The heart of loneliness

Since Peter Jackson brought Tolkien's masterpiece to the big screen, we've been watching the movies once each year since they came out on DVD. For purists, yes, we've read the books, too.

The other night we concluded The Two Towers, since the old man can't sit for three and a half hours after the girls go to bed. Jackson's liberties in making the film are no place better invested than in the lines given to Bernard Hill, Theoden, King of Rohan.

Before the attack on Helm's Deep, Theoden receives his armor from his #2, Gamling, in one of the most superbly restrained scenes in Hollywood history. Rohan has retreated to this mountain keep, but the king knows full well that his 300 men cannot face the 10,000 demons that bear down upon his fortress. The following dialogue ensues, Theoden stalk still as Gamling dons his masters armor:

Theoden : "Who am I, Gamling ?"

Gamling : "You are our king, sire."

Theoden : "And do you trust your king ?"

Gamling : "Your men, my lord, will follow you to whatever end."

"Who am I, Gamling?" the king utters just above a whisper. They were words never meant to escape his lips, but the weight of the mountain pressed upon his soul and exuded the words through his teeth. The utter depth of loneliness experienced by those in leadership exploded from the king who stared without expression and without hope through the walls of Helm's Deep.

"Do you trust your king?" What leader wouldn't love to have a looking-glass into the hearts of his people? He gets no such comfort. His friends are few for he cannot play favorites, and as such, those few are outside and not intimate with his leadership struggles.

So the leader battles on, wrestling his own doubts, battling his own unseen army orcs, while his troops muster to go wherever he might lead them.

What leaders do you know? Your boss. Your president. Your pastor. What of the husbands and fathers? How about the single mom? You will be part of a rare encounter if, like Gamling, you get a glimpse into the heart and soul of Theoden King. Rare, indeed.

These folks carry responsibility most of us will never know. Whether or not we get that glimpse, God tells us plainly in numerous places to pray for those in authority over us. Make note in your Bible of your political leaders. Make note of your civic leaders. Make note of your spiritual leaders. Make note of your family's leaders. And pray for them.

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

1 Timothy 2:1-2