Running for My Life is not a story about Africa or track and field athletics. It is about outrunning the devil and achieving the impossible faith, diligence, and the desire to give back. It is the American dream come true and a stark reminder that saving one can help to save thousands more. Lopez Lomong chronicles his inspiring ascent from a barefoot lost boy of the Sudanese Civil War to a Nike sponsored athlete on the US Olympic Team. Though most of us fall somewhere between the catastrophic lows and dizzying highs of Lomong's incredible life, every reader will find in his story the human spark to pursue dreams that might seem unthinkable, even from circumstances that might appear hopeless.
I came across this book at Barnes and Noble while browsing thru the Christian section and I am so glad I found it. I have read several memoirs based in Africa dealing with genocide so I was drawn to this book as soon as I saw it. Lopez's story is amazing and to see how he gives all the glory to God even in the face of impossible odds is inspiring. I also loved reading about his American family and how amazingly selfless they were, I can only hope that one day I could make an impact on someones life like they did. This was a quick read and I highly recommend this book also if your husband is looking for a good book I think Men would really enjoy this.
Switching gears only slightly it was ONE year ago this week that the Invisible Children project received the attention they deserved with the Kony 2012 video. This really moved me you can read more about this HERE and HERE
Something I always say when I try to bring a spotlight to a cause that is dear to me on this blog is......Knowledge is the first step. Learning and opening your mind/heart to things you may not normally come across is where it starts. And even though this platform is relatively small it is what I have and I use it. SO....what happened to the Kony 2012 movement? Find out.................
If you remember about a month ago I watched the movie Machine Gun Preacher on "on Demand" and was moved by it. So I would love it if you would visit that post (HERE) to get caught up, learn more about the movie and the man behind the movie Sam Childers.
While I was watching the movie I ordered his book on Amazon and finally this week I found the time to read it and love it. Now, Sam will tell you that he was an 11th grade drop out who in some crazy turn of events is writing a book. But you know what? I love the way it was written.....this book was written as if you were sitting at a table listening to Sam tell you his story and the children in Africa's stories! This book is an amazing example of what ONE man can accomplish thru Christ. This book is an example of someone truly listening to what God has laid on his heart. I loved it. I think you should:
1. Watch the movie 2. visit Sam's website www.machinegunpreacher.org 3. Read the book and discuss with your friends and family.
Has anyone read this book or seen this movie since I last talked about it????
Oh Monday......I am sorry to say I didn't miss you, why must you always come back so soon? Did you all have a good weekend? You know, I did until yesterday.....I had a huge migraine. Since the move I have been tracking my migraines better and every time it storms here I get one. Must be the pressure change....so right on schedule yesterday came the storm and my migraine.
*** I originally had my review for Total Recall here but after reading this post back I removed it ...I wanted all the focus to be on the movie below*****
Ok, last night I rented a movie on Demand and for a few weeks I always hover over this movie Machine Gun Preacher so last night finally I hit "rent". I am not sure why this movie hasn't and won't be in theaters especially with all the recent light being shed on Joseph Kony. Kony is a central theme in this TRUE life movie.....
I won't be able to accurately tell you what this movie is about so watch the trailer................
That preview makes me emotional, stirs up something in my heart and calls me to action.
Let me start this "review" by saying is more killing justified in God's eyes? A means to an end? Does the bloodshed get out weighed by the good in the end result? I am sure this could be easily up for debate and I will leave that you. Also this movie is rated....R. An R movie with a Christian message? This is the true story of Sam Childers life....the drugs, violence and language are part of that, part of who Sam was and part of the atrocities that happen to the people of Sudan.
I loved this movie, I truly loved and was moved by this story. This story shows you that God loves and forgives anyone...people forget that, that ONE person can make a difference and that you can turn your life around no matter how bad you think it is. This one man didn't pick the easy path, he didn't stay in his comfort zone and I 100% believe that God not only changed him but God had this as a path for Sam. I liked this movie so much I looked up his website this morning but I bought his book (HERE)
I highly recommend this movie.....movies like this make me think I should do more.?! I should step out from behind my blog and truly do more.? I volunteer, I sponsor a lovely woman Rosine who lives in Africa, I try to shed light on issues via my blog but is it enough? Sam does more and I have a friend from HS Tara who gave up her life and she now lives in Africa, she is making a difference. Things like this (movie) make you think about your own life and the purpose God has for me and you. This movie isn't sunshine and roses......people struggle even when they serve the Lord.
Friends, I am sorry to get all heavy on a Monday morning but I am speaking from my heart. Have you seen this movie? Thoughts? Let me know if you see it and what you think. To check out Sam Childers website, learn more about the children or to donate you can click HERE. or just visit www.machinegunpreacher.org
I have ordered a shirt....it's a start.
"Hope is the greatest weapon of all"
Here is a clip of the real Sam Childers talking about Sudan..........
