Courageous Movie... from a man's point of view

Have you seen Courageous yet?

My friends and I were among the one million people who saw Courageous on opening weekend, making it the #1 new movie of the weekend! Courageous is a movie with a message for men, regardless of age or life stage. It’s a movie that you should encourage all the men in your church and your life to see. Have you seen Courageous yet?  Take some tissue! Don’t worry, you’ll laugh as much as you cry.

Leaving the theater my friend, Jim, confessed that he auditioned for one of the lead roles! Though he didn’t appear in the movie, he’s still passionate about its message. I interviewed Jim to get a man’s perspective, and I’d like to share his viewpoint with you.

Q: Jim, did you cry?

A: Yes, several times. (Laughing) So many times I lost track.

Q: What did you think about the overall theme that challenges men to be the leaders of their homes, marriages, and children while strategically creating a Godly legacy?

A: It’s a timeless, needed message for men. Men innately don’t go into marriage equipped with an understanding of how to take care of a family. Women are equipped innately with raising family, finding hope, and loving the unlovable. We (men) need to be trained, called out and equipped with an understanding of our Biblical role as a servant leader in our households.

Q: Can men do this before they get married or become a father?

A: Yes. There are several avenues for a man to prepare—scripture, prayer, spiritual disciplines, being mentored or discipled, and going through great courses like Men’s Fraternity. Our destinations determine our preparation. If our destination is to be a great leader in our family, then we must prepare for that goal.

Q: The movie depicts kids whose dads are not in their lives and how it affects them—many ending up in gangs or turning to drugs. What do you think about this?

A: I completely agree. Our parents give us our first picture of God. So you can imagine what kind of pictures kids get until they are old enough to dig into scripture and see a real picture of God. Dads have a powerful impact on a son and a daughter, and the movie addresses both. Kids who don’t have dads need to search out a man with a good influence. Influence is also non-verbal. Men should expect to be watched in every scenario—shopping, eating out, and responding to life. A young boy needs to see that. He’s going to be taught by someone—either society or a real man.

Q: The movie reveals a Resolution signed by friends. What did this mean to you?

A: I think the Resolution was a good bar to set for obtaining high goals. The movie encouraged me not to do it alone. Together is better. Men should find other guys who can encourage one another.

Q: Any other take-aways from Courageous?

A: The movie showed the most important thing—the need to have a relationship with God through Christ—that the ability to be a good father and husband starts with redemption.

Q: So Jim, are you going to audition for the next movie by Sherwood Pictures?

A: If they ask, I’d be honored to (big smile).

Go see Courageous for yourself! LifeWay has also created resources for your church or Bible study groups that can help extend the ministry impact of this film within your church. Check it out!