COURAGEOUS

My church bought out an entire showing of the new movie Courageous on Saturday. Together, my wife, me, and 167 other Harvest peeps gathered to watch and support this new film that is in theaters everywhere.

Let me tell you a little about it:)

First, let me say, I don't like "Christian" movies. I find them cheesy and mediocre. I come across negative when I talk or joke about past "christian" films. But I really do appreciate the hearts behind these films; particularly the ones coming out of Sherwood Pictures (like Courageous and Fireproof).

So...I joked and jested a little about this movie, and parts of it seemed like a drawn out spiritual soap-opera, but overall it was a movie worth your time. Here's why:

#1.
I am a Father. A father of 1 beautiful little girl, and a second child of unknown gender any moment/day now. This movie highlights Fathers and challenges them to quit being sissies who "do enough" for their kids. It is a call for men to be men, and to courageously stand up and lead their children. But not just lead them! Lead them in the ways of the Lord. It models holding high standards for your kids, taking time to do hard things to win the hearts of your kids, and setting an example for your kids through integrity, leadership, and godliness.

#2.
I am a husband to an awesome wife. I am a provider for an awesome family. I've been blessed with a job I love and that keeps me busy. This movie challenged me not to take my family for granted when I'm wiped out. Go the extra mile to always say goodnight and pray with my daughter before bed. Talk and listen with my wife rather than just veg out in front of the TV. Always take the time to spiritually LEAD my family towards Christ.

#3.
When I hear about a "Christian movie" I usually judge it early thinking it will have someone who believes in God and a scene in church, so that deems it "Christian." I was really pleased to hear the real elements of the Gospel in this nation wide theatrical movie! I'm talking the: you are a guilty sinner, underserving of God's grace, but He as a merciful, righteous judge gave his son Jesus Christ to die in your place and if you repent and believe you will be saved Gospel! AMEN! (I let an "amen" fly in the movie, and my wife told me to shut up). Cheesy or not I'll support that:)

#4.
Not only did it target fathers, but I would say men in general. I appreciated the conviction caught by the main character and how he asked his friends to hold him accountable. And they ended up having him hold them accountable. Men need other men, but not to be drinking buddies and family relief! Iron sharpens iron. Don't be too pansy to talk to your brothers about spiritual life and spiritual leadership...thats what I got anyway.

#5.
This movie made me thankful for my Dad. Within this movie I saw a lot of the good things modeled in my Dad as I've grown up. He took the time to show me he loved me. He made time for me. He modeled Christianity and the Gospel, and didn't force it down my throat, which led me to want what he had rather than run from it. In the movie, a character is asked to lie at his job about inventory...I remember my dad facing those situations at His job, and because of His conviction for Christ, he had integrity and stood for truth. My Dad loves Jesus with all His heart, soul, and mind first, and then his family, and that has spoken loudly in my own life. God absolutely used my Dad to pursue my own heart, and for that I am forever grateful.

#6.
Finally, despite my mockery, they really did do a good job on this movie. Good story line, some action, some laughter, some tears, and the acting was even pretty good. Everyone in this movie is a part of a church, and they did a fantastic job on this film. Plus, it's way better and more uplifting than the garbage movies the world finds entertaining. Go see it. Support it. Take an unsaved friend that a door might be opened to share the Gospel with them.

P.S. And all I can do since seeing the movie is shout the line from Casting Crown's theme song, "WE WERE MEANT TO BE COURAGEOUS..." :/