Friday, November 01, 2024

The Forge - Watch Faith & Fellowship Take Hold



Wow, what a movie "The Forge" is. Seeing how faith and fellowship can heal and reposition lives is always amazing. But this movie goes beyond preaching to the choir. Its focus is a young man who like many young men, want to be respected as a man without knowing what it really takes to be a man. What this young man had going for him is his willingness to finally listen. He listens to his momma's frustrations with him, and he listens to advice from a man who would later become his mentor. Then he makes a choice and begins to act on it.

We were all young once and couldn't wait to step out and make our mark in the world. Many of us stepped out with arrogance and false pride, thinking we had all the smarts and answers to conquer the world while avoiding its pitfalls. Then life happens, and hopefully it humbled us just enough to allow ourselves to be helped and guided by others. We learn through fellowship the blessings and miracles of prayer and love for others, as opposed to "just doing you." 

The characters in the film demonstrate the strength and beauty that comes with turning one's life over to God.  To bond with God and allow yourself to be forged into a strong vessel for God to reach others. 


forge1
/fôrj/

verb
  1. 1.
    make or shape (a metal object) by heating it in a fire or furnace and beating or hammering it.
    "he forged a great suit of black armor"
    Similar:
    hammer out
    beat into shape
    found
    cast
    mold
    model
    fashion
  2. 2.
    create (a relationship or new conditions).
    "the two women forged a close bond"
    Similar:
    build
    build up
    construct
    form
    create
    establish
    set up
noun


What touched me in the movie as a parent is seeing a parent's love, patience, and prayers while waiting for their child to step toward God and receive blessings. Blessings not for the parent's sake, but for the child. I don't think there's any prouder moment for a parent than seeing their child embrace God. To know that your child has learned reverence for a supreme spiritual being, putting trust in God to guide and protect him/her as they walk the righteous path of faith is a parental blessing almost unequaled. Especially for parents who have gone through the fires and frustrations of teenage upbringing.

“The Forge,” is also very much about mentorship. It reminds us older men, Christian and all, of our duty to engage and help steer younger men toward becoming fully responsible and respectful men in our communities and the world. And with faith in God as a foundation for moral and spiritual growth. Because whether they know it or not, they are shaping the future of our world by the choices they make today. 

"With God, all things are possible" - Matt.19:26, Mark 10:27

“Many a Mickle can make a Muckle” Scottish proverb
(many little things added together can make a big thing)

With God All Things Are Possible | The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel

The Discipline of Discipleship - C.S. Lewis Institute



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