I'm very excited to tell you about this wonderful, wonderful movie I saw tonight... "Fireproof". I had seen the promo's on TBN about 3 weeks or so ago, in which Kirk Cameron told about this, his latest film.
It's another production of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. (The first being "Facing The Giants", a few years back.) I knew THAT in itself was enough to make me want to go see it. But then I was extremely disappointed to hear that the movie wouldn't be out until late September. (bummer!) :(
Isn't it just like our wonderful God, though, to grant us the desires of our heart? It was only a few days after seeing the promo's on TBN, that I got a card in the mail from Lifeway, inviting me to attend a free, private pre-screening of the movie, when it came to our area... which was tonight. So I didn't have to wait until September after all! Isn't God good!
Anyway, in the movie, Kirk Cameron plays Capt. Caleb Holt, a firefighter, who at work, lives by the old fireman's adage, "Never leave your partner behind". But at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules... filled with selfishness & inconsideration for his wife, and also struggles with internet pornography.
After 7 years of marriage, he and his wife have drifted so far apart, that they wish they had never gotten married. Neither one understands the pressures the other one faces. Regular arguments over jobs, finances, and household responsibilities have brought them to the point of calling it quits. And as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day journey based on a book he calls "The Love Dare". The hand-written journal outlines one simple act of love to be offered each day, whether or not it is accepted. He agrees, and then begins to learn about unconditional love... first, the unconditional love of our Saviour; then the unconditional love we are to have for our spouse.
The scenes are both brutal and realistic as they portray the struggle to rebuild marital trust. One thing I feel makes this movie "relate-able" is that it doesn't sugarcoat the real-world conflict between couples who have drifted apart. It's REAL.
One of my most favorite scenes is when Caleb comes to the realization that his wife's rejection of him, despite all his attempts to show her that he loves her, is parallel to the way he has been rejecting Christ. Truly a touching, yet powerful demonstration shown, as Kirk's character then receives Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour! Well done, Sherwood Baptist!
My other favorite scene is when Catherine comes to the firehouse and emotionally tells Caleb that she is sorry, that she forgives him, and that she loves him. It's what he's been waiting so long to hear, which again, in my opinion, parallels that moment when we come to Christ for forgiveness. What a blessing to see it relayed this way! My prayer is that people will see this and finally "get it".
The trials Caleb faces in this 40-day journey remind me of the process that we ALL go through, spiritually. We are placed in the refiners fire... and the heat is turned up... WAY UP. But as much as it hurts, ultimately, it's well-worth it in the end. The Lord works it all for our good. And that's the case for Caleb and Catherine, here in this movie. Ultimately, it all works out for their good... the end result being far better than either of them ever could've imagined.
Unfortunately, Steve wasn't able to make it home in time to go with me (he was swamped at work), but our friends Shamus and Sheri were able to go. I don't know who enjoyed the movie more, them or me!
As much as I loved "Facing the Giants", that movie has nothing on this one! I highly recommend it to anyone... but especially to couples. No matter how old you are; no matter how long you've been married; no matter how good your marriage is... you've GOTTA see this movie! It will change your life!!!
Now I can't wait until September gets here, so I can see it again! :)
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