Reflections; A Story of Redemption Review by Dr. James Crossen Ph.D. Chairman of the Pierce College Addiction Studies Department
Tony Bracy's 'Reflections' is a wonderful story of addiction, perdition, redemption, and by hooking up with Higher Powers of the universe - of recovery.
'Reflections' is well written, moves the characters through significant life changing, spiritual events; is unashamed to present old spiritual truths and experiences in a fresh unforced manner without for any moment being dogmatic or shrill.
I showed this film to a group of persons training to be counselors working in the field of addictive diseases, where there is a necessary clinical emphasis upon using identifiable spiritual principles and experiences - such as is sometimes available to addicts in twelve step programs - if they are able to 'work through the twelve steps to facilitate their own spiritual awakening, and learn as a practical matter how to use the numinous Higher Powers of the Universe - whatever that may be - and the responses from this group were authentically enthusiastic. (This, from a group of people, most of who have seen much and are not pushovers.)
The professional training class for counselors is entitled "Addiction Studies 14 - Addictions and Theories of Human Development," with an emphasis upon the practical value in treating addictions, of helping the addict experience a 'spiritual awakening' so to achieve some kind of recovery. (The goal is emphatically NOT to force the addict to get religion, but to use the unknowable powers of the universe and within Self in a 'cunning manner' to effect some kind of recovery from their addiction. Spirituality is a practical tool used to help create some form of recovery.)
'Reflections' is an outstanding example of that process, without a whit of preachiness. And it is just plain interesting and fun to watch. It pulls you along with its charm and honesty. Technically it is well shot and edited. I will be using 'Reflections' in future presentations of AS 14.
Thank you and congratulations to Tony Bracy, Writer and Producer of 'Reflections.' Yes, a "South Central Los Angeles Story" and more, an involving - entertaining - universal story of hope and recovery
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Easy Does It, Dr. James Crossen Ph.D.
