I remember the day as if it were yesterday.

I was 9 years old when my parents called my brother and me to our living room and asked us to sit down. By the look on their faces, I knew we were in trouble or something terrible had happened.

Their voices were low, their words measured. Carefully, they told us a long story about my mom’s love for a baby abandoned at her aunt’s house. Mom was only 15 years old when she met the 9-month-old baby girl. Over the next several years, she fell in love with the petit blond, blue-eyed little toddler, and a strong bond began.

In her early 20s, my mom promised the young girl that when she got married, she would adopt her. And so, when my dad proposed, her only condition was that he agreed to adopt my sister.

And so it happened. After a short honeymoon in Rio de Janeiro, Mom and Dad returned home to their beloved 8-year-old new daughter.

That is the beautiful adoption story of my oldest sister.

My little brother and I were surprised to find out that Ana was adopted, but my parents’ concerns about our reaction were unwarranted. Our oldest sister was, well, our beloved sister. Period. Nothing would ever change that.

Through the years, God has put people with incredible adoption stories in my life. Not only have I witnessed my sister’s life flourish, but several of my friends have adopted children, and it has been a blessing to witness their stories unfold.

For people of the Christian faith, we also understand adoption from a spiritual perspective. The Bible contains many passages portraying our relationship to God as adopted children. Perhaps the most known is found in the eighth chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Roman church:

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.”

Indeed, adoption started in God’s heart. And just as it changed our eternal condition as believers, earthly adoptions change the lives of millions of children who would otherwise remain in orphanages without hope for a secure future.

Adoption started in God’s heart. And just as it changed our eternal condition as believers, earthly adoptions change the lives of millions of children who would otherwise remain in orphanages without hope for a secure future. @AJC…
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I recently talked to Alex and Stephen Kendrick of Kendrick Productions about “Lifemark,” their first movie based on a true story. The film, produced in partnership with actor and evangelist Kirk Cameron and Phantom events, tells the story of David, an 18-year-old whose life turns upside down when his birth mother unexpectedly contacts him. To David’s surprise, she expresses the desire to meet the son she gave up for adoption when she was a teenager.

The Journey

With the encouragement and support of his adoptive parents, David chooses to meet his birth mother, and a journey starts, leading him to discover the astounding truth about his past.

During our interview, the Kendrick brothers described the incredible impact the movie has caused, including testimonies of young women who were contemplating abortion and chose to give birth to their babies after watching David’s true story.

But “Lifemark” goes beyond a “pro-birth” message. Rather, it highlights the preciousness of life in general, as the birth mother’s choice shaped many people’s lives. The young teenager’s decision to give birth to David gave him a chance to have an incredible life and a loving family. It also blessed countless people touched by the young man’s outstanding and caring character, including, eventually, his birth mother.

The movie Lifemark goes beyond a “pro-birth” message. Rather, it highlights the preciousness of life in general, as the birth mother’s choice shaped many people’s lives. @AJC @KendrickBros @LookItsJustEPIC
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As a person whose life was also forever impacted by my sister’s adoption and her birth mother’s choice, I am deeply grateful for the beautiful message in “Lifemark” and the producers who bravely decided to feature this remarkable story.

Find out more about “Lifemark” at lifemarkmovie.com/. Listen to Patricia’s interview with Alex and Stephen Kendrick on her podcast God-Sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook (links below).

Patricia Holbrook is a columnist, author, podcaster and international speaker. Visit her website www.soaringwithHim.com. Subscribe to her podcast and YouTube channel for all interviews. For speaking engagements and comments, email pholbrook@soaringwithhim.com

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website.

Listen to the podcast episode below. If you are reading this in your email, please CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast. This interview is also available on YouTube. CLICK HERE to watch it.

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The post Adoption – Choosing to Change Lives {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

The brothers’ first documentary focuses on an issue that affects every human being: the importance of a father’s role and its impact on a person’s life. It features five true stories of people deeply impacted by their fathers’ absence or positive influence, including former NFL player Sherman Smith, best-selling author and pastor Dr. Tony Evans, former NFL player Deland McCullough, Focus on the Family President Jim Daly and former NFL player Eddie George.

The documentary is timely, as the absence of fathers dramatically impacts our society today. According to the U.S. 2020 Census data, 18.3 million children live without a father in America. During our interview, Stephen Kendrick related the eye-opening effects of the issue in our society: Being fatherless is the No. 1 common denominator among people in prison, drug addicts, teen pregnancies and even human trafficking victims.

Being fatherless is the No. 1 common denominator among people in prison, drug addicts, teen pregnancies and even human trafficking victims. #ShowmetheFather #fatherlessinAmerica @AJC
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The movie’s primary goal is to offer hope to those negatively impacted by a harsh father or by the absence of one. Among the featured interviews, the producers share their own father’s story – a man scarred by an alcoholic dad but who overcame his upbringing by leaning and learning from God’s character as a father in Scriptures, thus forever impacting his relationship with his sons. Likewise, the movie shares the heartwarming story of Stephen and Jill Kendrick’s adoption process and how it opened their hearts to understand God’s love for all his children.

The 14th chapter of the Gospel of John features Jesus’ last conversation with his disciples before His betrayal and crucifixion. In the text, Jesus provides not only insight into His impending absence but also much-needed comfort and guidance for His followers after His departure.

Distraught by the idea of losing their beloved leader, one of the disciples said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus’ answer permeates every story featured in the documentary: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” His answer opens our eyes to understand that God left a blueprint in His Word for any father who does not know how to redeem a strained relationship with his children and for every person who grew up without a positive father figure.

God left a blueprint in His Word for any father who does not know how to redeem a strained relationship with his children and for every person who grew up without a positive father figure. @AJC #Showmethefather #FatherlessnessinAmerica
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The stories featured in the documentary are varied but point to the same conclusion: Through a relationship with their heavenly Father, dads can find the key to changing the narrative in their relationship with their children. Likewise, for those who did not have a good dad (or whose hearts are scared by a ruthless one), Scriptures remind us that even though we may not have a loving earthly father, God showed His unfathomable love and grace through Jesus’ life and sacrifice. Indeed, as we read through the Gospels, we see in Jesus’ words and behavior the perfect reflection of our heavenly Father.

For those who did not have a good dad (or whose hearts are scared by a ruthless one), Scriptures remind us that even though we may not have a loving earthly father, God showed His unfathomable love and grace through Jesus’ life and…
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At a time when so many children need guidance and healing, and numerous fathers feel lost on how to relate to their children, “Show Me the Father” stands as a light in the darkness. Kudos to the Kendricks Brothers for another refreshing, prime production. This work of art will certainly bring hope and help to fathers who wish to leave an eternal legacy and children who need to know there is indeed a father in heaven who loves them deeply, even if their earthly fathers fell short.

Find out more about where to watch and other resources at www.showmethefathermovie.com. You can also watch the interview on Patricia’s YouTube channel.

#ShowmetheFather Documentary brings hope and help to fathers who wish to leave an eternal legacy and children who need to know there is indeed a father in heaven who loves them deeply, even if their earthly fathers fell short.
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This article was originally published in Patricia Holbrook’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, January 15th, 2021. Click HERE to find it on the AJC’s website. Watch her interview with Alex and Stephen Kendrick below on Patricia’s YouTube Channel.

The post Kendrick Brothers First Documentary Offers Insights on Fatherhood {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Video Interview} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“Overcomer” — the latest motion picture by the Kendrick brothers — promises to hit a chord with anyone entering the theater with an open heart. The theme could not be more current. At a time when society seeks to redefine our significance, values and morals, “Overcomer” presents a challenging question that rings beyond the church walls: “What do you allow to define you?”

After the massive success of the 2015 No. 1 box-office hit “War Room,” the Kendrick brothers surprise us again with a storyline that entertains, inspires and unapologetically preaches the central message of the Gospel: We are, above all and before anything else, children of the living God.

The Kendrick brothers surprise us again w/ a storyline that unapologetically preaches the central message of the Gospel: We are, above all and before anything else, children of the living God. #overcomermovie @OvercomerMovie…
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Alex Kendrick summarizes it best: “We want to remind people that the creator gets to define its creation. There is no better place to define our identity than in the one who created us. (…) So why would I trust my identity in changing things, over a God who created me and loves me? That’s what we want people to walk out of the theater thinking about.”

On Aug. 22, the eve of the movie’s release in 1,800 screens nationwide, I interviewed Alex and Stephen Kendrick, co-writers of the movie’s storyline. Alex also plays the role of coach John Harrison, whose life changes overnight when his high school basketball team’s state championship dreams are crushed when the largest manufacturing plant in town shuts down, forcing hundreds of students to move away. Coach Harrison is forced to coach cross-country – a sport he does not like or know much about. The coach is haunted by fear and insecurity about his future while realizing he placed his identity and worth in his career.

I believe his story will resonate with many men watching the movie.

“If you ask most men who they are,” said Alex, “they will tell you what they do first. In other words, most men put the foundation of who they are as their occupation (…), but God says: ‘You find yourself in me first.’ You see, your job can change, your feelings can change, finances can change (…) But if my foundation is anchored in Jesus Christ — and he does not change — my foundation does not change.”

I also had the privilege of interviewing renowned Bible teacher and New York bestselling author Priscilla Shirer during the red carpet premiere of the movie. Shirer, whose acting debut in “War Room” rendered the accolades of many industry veterans, plays high school principal, Olivia Brooks. Olivia is a woman on a mission to help her students accomplish more than academic excellence, investing in the emotional and spiritual well-being of her students.

Shirer is well-known in Christian circles. Her Bible studies and bestselling books have reached thousands of women across the globe. When asked about the significance of the movie in today’s environment, she told me of her experience meeting women in later years of their lives, who realize that they have not followed their passion or God-given purpose. They often recognize that they made choices and decisions to please or impress someone; or based on the desire to be accepted and loved.

“Folks have chosen whole career paths (…) because they are trying to gain what (they do not realize) they already have. You are already accepted. You are already significant. You are already chosen,” says Priscilla, her voice filled with emotion.

Her words present a challenge in a society riveted by success and stardom. Indeed, with the ample influence of social media, we must be careful not to allow our friends’ apparent success to fuel the comparison monster, which thrives on feelings of inadequacy and insufficiency.

With the ample influence of social media, we must be careful not to allow our friends’ apparent success to fuel the comparison monster, which thrives on feelings of inadequacy and insufficiency. #Overcomermovie
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Shirer concluded with a powerful statement: “Once you believe that you are who God says you are, you start making decisions from a whole different place. And that literally can change the whole course of your life.”

“Once you believe that you are who God says you are, you start making decisions from a whole different place. And that literally can change the whole course of your life.” @PriscillaShirer #OvercomerMovie
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This article was originally published on Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, August 31, 2019.

Watch Patricia’s interview with Alex and Stephen Kendrick on YouTube below:

The post AJC Column about “Overcomer” & Kendrick Brothers Video Interview appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.