“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
Most songs have a story. As a songwriter I can say that to know the story behind the song takes things to an entirely different level. I never knew the story behind this song, but now that I do, I will forever listen to the song in a new and fresh way. It would be a songwriter’s dream to have a successful song become the title and story line for a popular movie. I’ve actually had that dream myself! The goal of course is to get the message, the good news, to as many people as possible. Not many however will have such an opportunity, but we should all remember that we each have a story. Our story. My story. Your story! And it needs to be told.
I must tell you that I probably average attending one movie every 8-10 years. Seriously! It’s not what I do. I agreed however to see I Can Only Imagine this past weekend. I am very glad I did. I managed it without popcorn or coke. I could personally relate to so many things regarding the relationships and interactions between friends and family. It’s a story wrapped in Grace and I would recommend it to everyone. If it’s not still in a theatre or was maybe never in one near you, please catch it as soon as it is available otherwise. I had alway considered the song a wonderfully written and inspiring work. The movie brings a reality to it that I had not realized before.
Blessings from Butch
Bart Millard, the writer of the song I Can Only Imagine grew up in Texas. He suffered physical and emotional pain and abuse at the hands of his father, Arthur. When Arthur became terminally ill, he experienced grace, forgiveness, and love from the heavenly Father. In doing so, he was also able to discover a love for Bart. Years later, forgiveness allowed a mended relationship and provided the inspiration for Bart to write this wonderful hit song. Responding rightly to the truth and reality of Jesus transforms lives!
Left to Right: Bart Millard, J. Michael Finley (plays Bart in the movie), Dennis Quaid (plays Arthur).
Be sure to come back tomorrow for Floral Friday !!
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Thanks, Pam. The music vid wouldnโt open in my country but Iโm familiar with it from Christian radio. If the movie comes our way I will try to see it.
Did you see my other Easter post? Iโm in love with my tablecloth.
Kind regards Cath
I will be sure to see your other Easter post. Thanks Cath!
Thanks for the wonderful review. We made plans earlier this week to take our children to see the movie tomorrow afternoon. We are all looking forward to it! Take care, and enjoy your Thursday!!!
Shannon, I hope you were able to see the movie yesterday!
I loved it so much!! I’d say that movie really stuck with me for so many reasons.
If you look on YouTube, the actors all share their stories too. They are really moving.
Powerful story for sure!
Whew, if watching a trailer can make me weepy, I can only imagine the movie. I’m like you, Butch, don’t go to movies much at all. Thanks for the recommendation.
You are most welcome, Rita!
I saw the movie with my friends. What an amazing story! I want my husband and my older grandchildren to see it. Thanks for sharing!
I am glad you have seen the movie!
I hadn’t heard of this film but I can see why you find it touching and inspiring. It seems like I get to the movies so seldom — sometimes you discover it was really worth the trip!
Sometimes, it is worth the trip is so true!
Responding to the truth and reality of Jesus Christ does transform lives. Rarely go to movies but will be looking for this one as I love the song. Thank you for letting us know the story behind the song. Looking forward to Floral Friday.
Thank you Dianne!
Oh I have been wanting to go see that movie too and we aren’t movie goers either. That song has always been one of my favorites. Only God’s grace and mercy can carry us through. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Hugs and blessings, sweet friend!
The Captain and I made a week of it last week and saw two great and inspiring movies. One was “I Can Only Imagine” and the other was “Paul the Apostle”. Both are must sees. It is so refreshing to see Christian movies coming on the scene.
Kari @ Me and My Captain
Thank you, Kari. I hope to see Paul the Apostle!
We saw the movie and it was very compelling.Wonderful story of redemption.
Good post to share because so often movies are not good. We are not regular goers either.
When we go to a movie, we choose wisely!
Thanks for highlighting this post. It sounds like a Christ centered message of grace and redemption. Can’t wait to see it! Sharing on FB. Have a blessed day. #graceandtruth
Thank you Tiffiney!
Yes, it was such a fantastic story of God’s grace. I wept throughout it and so enjoyed it as I have loved the song forever and never knew the story behind it. Blessings abundant!
Blessings Lea!
Thanks so much for the recommendation. It does look like a beautiful story. And, you are right ~ “All stories need to be told.” And, it is so important to listen. A beautiful post!
Thank you Sandra!
I haven’t gone to the movies for about ten years myself and even longer before that because of health issues. I would love to see this one! It was here last week and everyone who saw it enjoyed it. I hope to see it someday. I know it has a touching story and the song alone, I love. Thanks for sharing. Blessings…Sandi
This is definitely on my list to see!!!….thanks for the review!!!
Shirley, if you get a chance go see it!
My husband and son saw this….without me! They loved it and I can’t wait for it to come out on DVD. I just love the song and want it sung at my memorial service. I love Mercy Me…their songs are so heartfelt.
I hope you see it, AnnMarie. I commented on your wonderful cookie recipe twice, but the comment never showed. Happy weekend!
Girrrrrlllll…..I have this song on my iPad and iPod and desktop and on CD, and it is truly one of the most hauntingly beautiful pieces ever written in both lyric and melody!!! I have said that I would love to have this piece sung at my funeral. Itโs just so beautiful! Iโve not seen the movie, but I will. Iโm kind of scared, though. Movies about mean parents always freak me out. (I watched the movie โPreciousโ some years back and couldnโt get it out of my head for MONTHS!!!) My parents were never cruel or unsupportive, so itโs really hard for me to imagine how a parent could be like that. Iโm going to suck it up and watch this one, though. I may have to wait until it comes out on HBO or Netflix or something, though, because I think itโs gone from theaters here. Like you, I donโt go to the movies often AT ALL!!! Iโd rather watch from the quiet and comfort of our own home, with our own popcorn, our own bathroom, and the ability to pause it anytime I like!!! Big screen TV with surround sound is fine with me! Iโm glad you enjoyed the movie so much!!! Iโm going to watch the video of the song now so that I can get my โfix.โ
Alycia, you are the second person to say you would like to have it sung at your funeral. My parents were the best, loving and supporting always. Until I became a teen, I didnโt realize that all children didnโt have that! So many suffer in silence. Thank you, my friend!
Sounds interesting Pam, I will keep an eye out for it when it comes to Australia.
Jennifer
Hopefully it will come.
Beautiful and touching. Thank you!