When Resentment Becomes A Massacre – Part Two
Disclaimer: The Stranger Things show (and specifically this blog series) has a particular reputation for strong graphic content and emotionally intense scenes. Discretion is advised.
Among the most difficult of our God-given commands to follow is that of forgiveness. We’ve all experienced the hurt of abuse and betrayal. Some experiences are easy. Others are too difficult to process. The worst of it can leave us frozen, disoriented, and debilitated. It leads us to a state of fear, confusion, and vulnerability. But remember: Forgiveness doesn’t mean the pain will go away. Nor does it mean we are of less value than before. But the act of forgiveness involves two essential steps: (1) the simple act of saying “I forgive you,” and (2) acknowledging the fact that God has the innocent desire to love and rescue them. That doesn’t mean you are to trust the offender blindly. Nor does it mean to prevent the law of the land from being upheld. But it’s important that we acknowledge God’s innocent love for both us and the people who hurt us. The people who hurt us might have bad intent, but God is the opposite. God desires that ALL people be saved by the act of repentance (1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). We can take this to heart.
Our story left off with a cliffhanger. The other test subjects desired to murder El after being embarrassed by the one test subject they had been ridiculing and insulting. Thankfully, the friendly stranger (aka Henry) saw what was about to happen. He made a way for El to escape. But El made the surprising decision to abandon her opportunity for the sake of saving her friend as well. They find themselves surrounded by the hospital’s security staff in their attempt to escape. To El’s shocking discovery, Henry uses psychokinetic powers to kill the guards – a power that only test subjects obtain. Henry is the test subject that everyone was told didn’t exist – “Test subject #1.”
It was now discovered: Henry Creel (aka “One” or “Test Subject #1”) was the first test subject to be taken by Dr. Martin Brenner and the hospital staff. As an eleven-year-old child in 1958, Henry Creel was characterized as reserved, antisocial, and highly intelligent. He despises the standards and societal norms implemented by others. It limits him from being his true self. Henry takes this rejection by society as a personal offense. He desired freedom from those who burden him with their own sins. Thus, he found the logic to be true: The ends justify the means. Gaining his desired freedom was worth murdering the innocent victims who stood in his way. At the age of eleven, Henry discovered that he had developed psychokinetic and telepathic abilities. The origin of his powers remains a mystery to the Stranger Things fan club. Nonetheless, His mother (named Virginia Creel) discovered these abilities – and was terrified of them. She sought out a way to “cure” Henry’s abilities. Henry discovered this. To save himself, Henry killed both his mother (Virginia Creel) and his twelve-year-old sister (Alice Creel). His father (Victor Creel) was accused of the murders. Yet, this was a big mistake on Henry’s part. Without a family, Henry was put in the care of a doctor – Dr. Martin Brenner (aka “Papa”). This is the same administrative doctor of the hospital in which El would be tested and abused as a child. The abusive doctor that Henry hoped to avoid was now his caregiver.
The parallels between Henry and El are significant. Yes, they both endured a difficult childhood. And yes, they were outcasts in every stage of their life. They were stripped of identity and freedom. With that said, the reaction to such difficulties is what matters. Your attitude towards the inflicted scars and the people who created them. But remember: Every curse contains a secret blessing. Discovering these hidden blessings requires a positive attitude and a search for the blessing.
The question concerning forgiveness is this: Will you use your pain to help others? Will you use your pain as an opportunity to love those who need you? Or will you use the pain to justify your sins and transgressions? There is such a thing as “good” and “evil.” God knows the difference. And He’s keeping a record of your actions.
El waits inside the closet just as Henry commanded. The alarm sounds. Out of pure curiosity, El decides to leave the closet and explore the hospital. She discovers the results of a massacre – a massacre in which is once again put on her shoulders.
“… Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
~ Proverbs 3:5 ~
And lean not on your own understanding…”
We ask the question, “How to forgive?” But perhaps the more difficult question is, “Why are we to forgive?” To do so gives a sense of subordination. You feel as if your value has diminished. You feel inferior. And you’re letting your enemies get away with wrongdoings. Every ounce of logic says we are not to forgive. So let’s ask again: Why are we to forgive?
Perhaps this is a question that we are to wholeheartedly trust God. After all, the life of Christ is the perfect example of, “Why are we to forgive?” We as dedicated Christians have indeed escaped the deadly consequences of our own sin. We would have nothing if we were without Christ. There would be no hope. There would be no forgiveness. Nor chance for reconciliation. But the good news is Christ followed God’s commands to the point of death. And we now have a chance to live. This teaches us a lesson: May we trust God with all our hearts by means of forgiving others. God loves you. God cares for you. May we take that to heart.
The video clips have been shortened and edited under fair use to highlight parts relevant to this blog’s message. The story’s original meaning remains unchanged.