Love Lessons from Sparkle (Choose Carefully!)

Did you love the recently released Sparkle movie? I enjoyed it and afterwards, I analyzed it from a relationship standpoint. So, this is your movie spoiler warning…..if you haven’t seen Sparkle, I am about to discuss scenes from the movie.  So, let’s take a look at how things played out.

The story line of the 2012 Sparkle movie consists of beautiful sisters who sing their hearts out to gain stardom, but there’s also a back story that highlights a woman who longs to be loved. “Sister” (Carmen Ejogo) has a broken relationship with her mother and years of built up resentment. As a result, she yearns to make it on her own and live the plush life.  And unfortunately, these motivations cloud her judgement.

Sister had a seemingly respectable suitable in Levi (Omari Hardwick), but he didn’t have clout or cash, so the romance was short lived. Then, in walks the fast-talking, diamond wearing Satin (Mike Epps) and with “stuff”, not substance, he is able to woo her into a relationship.

With subtlety, her siblings voice their concerns about Satin, but it falls on deaf ears. Sister forges full steam ahead into a relationship built mostly off sex, but also supplemented with flowers, diamonds and beautiful clothes. Sister believes that her knight in shining armor has finally arrived to rescue her out of poverty and  give her the life of luxury she feels that she deserves.

But, my how the tables quickly turned. When Sister formally introduces Satin to her inner circle (mother, sister, Pastor and family friends), Satin provide a true glimpse of his character. And it’s not pretty. He reveals a self-absorbed, arrogant man who likely won’t respect the woman he is with. And while that should have been a red flag to Sister, I guess the mink muff she was wearing clouded her judgement.

Sister’s mother (Whitney Houston) plainly pointed out that this young man was not worthy of her daughter and that his disrespectful tone was concerning. However, because of their own strained relationship, Sister dismisses this important parental advice and instead leaves to get married. This is significant because parents have a God-given obligation to provide caution and advice to their children. Even imperfect parents have this responsibility, whether they have been absentee, are mean or have their own character flaws. Because of this supernatural mandate, it’s imperative to heed and give serious consideration to parent’s warnings and advice, even if you don’t agree and especially when it comes to relationships. Had Sister done this, she might have saved herself from serious issues. But instead, she followed her own way.

And so began her slow demise.

Instead of blissful days as a newlywed, Sister is confronted with drugs, abuse and neglect during the early days of her marriage. Had she taken time to get to know her husband instead of rushing into marriage, she might have learned more about his vices and been able to make a more educated decision. Perhaps if she had done marriage counseling and sought wise advice before tying the knot, she might have learned of her husband’s rage and drug binges. Maybe if she had listened to the warnings of those around her, she could have saved herself from heartache, heartbreak and a criminal record. In short, if she had chose wisely, she would have taken more time to study his character and heed wisdom; rather than being blinded by the allure of sex, a new relationship, or stuff.

This storyline is from Hollywood, but it’s a story that happens everyday. Countless people lean to their own understanding in relationships.  They follow they own way and they don’t invite God into the process. Sometimes, the consequences are devastating. Other times, people just end up settling for less than God’s best for them.  Either way, it’s a sad state.  So, what’s the moral of the story? Take your time, heed wisdom, seek God and choose wisely.

I’d love to hear from you. What did you think about Sparkle? How did you feel about Sister’s relationship with Satin? Let me know your thoughts below. If you’ve enjoyed this article, please “like” my page on Facebook by clicking here; follow me on Twitter @thelovejourney7 or sign up below to receive email notifications.

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Photos Courtesy of: celebrity-oz.com and blackfilm.com