This documentary is based on the remarkable story of Michelle Schaefer, a woman of Christian faith who has overcome several tragedies in her life. Michelle has been an athlete, coach, business owner, and has gone on to be an inspirational speaker. She has kept her faith despite great difficulties. This includes serious health issues.

The synopsis for this documentary, written by her husband Chris Lang, the film’s director, says it best: Michelle Schaefer was a state champion gymnast and later, as an adult competitor, she won seven national championships in Acrosports. She was nearly aborted and often felt like she was a “mistake.” She journeyed through anorexia, chronic disease, multiple brain surgeries, the arrest of her first husband and the deaths of her second husband and others. From the mountain top to almost unbelievable darkness and pain. What will you do when the bottom drops out? The heart of a champion never quits.

Featuring interviews with Michelle herself, and her children and other relatives, former coaches and friends, the portrait of an amazing woman with an amazing faith in God is powerfully portrayed in this uplifting and inspiring documentary. The viewer may well feel a sense of sympathy for Michelle while watching it. And although many of the events of Michelle’s life could be considered discouraging, her extraordinary faith in trusting God through it all is what makes this documentary so powerful. Featuring re-creations of some of her major life events, as well as actual footage, this documentary is well made. It shows us a woman who, more than once, was near a great triumph, or had experienced one, when the props were pulled out from beneath her, leaving her vulnerable and with only her faith to help her to keep going.

The narrator appropriately sets the tone at the start of the picture, saying, ‘Is God good only when things are going right?” The narrator continues, “I’ve heard hundreds of stories, but I’ve never heard one like this.”

The documentary features Michelle’s dad, Jay, who says he was not much more than a child himself when Michelle was born. It’s stated that he and Michelle have always been close. Jay was only 20 and Michelle’s mother, Christine, known as Chris, was only 17 when Michelle was born. Abortion was briefly considered and Jay, who was not a Christian at this time in his life, says he still had a sense that the unborn baby was a “living person.” Michelle was born in 1970 and eighteen months later her sister, Beth, was born. Her sister would eventually die at the age of 56, leaving a hole in Michelle’s life.

Jay was one day watching a T.V. minister, and he told of a man that wanted to be a missionary. “Don’t you want to leave your mark on the world?” asked his father. “Which world?” the man asked his father. Jay was touched and began taking young Michelle to church. Chris was not interested in going to church and it caused tension in the home.

Chris also had a mental obsession and soon their home was filled with animals, such as gerbils, birds, dogs, fish and more. It was unclean and smelled. Yet one day Michelle would influence her mother to look to the Lord before her mother passed. They reconciled and Michelle believes she will see her in heaven one day.

A sexual predator once called Michelle at home, and it traumatized the household. But they persevered without incident. Later in life, Michelle’s first husband, Darin, was arrested for molesting a six-year-old boy and this was another sorrowful event that Michelle had to deal with. Michelle’s second husband, Erwin, had suffered a stroke and he had a fatal one after they were married. Finally, she found happiness again with Chris Lang, whom she is currently married to.

Michelle was in and out of the hospital for years, dealing with nose bleeds and various serious health issues. God also showed her favor. She landed a teaching and a principal job despite other candidates having more credentials or experience. But those who hired her saw something special in her, a real dedication and commitment to the Lord.

She has always touched other lives, and this included adopting two boys from Russia, to add to her already-born biological children. As a competitor, Michelle won seven national championships and a gold medal in the 1998 Nationals in Acrosports. Her brother says she has leadership skills and a true work ethic. Her genetic disorder resulted in her having daily nosebleeds and she had two serious operations involving her skull and brain. And yet she persevered.

Although displaying some depressing moments in Michelle’s life, the documentary also shows her grit in keeping her faith and in overcoming very difficult situations. The movie also includes some inspiring songs and music, such as the one about God being our defender and how God helps our hurting hearts. Another one mentions looking up to God despite the storms, and “I’m with you always.”

Michelle has been a teacher, athlete, and has gone on to be an inspirational speaker. She has also excelled at being a mother and a wife, being a caregiver for her second husband Erwin following his stroke.

Her upbeat determination in overcoming is nicely illustrated in a video where it shows Michelle and her husband Chris. She points at Chris, smiles, and says, “I really like this guy!” She always finds the silver lining in the cloud.

After training hard for weeks for a race, Michelle suffered a health crisis the day before the race. She is disappointed she is unable to compete, but she says, “I trust Him.” She truly believes God is strong for us in our weaknesses. And this is one of the things that make this a terrific and inspiring movie to watch.

Content Analysis: This picture is strong with a Christian worldview as Michelle and others in the documentary speak of God being with us and helping us to navigate the storms of life. The Bible is mentioned and Michelle’s faith in the fact that God is with us always is clearly revealed.

Think About It: The documentary opens up powerful discussion questions. Why does a good God allow suffering and storms of life? Is He truly with us always? How do these trials and tests turn out? Does good come from them? Why is it important to keep faith even when things don’t look good?

The Dove Take: This powerful documentary will encourage the viewer to trust God when things are not only going well, but when they are not going well. This documentary is inspiring! It’s recommended for the family, ages 12 and above, mainly due to some of the mature comments about sexual predators, etc. However, parents should consult the content listing, and they may be comfortable with kids just under the age of 12 watching it, with their guidance.