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Movie Review: Facing the Giants

Today was a good day. My pastor took the staff to see Facing the Giants. It was a welcome break in an otherwise busy week.

This film is a low-budget one birthed out of the vision of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. None of the actors were paid, since the majority of both the cast and crew had no acting experience. While the acting and cinematography are not on par with that of Hollywood, the message and impact of this movie more than make up for any of those superficial deficiencies.

This is a film that takes a favorite American pasttime, high school football, and turns it into a journey of faith that is lived out for viewers.

Facing the Giants is a film about faith, family, leadership, determination, and integrity. So many aspects of the film resonated with me personally, as a Christian, as a husband and father, and as a church staff member. I was challenged to re-examine my own life purpose, and I can honestly say that few films these days cause me to do that.

The chief theme of this movie comes straight from the Bible itself. Mark 10:27 says, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'"

While the overall outcome of the plot is largely predictable, there are a couple things worth mentioning. The fact that a church like Sherwood could pull together and make such a vision a reality is inspiring in and of itself. I am left to wonder how much we really could accomplish in our churches if we all put such effort, energy, and prayer behind our good intentions. The fact that such an overtly Christian film would actually make it to theaters today is, in my opinion, nearly miraculous itself. In an increasingly anti-Christian culture, I am amazed that it would be allowed. Of course, the film did get a PG rating, primarily because its Christian message might be offensive to those of other faiths.

Facing the Giants is a great movie title. We all have giants in our lives that we must deal with on a regular basis -- things that cause us great fear, anxiety, and confusion. I would be very interested to hear how this film resonates with non-Christian viewers. My family has seen it, and we all give it very high marks.

In the words of my five-year-old son, "I liked it because they talk about God." Enough said.

I don't know how long this one will hang around in theaters. I urge you to take your family just as soon as you can, and experience one of the best movies in a long time. If you are a person of faith and values, you won't be disappointed.

Click here to visit the movie website.

• It's Your Turn!
  If you've seen this movie, what did you think?

First Class Mail: A Ministry of Encouragement

I remember as a child always looking forward to being the first to the mailbox. While there was rarely anything there with my name on it, I was occasionally pleasantly surprised. I remember getting notes from my youth minister or Sunday School teacher from time to time. These were things I held onto and cherished.

As an adult now, I get plenty of things with my name on them, mainly bills, credit card applications, solicitations, and sales circulars. But sometimes I get a note or card in the mail, and that means so much to me.

I came to realize a long time ago the power of the written word. I think it means so much more in handwritten form, especially in this age of computer-generated everything. For years I have kept an affirmation file in my office. In it I keep cards and letters that validate my call and my ministry. There are many kind expressions from those who have written me, even a number of printed e-mails.

I try to make an effort to communicate with people fairly regularly by this nearly outdated mode now referred to as "snail mail." Yes, it requires a little preparation, a little time, and a stamp, but I think it has lasting value. It may seem like a really small gesture, but that little note will likely be the only thing that brightens someone's otherwise bland stack of mail.

People like to feel noticed and appreciated. They like to feel significant. They like to know that their ministry matters. I encourage you to rediscover the power of the written word.

I also encourage you to begin keeping your own affirmation file. If you're anything like me, there are those days when you really need to re-read some of those cards and letters to remind yourself that what you are doing makes a difference in the lives of others.

• It's Your Turn!
  When was the last time you received a note of appreciation for your ministry -- or just for being you? How did you feel when you received that note? Who do you need to acknowledge or encourage in writing this week?