This movie gives us several vignettes and scenarios to illustrate the various hardships of life, and the downward path that some people choose. Yet hope is offered as several characters, including a pastor, learn they must give their situations over to the Lord and allow Him to work in their lives to find true and lasting happiness.
Included in the stories is a pastor who preaches that it’s not really the meek who shall inherit the Earth, but the bold, the audacious, and that Christians are unapologetically great. He tells his flock they decide their own destiny. So, despite what Jesus himself said about the meek inheriting the Earth, this pastor thinks believing in oneself is the way to go forward. However, he soon learns otherwise.
Also featured is the story of a stepmother who is given a lot of grief by her stepdaughter, and a homeless girl named Meggan Roberts (Lexi Tackman) who searches dumpsters for her next meal. A comment from one character is thought-provoking as it is mentioned not many people go in person to banks anymore – they do a lot of things with their mobile phones. And many people don’t spend time with friends anymore but rely on their social media devices.
Pastor Brandon Harris (Jared Weesner, who also directed the movie) seems to truly want to experience a walk with the Lord and he is a man on a search for God throughout much of the plot. He’s single and even goes out on a blind date which, unfortunately, doesn’t seem to go very well. And a character named Kathy Goodwyn (Brenda Jo Reutebuch) is mean-spirited and her grandchildren do not care for her. Another character is stealing from various accounts at her job. Yet all these people and scenarios point to their need of a Savior and a better way to live their lives. Two characters die during the film, one who is ready to go into eternity and the other one who trusts the Lord right at the end.
This is a low budget film and it features low production value, and some of the acting is a bit wooden. But the sincerity and the authenticity of those who made this film is not to be questioned. The intent is truly to make an impact for Christ on the viewer. And the viewers may well see themselves in a character, or a character who reminds them of someone they know. It’s illustrated nicely by Pastor Harris, who realizes he has become “fake,” but who longs for a fresh touch of God.
Several invitations are picked up by various characters for a meeting at a local church. Even Pastor Harris receives one. When the participants arrive at the church, they tend to get on each other’s nerves, but an unusual character named Rafa (Travis Stoner) shows up, assuring them that this meeting is important. Despite some of the characters getting on each other’s nerves, the characters slowly begin to bond, and they find they all are needy in various ways. Rafa points out their need of God. And when some thieves show up at the church seeking valuables, with one of them toting a rifle, things look a bit grim. That is, until one of the young thieves makes a commitment to the Lord right there in the church.
The film includes some name calling, stealing, and a few characters not being nice to loved ones or other people, but none of this is over the top and when the various characters have an encounter with the Lord, the changes within them stand out in amazing ways.
Content Analysis: The movie features a strong Christian theme, and it focuses on the changes that the Lord can make in one’s life. A pastor who has become dull to the truth of scripture, begins to focus on reaching souls for Christ. Various characters are changed dramatically by committing their lives to the Lord. And several scriptures are quoted.
Think About It: Discussion topics include the importance of holding to the truth of scripture. When the pastor says the meek shall not inherit the earth but the bold, this goes against scripture in which Jesus himself had said the meek shall inherit the earth. But the pastor becomes sincere and he changes for the better. The changes that Christ can make in one’s life is a remarkable discussion topic. Featured are people who are mean, steal, some are homeless, and others commit crimes. The fact that the Lord loves these people and can help them is great fodder for discussion.
The Dove Take: This sincere production shows that anyone can come to Christ and have a changed life. Due to some mean-spirited dialog and a few situations such as stealing, and a pastor at first not giving solid doctrine, we are awarding the picture our Dove Seal for Ages 12+. But the caveat is that parents should consult the content listings and make their own informed decisions. Some children just a bit under 12 might be fine watching it. Its powerful message of change through Christ is to be commended.
