When I was a kid, I enjoyed watching horror movies. I remember going to Erol’s with my mother and brother to rent VHS tapes—I’ve really dated myself with this one. My brother and I would typically ask to rent the “Friday the 13th” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” movies. I’m not really sure where my like for the genre derived from; however, I am wondering if it was influenced by Michael Jackson’s Thriller video, but I digress. Whatever the reason, I developed a like for the movies, which explains why I’d be drawn to the “Jeepers Creepers” franchise. It is obvious that I like part two of the sequel. I also like “Jeepers Creepers”; however, I’m torn with “Jeepers Creepers 3.” This post isn’t about my critique of the series; however, I do have some thoughts I may share at another time.

“Jeepers Creepers II” is an American horror film written and directed by Victor Salva, which was released in 2003. I believe I saw it for the first time in 2004, but I didn’t notice any important life lessons until I watched it again recently. It is possible I didn’t grasp anything from the movie back then because it was during the days of “Blockbusters and chill.” I watched the movie for the first time with my first love—but once again, I digress.

I find the movie entertaining mainly because of how the characters react to their initial interactions with the Creeper. I think it is pretty well written considering the genre typically calls for creating imaginative characters and situations. I’m also drawn to the subtle humor that is woven into the dialogue. But what I like most is the life reminders I gleaned from watching it.

Four of the seven lessons transpired during the first seven minutes of the movie. The seventh lesson, and what I would consider the underlying message I got from the movie as a whole, is reinforced and reiterated multiple times throughout the duration of the film. I’m not sure if Mr. Salva intended to highlight or reinforce these thoughts, nevertheless, his creation invoked them in me.

Respect your parents
If you’ve read other posts from this blog you probably know what the first lesson reminded me of— the fifth commandment: “Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. “— Deuteronomy 5:16
Be careful/mindful about what you say to people—it may be the last time you speak to them
I am guilty of taking a lot of things for granted and I realize I need to do better. Sometimes I am conscious of the fact that tomorrow is not promised, but most of the time I have an expectancy of living through the night and waking the next morning. I’m not saying it is necessarily “wrong” for me to have this mindset, but I need to be more mindful of the fact that I will leave this earth one day and the same goes for everyone else I know. I need to ensure my words are kind and loving. And even if I have a disagreement with someone and I become angry, it behooves me “not to let the sun go down upon my wrath.”
If something feels/looks odd or off to you and you think you should leave—don’t hesitate—go
In most instances in my life when I had the feeling that something was off, I was right. Unfortunately, I’ve had some situations when I either tried to rationalize what happened or ignored it altogether. That is not a good practice, especially if you are in potential danger—physical or otherwise. I believe this applies to relationships—regardless of who it is (friend, partner, or spouse). If the interactions with the person or event make you uneasy—leave. Bottom line, get off the “x” and sort it out later.
Ask for help as soon as you realize you need it
I am guilty of hesitating to ask for help when I needed it because of pride. We all need help sometimes, so don’t shy away from asking for it.
Provide help as soon as you are asked
Slight spoiler alert: In the movie, when one of the characters recognizes he is in danger, he calls for his older brother, but he does not respond right away. I wonder if the outcome could have been different had the brother responded sooner? Let’s be quick to help our friends and family when we can. A delayed response can potentially cause harm.
Fear can be detrimental
Another slight spoiler alert: The Creeper is drawn to fear and the more his prey demonstrates it the harder it pursues to the demise or detriment of the person. Fear can keep us from following our dreams. It can lead us to believe we’re not capable or worthy of getting what we want. Fear can even prevent us from leaving a bad situation or environment. It can cause us to think we’ll encounter much worse. So instead of venturing out into the unknown, we stay with the devil we know. Don’t give in to fear, it will keep you from reaching your full potential.
Keep fighting even when you come face to face with what scares you
Another slight spoiler alert: As I mentioned earlier, the Creeper is drawn to fear, and there is one character the Creeper showed it wanted him the most. At one point in the movie, this character came face to face with the Creeper and his fear of it. This scenario happens in life sometimes.
“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” — Job 3:24
When this happens remember…
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7

By definition, the word regret is a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done. In spite of this, there is a difference of opinion when it comes to having them. I’ve heard some people describe regrets as a form of immaturity, and I totally disagree.

A couple of days ago I read a post on social media that raised a question I found interesting: “Have you ever regretted a decision you made that haunts you even today?” Unfortunately, my answer is yes. In all honesty, there are several decisions I made that I regret. There are moments that stand out in my mind where I wish I had been more vocal about my thoughts and feelings instead of going along with what was happening. In retrospect, those particular regrets pale in comparison to the one that haunts me the most.

On Thursday, July 7, 2011, I went into premature labor and deliver my son, Xavier William. Moments before he entered the world, my doctor told my then-husband and me that our son was going to die. The doctor asked if we wanted to hold him once he was born and he explained that the staff would honor the decision we made at that moment. In other words, I couldn’t change my mind later. I said no, and it is one of the biggest regrets I have, which haunts me to this day.

I don’t consider having regrets as an act of immaturity—I see it as the complete opposite. When we experience feelings of regret, we are recognizing we could have done things differently, which aligns with accountability. Additionally, having regrets can potentially enable us to make better decisions in the future. The feelings of disappointment, sadness, or repentance can remind us of what we don’t want to experience again, which is something I encountered two years after Xavier died.

On Sunday, January 13, 2013, I went into premature labor again and delivered my second son, Elijah Thomas. History repeated itself and my doctor told my then-husband and me our son was going to die, but when I was asked if I wanted to hold him, I said yes with no hesitation. I recalled the feelings of emptiness and remorse that overwhelmed me when I chose not to hold Xavier—I didn’t want to feel that again. I believe regretting the decision I made in 2011 made me more conscious of my actions and their consequences.

We are all entitled to our opinions, and our views are typically based on our biases, experiences, and perspectives. I choose to embrace my regrets and use them to make more calculated and intelligent choices in the future. I respect those who believe regrets are immature, but I still humbly disagree.

Seven Things I Gleaned from Watching "Jeepers Creepers II"

Are Regrets Good or Bad?