KATHY GOES FREE

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Kathy Bates, the well known Hollywood actress, appeared in a CBS Sunday Morning segment.

Now is her 70’s, she looked fantastic; having lost 100 pounds over the past couple of years.

As the interview progressed, the correspondent asked various questions about her weight loss, a current TV production she is working on, and her favorite movies in which she appeared.

Ultimately, the subject turned to the movie, “Misery” and the Academy Award for best female actor. While they were speaking about the topic, a couple of video segments of the movie were spliced into the interview.

And now, Ms. Bates began to speak about her acceptance speech, and an especially vivid, but negative memory of this speech.

“I have one major regret, and sense of guilt about that speech that I haven’t been able to tunnel over, under, or through throughout the years.”

(and)

“It never ceases to bother me”

(and)

“I thanked everyone… except my mother;” (who has by now, no doubt, gone on to her reward).

“I didn’t thank my mother for her support.”

To which the interviewer replied,

“Oh, but you DID thank your mother.”

With this, Ms. Bates looked incredulous, and responded,

“No, no I did not!”

With this, the reporter brought up the actress’ Oscar acceptance speech on his phone, and played the video for her.

Of course, she proceeded to thank the director, and producer, and her fellow actor, James Caan. And as she concluded her acceptance speech, Ms. Bates says,

“And I want to thank my… mother, and father who sacrificed so much to get me where I am today!”

You could have knocked the actress over with a feather. She was absolutely dumbfounded! (It was immediately apparent that Kathy had not watched the video of her speech in the thirty plus years since she gave it).

When she was able to speak, a sense of relief swept over the actress. And now, she looked at the interviewer, and said,

“I did mention my mother in the speech!”

(and)

“Thank you. Thank you so much!”

I am thrilled that Kathy Bates came to terms with the flawed mindset which fostered guilt, and kept her from enjoying life to the fullest.

Her experience is a poignant reminder that too many people walk around with flawed memories. or false perceptions of a word uttered, or an action performed in the past; by one’s self, or someone else.

Those flawed memories, and false perceptions have the wherewithal to keep us stuck, or, at least, overwhelm us with anxiety, depression, and guilt.

Scripture assures us that,

“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32)

Overcoming false, or dysfunctional mindsets may take a time of reflection, of sorting out the past, of forgiving others, or one’s self, of sharing with a friend, or enrolling in a therapeutic process.

I believe it is imperative that we separate truth from untruth, fact from fable, function from dysfunction. And as quickly as humanly possible; in order to live out a peaceable, balanced, and productive life on the earth.

by Bill McDonald, PhD