With Father’s Day approaching on June 17th, I thought it would be a great time to re-run the first review I did for St. Jude’s last Fall as a gift idea. I have watched this movie at least a dozen times with my family. Each time it brings us closer, each time it reinforces the kind of “dad” God wants me to be…

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord Joshua 24:15

Fatherhood. Few words carry more responsibility. Yet, in today’s society, I am not sure we truly understand what God intended it to mean.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

It sounds simple, but how? Growing up in a single parent household and not having a strong father figure, I have struggled over the years to define what being a good father meant and how to “train” my children the way God intended.

Last Fall, Sherwood Pictures, debuted another must see movie called “Courageous” that goes a long way in showing us how.  From the opening scene, “Courageous” challenges fathers to think. To think about what they would do, what they are doing, what they should do, but most importantly what they will do after seeing this movie.

The movie is set in Albany, Georgia with four policeman and their families, each dealing with their past, the stress of their careers, maintaining their marriages, and most importantly “connecting” with their children as fathers.
Early on, the movie paints a picture of each father and their family, allowing the audience to decide which they relate to the most. It is not long before tragedy strikes one family, challenging their faith in God’s plan and what it means to be a good father to those left behind. Emotional, relatable and heartfelt, the producers give a front row seat to one man’s journey to make sense of what happened, his realization that he no longer wants to be a “good enough” father and that it is his responsibility as a father to “train” his children on the Word. He authors his decision in what he calls a “resolution” based on the Bible, inspiring the other fathers to make the same commitment in a moving ceremony with their families before God.

Several twists and turns occur throughout the movie, symbolizing that our commitment to the Word will always be tested but that our faith in the Lord and the example we set for our children should never waiver. This ensures that generations to come “will not depart from it [the Word]”. Producers end the movie honoring these men and challenge fathers in the audience by asking “where are you men of courage… who will answer the call?”

In the end, the message is clear: Fatherhood is about putting God at the center of everything we do.

Note: This movie is rated PG13 due to a mature storyline and some intense and violent “chase” scenes, so review prior to sharing with your family to ensure appropriateness.