Paper Clips

Paper clips: a helpful office supply, a symbol of defiance, and a memorial. I recently watched a powerful documentary called Paper Clips. It’s the story of a middle school in Whitwell, TN. The principal wanted her children to learn about diversity. She sent one of her teachers to a seminar; he came home suggesting they study the Holocaust. So began an incredible journey for the whole town.

While studying one child asked how big is six million, a fair question. They talked about it and decided they would try to collect a million of something. Internet research was very helpful. They discovered a Norwegian named Johan Vaaler invented the paper clip in 1899. They also found out that during World War II when Norwegians were prohibited from wearing buttons with the likeness of their king they wore paperclips instead. This protest against the Nazi occupation could have gotten you arrested.

Paper clips would be the perfect thing to collect, small and symbolic. They would collect one for each of the six million who died. In the end they collected 29 million paper clips. I won’t spoil the ending by telling you how they chose to display the clips; it’s a beautiful part of the story. This is a rich film with many layers. I urge you to rent the DVD and watch all the bonus materials as well as the film.

I am removed from this story by three time zones, 2,000 miles and many other distinctions yet each time I see a paper clip now I pause and think. Here is one entire life neatly folded and tucked away. I always pick up found paper clips now. It’s both chilling and humbling. It gives me a tiny glimpse of a number not otherwise visible. Six million! Six million is a fraction of the people on earth, yet God knows each of us by name. How? I am mute by the thought. A God so large knows me, and cares for me. It can’t be. It is a rather frightening thought. Someone so omnipotent must be unapproachable. But you know, I’m kind of comforted at the thought of being a helpful paper clip in His hand. I do my small task and He is pleased with it.

You can visit the website for the movie by going to:
paperclipsmovie.com

Posted 5/16/2006 @ 5:07 PM | Weekly Thoughts