This past weekend I attended a film festival where one of my faith based short films was selected to be screened. The evening of the showing, the place was packed! I realized that my film would probably be the only film to so bluntly depict Jesus and the truth that He saves, and I was right. Before long, my film came on. As I watched it, I couldn’t help but wonder what people were thinking as they watched Jesus face flash across the big screen over and over again.
After about 3 minutes, my film was over. There was silence. Then one person started to clap, followed by the rest of the crowd. Were they uncomfortable? Were they disgusted? Or were they impacted? I didn’t know! A couple hours went by as the rest of the films were screened.
After all the films were done, all the filmmakers were asked to come to the front of house for an audience Q&A. Someone asked me if my film had anything to do with my own personal life? I answered bluntly,
“Yes, my life was crazy and out of control. I was addicted and could not stop, and my New Age belief system proved it could not free me from my bondage. Then I encountered Jesus Christ and I realized that just as the Bible says, He had the power to make me into a new creation, and He did! (2 Corinthians 5:17) I now make films for the Glory of Jesus Christ.”
The lights came on, the show was over, and it was time for everyone to leave.
I began to walk toward the exit and a woman stopped me. She looked me in the eyes and said “Thank you for making that film, I wept the whole time.” I was in shock and awe! She proceeded to tell me that her daughter died the year prior due to addiction and that my short film spoke to her so deeply. I listened to her speak all while seeing the pain in her eyes around losing her daughter so clearly. All I could say to her over and over in various ways was that God is real, God loves you, and God loves your daughter. After about 5 minutes of talking, I gave the woman a hug, we both thanked each other, and we went on our way.
As I walked out of the theatre to my car, I could not help but be in complete awe of how God works. He again showed me that there is always a reason for us as Christians to stand boldly and firmly in Jesus Christ, even if we feel out of place, misunderstood, or just flat out hated by the world. God is always working and He is using those who believe and abide in Him to do His will, in all situations!
I don’t fully know what that woman’s relationship with Jesus was, but I do know that He spoke to her that night through my film, and softened her heart enough to come up to me and share her pain with a completely stranger in such a vulnerable way. I trust that Jesus will continue to grow the seed that was planted that night at the short film festival in Cedaredge, Colorado.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
God is real, God loves you, and Jesus has a plan for your life. Listen and act, even if it doesn't make sense!