Movie I’m Not Ashamed
The Movie “I’m Not Ashamed”
When I see a movie that inspires me, I can’t wait to recommend it to family and friends.
“I’m Not Ashamed,” is one of those films. The good news is that it releases this weekend in local theaters so you can see it too.
I accepted the invitation to pre-screen the movie over two months ago, and it still resonates with me to this day. It’s truly an unforgettable film.
Pure Flix’s, “I’m Not Ashamed” is the deeply touching story of Rachel Joy Scott. She was a victim of the tragic shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado.
Keeping Your Faith in the Midst of Unspeakable Horror
On that awful day in U.S. history, April 20th, 1999, two high school seniors, in a pre-meditated act of hatred and revenge, took the lives of 12 students and one teacher in a murderous rampage in the high school. The gunmen, 18-year-old Eric Harris, and 17-year-old Dylan Klebold, also wounded 25 others in the brutal tragedy which played out on national television.
The film is intense, no doubt about it. I believe parents and their appropriately-aged teenagers should attend this movie together. With this intention in mind, it will make for a meaningful dialogue afterward.
Talk To Your Kids
Parents – because it’s a very real possibility, please teach your children about reporting legitimately suspicious behavior, and remaining aware of their surroundings, even at school. No one wants their child to feel paranoid in the hallways, but it’s a different world we live in now.
I’m Not Ashamed
From the beginning of the movie, Rachel, beautifully played by Masey McLain, captures our hearts as she navigates the turbulent hallways of Columbine High school.
Her passionate journey of allegiance to God met with continual faith-testing disappointments and rejection from friends. Rachel felt emotionally broken at times, and that God was silent.
Heartfelt thoughts, drawings, and prayers recorded in her journal became the basis for the movie. The film very accurately portrays the stresses and temptations of daily life in a public high school, from the pressures of drinking, taking drugs, to having sex before marriage. There’s no sugar-coating it here. Temptations are around every corner, and Rachel and her friends are deep in the middle of it. Rachel struggles to hang onto her faith. A noncommittal boyfriend and the constant bullying of some of her unpopular friends added to Rachel’s loneliness and anguish.
The Movie, I’m Not Ashamed
I am not going to apologize for speaking the Name of Jesus.
I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put in me. If I have to sacrifice everything . . . I will.
– Journal excerpt from Rachel Joy Scott, I’m Not Ashamed Film – Lifeway Christian Resources, http://www.lifeway.com/films/2016/04/20/im-not-ashamed-film/, (accessed October 19, 2016).
Rachel’s Tears
I read the book, Rachel’s Tears, written by Rachel’s parents several years ago. Similar to the book, the movie reveals a touching reference to the meaning of the “tears” she drew in her journal. It is chilling. Wait til you see the movie, and you’ll know what I mean.
Some feel the need to debate the actual words Rachel said to her killers before her death, but I have no doubt after reading the book, and now seeing this movie, that she was the warrior for Christ she always wanted to be.
The cast includes both Korie and Sadie Robertson of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” fame. The starring roles don’t end there. Christian vocalist, Jaci Velasquez, also makes an appearance in the film.
In my opinion, award-winning director, Brian Baugh, accomplished his goal of telling a cinematic story that inspires as well as it heals. The creative vision of producers Chuck Howard, Brad Allen, Michael Martin, and Nise Davies beautifully brought Rachel’s story to life.
Pure Flix, Visible Pictures, LLC., and Big Film Factory officially release the movie on Friday, October 21st.
Check your local listings for times.
God bless
