Yesterday my copy of the movie "Resistance Movement" (the feature film telling the Helmuth Hübener story) arrived, and I took the time to watch it. I thought it was very well done! My mom asked whether I liked it better than the documentary, "Truth and Conviction." I responded that "Resistance Movement" is likely to get the story out to more people. I also thought it was more moving in many ways; though Helmuth, Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, and Rudi Wobbe were portrayed by actors, it made it very different seeing what happened as if through Rudi's eyes. When it comes to movies, I'm generally not a crier at all, but I did tear up.
There are so many reasons why this story hits so close to home and means so much to me. Perhaps the first is a personal connection to it. My grandfather grew up in the same congregation as these young men. His older brother listened to some of the early broadcasts and helped distribute leaflets, but he was not there when the three were arrested, and they never betrayed him. But this story helps me to understand some of what my grandfather lived through, as well, especially where it is still very difficult for him to talk about that time in his life. I had the privilege of meeting Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, both in a school setting and later in my grandparents' home, and I am grateful for his willingness in sharing his story with so many.
I'll offer a quick explanation of the Morse code, used in the BBC broadcasts: ..._ It's "V" for "Victory." The young men signal each other, whistling the first three notes of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, which carries the same pattern: short-short-short-long.
Perhaps the most important point made in the movie is that any power that deprives us of our freedom to choose is evil. (It was Lucifer's plan to force us all back to heaven. Our Heavenly Father granted us the gift of agency, the freedom to choose, which also makes it possible for us to grow and progress and eventually, if we choose according to His will, to return to our Heavenly Father.) Hitler was denying freedom and hiding the truth.
Throughout the movie, I couldn't help thinking of what is happening today: conspiracy theorists, government cover-ups, media apparently working hand in hand with the government, etc. Helmuth, Karl-Heinz, and Rudi were working to bring the truth to the German people. Where do we find truth now? It is not from our government or the media. At risk of being labeled crazy, I will still say that I don't believe the current function of the government or media is really any better than in Hitler's Germany. They are seeking to take away our freedoms, promising protection and prosperity as a cover for their true agenda. My patriotism consists of a loyalty and love of this nation and its Constitution and most importantly its God; I feel loyalty only to those leaders who uphold the principles on which this nation was founded.
At one point in the movie, Karl-Heinz is portrayed as shouting at Helmuth that they are not heroes. Of the three, he was the oldest and was portrayed as having the greatest fear for the possible consequences. He may not have felt like a hero at the time. However, the three are among my heroes. I am grateful for their example in sharing the truth at such great risk. Even as Helmuth went to his death, he proclaimed, "I know God lives, and He will be the Judge." Yes, he was a hero, as were his friends. His story, his faith in the truth, puts hope in my heart.
That said, as I consider the state of the world today, I take courage from them in my desire to stand for what is good and true and right. I will seek the truth through the scriptures and the words of living prophets and apostles. I will stand for truth and righteousness. I will continue to speak out against tyranny, against anything that would diminish my agency. I hope there are still many who will stand beside me in this. But if not, my stance will not change. I will stand for truth, for freedom to choose--at the risk of my own life, if need be. I take comfort in knowing that others have done the same. "I know God lives, and He will be the Judge."
I can only imagine the joyful reunion that occurred when Karl-Heinz Schnibbe, the last living, passed away nearly three years ago. I hope I will be able to meet all three and thank them for their courage and conviction.
