I was a teenager when I first saw Lady Jane. Nicholas Rowe’s Tragedy of Lady Jane Grey premiered in 1715, and it remains my favorite play — and one of my favorite films. I remember being profoundly moved by her courage, her conviction, her gumption. If you’re not familiar with her story, here’s the two‑sentence version:
From his deathbed, King Edward VI (the only surviving son of Henry VIII) named Lady Jane Grey his successor instead of allowing the crown to pass to either of his sisters, Mary or Elizabeth (yes, that Elizabeth). Nine days later, the council declared Mary queen and ordered Jane and her husband beheaded when they refused to renounce their Protestant faith.
There’s much more to it, of course, but that’s the heart of it.
She was 16 years old. And so was I.
If she had converted, she might have lived. But she didn’t. She stood firm in what she believed, even when the cost was her life. I’ve often wondered if I would have been as strong — if I would have had the courage to truly stand in what I claimed to believe. I doubt it. I live in a different time, a different world. And yet, people everywhere still die for their beliefs. For country. For God. For family.
And when I think about the ultimate sacrifice, I know this: I might not give my life for religious doctrine, but I would take a bullet for my family.
And since we’re on the topic of “media that changed us,” I’ll add this: Mississippi Burning is the one movie I will never watch a second time. The one film that makes me ashamed of humanity. The one that removes any doubt about how horrific people can be. If you’ve never seen it, you should. It stays with you — heavy, unshakable, rib‑sticking truth.
Today’s post inspired by the WordPress daily prompt: What’s a piece of media (book, movie, song) that changed how you see the world? Cover image is a stock photo of a 1798 engraving; artist unknown.
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DISCLAIMER: These are my personal experiences and opinions. Nothing here is medical, nutritional, or therapeutic advice. Also, I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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