze, thank you for bringing a beautiful message to the world with your unforgettable depth of character and cheerful warmth of heart!

"Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

With or without Oscars, Honeyland remains a timeless masterpiece much needed in a fast-changing, heartless world. Congratulations once again to Tamara Kotevska, Ljubomir Stefanov and team!

Comments

The Mystery that is Macedonia

When I first came to Macedonia on a visit in 2001, I found this little country so intriguing and breathtakingly beautiful that I happily accepted the invitation to return for a longer period. That ‘longer period’ has now extended itself to several years during which I have had many enriching, memorable experiences. I thought it might be interesting to jot down a few observations about the difference in culture. I appeal to my Macedonian readers not to misunderstand my intentions. What I have observed are customs and habits which are as normal to you as breathing and sleeping, but to someone from an entirely different culture, they are both interesting and noteworthy. It is always thrilling for me to explore how various nations function and it is nothing short of a privilege to experience a foreign culture first-hand. Hospitality Macedonians are a friendly, hospitable people. I do not know how many times they have almost literally killed me with kindness. Indeed, I have often...

Is Belief In God Blind Faith?

Stephen Hawking famously said: There is no heaven or afterlife for broken-down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark. Comparing the human brain to a computer, he firmly declared his atheistic stance. Dr John Lennox’s reply to this statement turned it on its head: Atheism is a fairy story for people afraid of the light! Who has the correct perception? Are we just living in a sphere of darkness without God or can we find evidence for God’s light and creatorial power? Evidence for God’s existence The order and design of creation. This is the most compelling sign in my opinion. I cannot look at the beauty and detail of creation without marvelling at the Creator. In the 1980s theoretical biologist, Dr Hans Meinhardt, began to wonder how the beautiful patterns of shells formed. As he researched, he discovered that the rules which govern the formation of the patterns in nature such as leaf arrangements, sand dunes and snowflakes, were the s...

Spring Glory

Biblical Thoughts Inspired by Nature Wildflowers Life is short Spring is undoubtedly the most beautiful and most colourful season in Cyprus. Bright blooms appear in unexpected places throughout the island, for example, on the uncultivated land in Paphos Archaeological Park pictured above. The flowers appear in season, but it is not long until their glory fades and they wither away. Such is the human story; the gift of the longest life on earth is only a drop in eternity’s ocean! So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12, NKJV) Paphos Lighthouse God is sovereign The brilliant blue sky in Cyprus is most welcome after an unusually prolonged winter of grey and cloudy skies. Looking heavenwards inspires thoughts of God’s majesty and sovereignty. His realm is open and receptive to our prayers as we seek His guidance for our spiritual path. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts tha...

Musings

Search This Blog