Dr. James E. Miller, producer, writer, and photographer is an ordained minister, and the creative force behind these inspirational videos geared towards comforting and encouraging people who have suffered loss or feel a sense of despair. Although passages from the Bible are quoted, these tapes are not specifically geared toward Christians. Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Kahil Gibran, even Albert Camus, are among the sources drawn from. All three programs feature a similar format: beautiful photography accompanied by soothing voiceover narration. How Do I Go On? is both the most general and weakest of the three titles, using multiple narrators (which calls too much attention to the mechanics of the program), and weighted down with purple prose. It contains a message in keeping with the other two tapes (i.e. reflection and perspective will help see you out of a crisis), but without the specific focus which informs the latter titles. Invincible Summer is aimed towards supporting people who have recently lost a loved one. Relating the trajectory of the grieving process to the cycle of the seasons, the program moves from the metaphoric fall/winter of death to the symbolic spring/summer of rebirth ("when old interests return, and new interests spring up"). Miller offers no miracle panacea, he acknowledges that the "only cure for grief is to grieve." But he does offer kind words and an understanding of the psychological patterns of grief. Listen to Your Sadness deals with despair, that all-encompassing "feeling of emptiness" that, at one time or another, most of us have felt. Without descending into Hallmark-card mawkishness, the tape takes viewers through the various stages of despair and eventual triumph over despair. People who take comfort from "inspirational books" will also find these last two titles useful. Although the price seems a little steep for this type of material, libraries who are really interested can bring down the cost a bit by purchasing extra copies (each extra copy is $29.95.). How Do I Go On? is not a necessary purchase. Invincible Summer and Listen to Your Sadness are recommended. (Available from: Willowgreen Productions, P.O. Box 25180, Fort Wayne, IN 46825.)
How Do I Go On?; Invincible Summer; Listen To Your Sadness
(1989) 21 m. $59.95. Willowgreen Productions. Public performance rights included. Vol. 5, Issue 7
How Do I Go On?; Invincible Summer; Listen To Your Sadness
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