A Movie about Faith Set in Hawaii– How Could It Miss?

Do you appreciate beautiful island ambiance? Are you a surfer? Are you a fan of Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, or AnnaSophia Robb…or even Hercules (Kevin Sorbo)? Do you love Carrie Underwood? Do you like movies that make you cry?  For all of these reasons or just for one, you should consider going to see Soul Surfer this weekend. This is a movie that also models a faith that is not perfect but real.

About a month ago I was invited to a preview of the movie, and honestly my main reason for attending was because it was a free date night with my wife.  Little did I know how my heart would be engaged that night, however. Now, I am definitely not a cryer.  There are a couple of movies with tear-jerking scenes that have caused me to quickly wipe my eye before anyone could see, but this one had my eyes welled with tears throughout.

The film is based upon the real life story of Bethany Hamilton, a teen sensation surfer in Hawaii who lost her arm in a shark attack. The character development that takes place in the movie is remarkable given the length of time they had to work with; consequently, most viewers will come away being able to relate to this family and wonder how their own might have handled the adversity that the Hamiltons are forced to face.

From a faith perspective, the movie is inspirational. While God is directly mentioned in only a few scenes, He is all over the place. Reminds me of the book of Esther in that way.

It’s difficult to call Bethany’s story a tragedy, and she certainly wouldn’t want us too. Conversely, we can view it as a triumph–the triumph of faith over fear and amazing accomplishment in spite of adversity.

If you can organize a trip to see Soul Surfer this opening weekend–with your family or your small group—you definitely won’t regret it. The movie is getting great publicity and the well-known cast should also allow your friends who are not Christ followers to feel safe in attending. You’ll have ample opportunity for conversations about faith afterwards.

(And for my missional, country music-loving friends, there’s a great segment with Carrie Underwood leading a mission trip to Thailand that may inspire your group as well! ;-))

 

The Quiet Waters, The Rushing Waters

“He leads me beside quiet waters/ He renews my life.” Psalm 23:2-3, HCSB

In the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to some awesome waters. In March 2006, I sat by the Andaman Sea in Thailand. It was so calm, despite having produced such massive destruction through the 2004 tsunami. I felt so peaceful and yet so filled with pain for the people of Khao Lak. I vividly remember walking along a beach filled with giant rocks, the kind you couldn’t possibly move, that had been washed ashore by that huge wave. All of the tree were leafless and cut off at the same height. It was haunting.

In August 2007, I went to Foz de Iguacu, Brazil, which is home to one of the world’s largest waterfalls. The cataratas are amazing, just breathtaking and immense in a way completely indescribable. I was filled with such reverence on this day that I have a picture of, trekking around the Argentina side of the falls (in that sweater that I miss so dearly. I was wearing it when I was in my car accident and I bled all over it. Man, I liked that sweater! Ooops, tangent!). I actually cried a little, and sang “How Great Thou Art” while walking around.

In my spiritual life, there are still waters and rushing waters. There have to be both to mature me. If we only had to walk beside the still waters, we might be bored, even a little melancholy. The rushing waters may be the valley of the shadow of death, but they are the times that cause us to rely on God, to know Him better, to cry at His greatness.

Right now? Some days are valleys and some are mountains. At the chiropractor Tuesday, I gave the receptionist a laundry list of what I have on my mind right now: moving, baby, tons of projects and work, husband leaving next week, showing the house, etc, etc. She looked surprised and told me I always looked so happy. I replied, “I AM happy.”

And I am. Not always happy with the circumstances, but joyful in the life God’s allowing me to live. I’ve already learned immensely while traveling through this valley kind of time.

Even in those valleys, I know that if I keep my sight straight ahead on my Shepherd, I will learn, I will grow, and I will be better for it.