Dennis Norwood
My wife and I were blessed to see the movie “The Forge” Sunday night. Just when I thought those amazing Kendrick Brothers had reached their pinnacle with “War Room” - boom! They bring another film to the theatre that tops their last! It includes another appearance by that all-time prayer warrior, “Miss Clara Williams,” played by Karen Abernathy, and Priscilla Shirer, a Christian motivational speaker and author, who starred in “War Room.”
A release says ” Isaiah Wright (Aspen Kennedy) has some growing up to do. A year out of high school with no plans for his future, Isaiah is challenged by his single mom (Priscilla Shirer) and a successful businessman (Ken Bevel) to start charting a better course for his life. Through the prayers of his mother and biblical discipleship from his new mentor, Isaiah begins to discover God’s purpose for his life is so much more than he could hope for or imagine. From the Kendrick Brothers, the creators of the No. 1 hit WAR ROOM, comes THE FORGE, a faith-filled new movie with old friends and inspiring new twists.”
The cast in this movie all give powerful performances and as in all the films produced by the Kendricks, it is obvious each and every one has a belief in Jesus that makes their performances extremely believable.
I was honored to meet Alex and Stephen back in in the early 2007 at the Georgia Exchange Club’s state convention in Albany. It was just after their movie “Facing the Giants” came out and the brothers, along with the cast, were the guests at the youth breakfast. I was impressed with their message of faith, but had no idea that they would soon begin to be such an influence on my life and millions of others.
The Kendricks, along with Sherwood Baptist Church and now their own production company, began to turn out remarkable movies such as “Fireproof” and “Courageous,” followed by the very powerful “War Room,” along with “Overcomer.” Each one with its own message of faith and a call to commit to Christian values in marriage, family, prayer and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as a challenge to share the love of Jesus that comes through salvation.
According to their website, they are on a mission to honor Jesus Christ and make his truth and love known among the nations. Further it states that their core values of Lordship, integrity, teamwork and excellence influences everything they do. It is evident that they adhere to those values in the message each of their films brings to the screen.
I once watched an interview where Alex spoke about how each morning the whole cast and crew would gather for prayer before filming that day. They walk their talk in ways that make it obvious that their beliefs steer their writing, acting and choices in cast members.
“Courageous” had such an impact in my own life, that when I married my wife Gail, I had her two sons sign my Courageous pledge to honor my wife and family as a commitment to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It hangs on the wall in our living room to remind me that God comes first and above all and through that comes my responsibility to my family.
The brothers’ documentary film, “Show Me the Father,” captivates audiences with true stories that make one think differently about their earthly father and how one relates to their heavenly Father. This one definitely had an effect on me and my unresolved feelings towards my own deceased dad.
In “War Room” viewers are moved towards the belief in the power that a consistent and honest prayer life can have in one’s life. The afore-mentioned “Miss Clara,” played by the obviously spirit-filled Ms. Abernathy, prays one of the most prolific prayers ever said:
“You’ve done it again, Lord, you’ve done it again. You are good and You are mighty and You are merciful. You keep taking care of me when I don’t deserve it. Praise you, Jesus! You are Lord!
Give me another one Lord, guide me to who You want to help. Raise up more that will call upon Your name. Raise up more who will seek You and trust You. Raise them up Lord. Raise them up. Lord we need a generation of believers who are not ashamed of the gospel. We need an army of believers who hate to be lukewarm and will stand on Your Word above all else. Raise them up, Lord.
I pray for unity among those who love You. I pray that You will open their eyes so they can see the truth. I pray for Your hand of protection and guidance.
Raise up a generation who will take light into this world, who won’t compromise under pressure that won’t cower Lord when others fall away. Raise them up Lord. They will proclaim that there is Salvation in the name of Jesus Christ!
Raise up warriors Lord who will fight on their knees and worship You with their whole hearts, Lord. Lord call us to battle, that we may proclaim King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
I pray these things with all my heart. Raise them up, Lord. Raise them up.”
I firmly believe that if we want true revival in our nation, we must pray this prayer daily.
“Fireproof” gives us a powerful roadmap to a successful marriage as we honor our spouse and above all God. It points out that so many times a troubled marriage can be saved by adhering to the basic principles the Bible gives us and not taking our spouse for granted, but to love them as Christ loves us.
Every Christian man should see “The Forge” – hopefully, along with anyone they are discipling. It gives us a powerful challenge. It is evident that the screenplay and every prayer it includes were God-inspired. As usual, this, as every other movie by the Kendrick’s, leaves me with mixed emotions. Lifted high with inspiration on one hand, yet feeling I need to do more for my Lord and Savior.
One line from the movie I’ll leave you with, “Lord, let me be more of a fountain and not a drain.”
(Dennis Norwood can be contacted at dennisnorwood56@gmail.com)