Desperation is an Ingredient for Tragedy in “Straw”

Have you made a bad situation worse out of desperation?

We all probably have. In Tyler Perry’s “Straw,”Taraji P. Henson is masterful as Janiyah, an exhausted single mother to an ailing child. And we are taken through the single worst day of her life.

The expression “the last straw,” is a shortened version of “the last straw that broke the camel’s back.” It refers to the last unfortunate event after a series of unfortunate events, that goes beyond our capacity to accept.

This relatable film excels in showcasing how financial strain is rarely an isolated issue; it erodes mental well-being, strains relationships, and can strip away one's sense of dignity and agency.

On what seems like a typical day in the life, Janiyah goes through setback after setback that ignites an unimaginable situation.

Janiyah, already burnt out from making ends meet as a sole provider, becomes a suspect in a serious crime while trying to get to her sick child at school.

The plot is a series of unfortunate run-ins with toxic bosses, unsympathetic landlords, petty criminals and less-than-exemplary law enforcers, where every encounter understandably tips Janiyah’s mental scale into madness.

Thankfully, there were still a few good Samaritans along the way who were earnestly empathetic to her plight, and willing to help. Bank manager Nicole (Sherri Shepherd) and Detective Kay Raymond (Teyana Taylor) both gave her respite in what seemed like an incredibly cruel world.

Do you know someone in a hard situation today, whose suffering you can alleviate?

Or, are you the one in a desperate situation today? In your job, your finances, your relationships?

We have all been at low points in our lives that could feel like hopeless situations.
The Bible provides us with this encouragement.
1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message
13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.”
If you feel like you need someone to talk to, our lines are open, and we hope to hear from you!