I have a love-hate relationship with movies that make me cry – and it all started with an ill-fated trip to see The Fox and the Hound as a 5-year-old. My teeny-tiny self had my first in-theatre, crying-so-hard-you-can’t-breathe, devastated when the story didn’t go as it should moment – there was NO GOOD REASON why a fox and a hound couldn’t be friends. 

In real-life though, that fox and hound would not be friends, but I didn’t know that. When it’s a true-life story though? I’m looking for the redemption in the grief. 

Last weekend, I saw I STILL BELIEVE for the third time. I know the story and still, the tears came – and the laughter, too. Based on the true-life story of Jeremy and Melissa Camp, this is a story of grief, yes – but of hope, and redemption, too.

And I love these stories because I know this theme in my own story. I see it in what God is writing in the life stories all around me. Gary Sinise does a stellar job acting as Jeremy Camp’s Dad in the film, and one line he shared has stuck with me: 

“My life is not full in spite of the disappointment, it’s full because of them…You chose to walk into the fire – that’s what love is.”

That is what I walk away with after being immersed in this story for the past number of months. 

My life is full, because of choosing to walk into the fire, in disappointments – and finding love. Over and over and over again. This is the story of our lives, isn’t it? It’s the theme of so many stories throughout my life – I could name each of them, one by one. Funny enough, it’s the theme of that first movie-crying experience too – The Fox and the Hound, they walked into their own fire, and found love too. Maybe they were onto something. 

And what’s even more important? Being able to still believe in God’s faithfulness, His goodness and His kindness when we’ve walked our way through – knowing that we never did walk alone through the fire. It’s that story behind Jeremy Camp’s song, “I Still Believe,” that makes the song even more powerful. 

Movie Ticket Giveaway!

I STILL BELIEVE – the new film from The Erwin Brothers (creators of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE) – releases across Canada today, Friday, March 13^th.

And… I’m giving away two passes to see the film in theatres. The contest is open to Canadian residents only (excluding Quebec residents). Enter to win by leaving a comment below on what makes your life full to be entered to win. Two winners will be randomly chosen at noon ET on Monday, March 16^th.

You can find out where the film is playing near you at www.faithfilms.ca.

*This contest is now closed. Thank you for participating!