Thursday, September 29, 2011

Courageous


Last spring my husband and I had the opportunity to preview the movie Courageous which was made by a group that is working to to put out movies with a positive Christian message and hopefully impact the world of Hollywood, proving that with the success of this movie, Americans are hungry for good, decent stories with positive messages that are free of the excessive sex, violence and profanity with which we are normally deluded when going to see a movie.

When Paul and I arrived at the theater, we were given a "goody-bag" filled with promotional items and a tee-shirt. When the movie was over, another movie-goer commented that there was something very important that was missing from the "goody-bag'; a box of tissues. I was actually thinking the same thing, because from the very first powerfully opening scene I was emotionally caught up in the lives of the main characters-their hurts, sorrows and joys all felt like my own-and everyone in the theater was frequently moved to tears followed by bursts of laughter.

Courageous
offered plenty of exciting action coupled with touching scenes of family life during some of the most difficult situations that life has to offer. The characters were "real"-I felt as if I could relate to them and their family situations. While watching a scene where one of the families was grieving together, I couldn't help but think that these are the real-life saints of today, people who step through their suffering to improve their lives and the lives of those around them. And looking over to my husband at the end of the film, I was struck by the realization that Paul is a living saint, an excellent father who already knows the importance of spending time with his children, of being a strong disciplinarian, and of encouraging our children to live their lives with the purpose of giving glory to God in all they do. And more than that, I also realized how blessed we are in the Catholic Church to have spiritual fathers, our priests, who spend their lives promoting the same values that were fostered in this film: love, integrity, spiritual friendships, and a strong faith in God.

Courageous is finally out in theaters starting today, September 30th and I encourage you to see it. Without a doubt it was the best and most powerful movie that I have ever seen and just watching the trailer, I found that I once again had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes recalling the story that calls all fathers to be Courageous in their vocation.

(a partial re-post from the archives)

3 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see this movie, Anne! Every other Saturday is "date night" for Randy and I. My sister watches Michaela one weekend and I watch her kids the next one. Works out well for us and I'm going to suggest this movie to Randy :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anne, my husband and I saw Courageous this afternoon. It was wonderful! You are so right about the box of tissues, and I think I could have handed a couple of tissues to my husband as well : )

    Outstanding movie! Thanks for recommending it.

    Blessings,
    Patricia

    ReplyDelete
  3. Patricia, I'm so glad that you and your husband enjoyed it! It was unbelievably good! Mary, you and Randy will love it-you'll be so glad that you took him to see it! The next one I have to see is "The Way" with Martin Sheen-it sounds like it will be fabulous and uplifting!

    ReplyDelete