If Your Life Were A Movie...

Did you have a good life when you died?

Enough to base a movie on?

-Jim Morrison

My previous declaration of The Case for Christ being the movie of the year may have been premature, now that I learn that Same Kind of Different as Me will be released to theaters in October. 

Same Kind of Different as Me, based on the book of the same name written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, chronicles the intersection of the lives of Ron and Debbie Hall, and Denver Moore. Moore was a homeless man living on the streets of Fort Worth. Ron Hall is an international art dealer from Dallas, who was roped into volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission by his wife, Debbie. There, he meets Moore. He learns to love, serve, and minister through his experiences with Moore. 

I first became aware of this story 12 years ago while attending Texas Baptist Institute-Seminary in Henderson, TX. Debbie Hall was related to the president of our seminary, who used their story to teach us what ministry is really all about. 

The story is about a man who finds redemption in the forgiveness of his wife, and in learning selfless love toward a man who can do nothing to benefit him materially. The story also chronicles the rise of Moore from poverty to becoming one of the most beloved philanthropists Fort Worth has ever known. 

The common theme shared by The Case for Christ and Same Kind of Different as Me is the transformation God works in our lives. The inspiration of these movies is drawn from the fact that both chronicle real transformation that came as a result of real pain and suffering. 

The level of pain that Leslie Strobel felt as her husband, Lee, worked to destroy her faith cannot be overstated. The struggle Lee Strobel experienced as he searched for the truth about the resurrection cannot be overlooked. The pain and betrayal Debbie felt at the hands of Ron cannot be imagined. The suffering Moore experienced at the hands of his persecutors early in life is unconscionable. This is real pain that transformed real people.

As these individuals endured these hard times, it is highly unlikely they were thinking of book deals, or who would portray them in a movie. As they endured those transformative times,  they likely prayed that they would merely survive. All involved will probably tell you that they are surprised that anyone is even interested in their stories, let alone that the books sell, or that people turn out to watch their movies. 

The idea of the crucial times of our lives being made into movies struck me today. It made me think about my own struggles, and the possible outcomes and legacy that could be built if I stay faithful to the Lord.

Granted, I'm not enduring anything compelling enough to make a movie about, but if such a film were made, what would I want the plot to look like? How would I want that movie to end?

If your life were to be made into a movie, would you be the hero? Or the villain? Would you be the one who overcame, or the one who was overcome?

Chances are, none of us are headed to the silver screen. However, if we were, what would you want the audience to take away from your show?

Behind the Scenes of The Case for Christ

Featuring the testimony of the real life Lee Strobel, and testimonies of the cast members.

And The Movie of the Year Goes to...

Few movies inspire me to reflect on my life, my faith, and my purpose. The ones that do are instantly numbered among my favorites. The Case for Christ, a movie based on the book by the same title authored by Lee Strobel, has just moved to the top of my favorites list.

Released this past Friday, The Case for Christ follows the story of Lee Strobel, an investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune, a self-described atheist, whose world is turned upside down when his wife converts to Christianity (while visiting Willow Creek Community Church, of all places).

In an effort to undermine his wife's faith (so life would go back to normal), Strobel draws on his investigative reporting skills to debunk Christianity. His target? The resurrection. His investigation uncovers facts and evidence that forces him to the conclusion he most feared.

In addition to riveting drama, the movie provides tons of ammo for the up and coming apologist.

I am not writing a movie review, but if I were, I would tout the movies true to life set that captured life in the 1980s (right down to the pull tabs on the beer cans), the superb acting by Mike Vogel and Erika Christiansen, the suspense building around the next steps in his investigation, a side-plot involving a police shooting, and the health of Strobel's infant son. And once again, I find that my life is missing a 1980 Camaro Z-28.

Seeing a man struggle against the pull to accept Christ as his savior hit home for me. Just as Strobel rebelled against God through intellectualism and alcohol abuse, so I ran from God into the bottle on many occasions. Just as Strobel resented his wife's faith, so resented I my wife's faith until the Lord finally broke me.

In seeing how the Lord took Strobel on his journey to faith, I am reminded of how God brought me through the valley of darkness to the mountain of faith. I am reminded of how God transformed me. I am reminded of the hope that dwells within me, and the purpose God has given me.

Strobel eventually left a prominent role with the Chicago Tribune to become a pastor, and currently serves at a church in The Woodlands, Tex. God has truly transformed him.

God has taken me from being a half-drunk country radio DJ to being a voice for truth in the Brown County, Tex., area. God has truly transformed me.

In addition to the introspection sparked by The Case for Christ, the movie also reminded me why I believe what I believe. Christianity is not superstition, nor is it an illogical emotional cult. Christianity is deeply rooted in fact, evidence, logic, and the resulting faith. And, the movie reminds us that, while it does take faith to fill in the blanks of the Christian faith, it takes an equal, if not bigger dose of faith to subscribe to atheism.

The Case for Christ gives us solid facts regarding the truth of the Gospel, and reminds us of how God transforms the non-believer into a child of God. For that, the movie earns 5-stars and movie of the year honors in my opinion. Too bad I don't get to vote on the academy awards.