The Power of Family – Movie Review - The Good Lie

As my chicks all arrive home this week – my heart overflows with gratitude. Tears flowed this morning as I woke up to remember there are six of us in the house, instead of just John and me. I feel blessed. My family hasn’t been all together in two years—two years ago this Christmas.

There is something about family that is powerful. I can’t explain the bond—it can only be felt. All I know is it feels good to be together after such a long time of being apart.

This bond is something I saw as I watched, The Good Lie. This story starring an incredible cast of Sudanese actors along with Reese Witherspoon, is powerful. It’s a story where family will go to any length to reunite with one another. It is a story of how families depend on one another to make it through difficulties. It is a story of hope in the midst of horror.

The Good Lie doesn’t rush its message. It lays a foundation of oppression of the civil war in Sudan (1983 - 2005) and follows the lost boys through unspeakable days and months as they travel over a thousand miles to escape the persecution of soldiers. They encounter death, gunfire, and a grueling journey. But, they stick together and do whatever it takes to reach refuge.

After years in a refugee camp, they are taken to America under a humanitarian effort, given jobs, places to live and begin again. Their journey inspired me to think of those in other countries who are persecuted because of their faith. It prompted me to cheer when reunited with those they had missed. And I cried when these brothers sacrificed for one another so they could experience freedom.

I recommend The Good Lie for adults and families with teens – it would be great for conversations about life, choices, hope, and faith (It is rated PG-13 for some violence, language and drug use). This movie opened my eyes to the circumstances of this Sudanese oppression and the hardships they faced, as well as the culture shock they encountered when they arrived in America. Watching The Good Lie is like going on a mission trip or Peace Corp venture. It will open your eyes to experience compassion for fellow brothers and sisters of other cultures.

What I experienced this week with having my family gather together – extends to what I felt when these lost boys were brought together again after being away from one another and their homeland. The power of family speaks through The Good Lie – and its voice will touch your heart.

The Good Lie also tells a story of brothers and sisters who are connected by the Spirit of God. Your heart will be changed by their story and empowered to see the world in a different way—the family way.

So, this Christmas, will you pause and pray for those who are far from you? People all over the world who live under oppression need it. We have brothers and sisters who are near who are divided by circumstances. There are others who only know persecution. And, we have families who need the healing power of family love to bind age old wounds. There is only one remedy for all of these—

Jesus Christ

This is why Jesus came, born as a babe over 2,000 years ago. He brought healing and wholeness to reunite us to our Heavenly Father. Jesus went to great length to bring peace and a sense of family to those who He loved with all of His heart. 

Merry Christmas to you all and I would love to hear what you think about The Good Lie. Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy. The movie releases on DVD December 23rd.

Jeanne

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