Trace does an amazing job at anything he does. You can tell this movie really helped him. We are have flaws and he admits that he does too. You have to admire him. REDEMPTION
Wonderful movie. Tracy Atkins is wonderful and if you didn't know. You fit that part of a Music manager so well that part was made for you. Be blessed, a fan from Texas.
You believe that Christ died for ALL your sins,was buried and rose again on the 3rd day, believe it with NO WORKS INVOLVED, then you become SAVED AND SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
That movie was really an eye opener...loved it...very touching...God bless you Trace...you are always amazing and God bless all the others that was in this heart touching movie
Its not about religion. By the way, Christians are human just like you. It's about salvation in Jesus Christ. He came and gave His life for you and me and the world past, present and future. Giving your life to Him is awesome. Will you be perfect in this world, no, but you strive to live for Him. Jesus said in the Bible "there is none righteous, no not one" humanly speaking.
Patrick Saxon - grow up! It’s Jesus who condemns all other religions outside of Biblical Christianity, blame Him.....Matt 7, 23 etc... yeah....I wouldn’t.....
I loved this movie, I've seen it 3 times & we are showing it at my Church in August at our movie night. Thanks to Bart for sharing his story & all who made it possible to put his story on the screen. This is a healing movie one that I know will help people heal & encourage others to renew thier Faith or come to God.
What a wonderful blessing,how God Almighty use,s our life to reach out to others. God Bless all of the actors and MercyMe. Thank you so much for sharing not only your life ,but also this wonderful song. May God Almighty continue to bless you and your band.
Was so movie thru pain he found hope and found his purpose he saw god revelation transformed his dad there hope nothing impossible and Jesus can there Jesus do praise God for the glorious new hope that was brought just pray life o Lord would find a new hope find the darkness rain and come lite you let ur reign shine thru life's be moved in mighty name of Jesus amen lite way ur path ur mercy thru this ur grace let reign over life's many blessings god bless you blessings over all amen
God bless you blessings over you and y'all I'm praying for you the reigns god bless happy ressurwcting day ressurwcting king is glorious victorious and mighty god only king forever reign forever true infinite reign forever his praises reign amen
I've been a christian for 40 yrs and love the lord more than anything else that exists in this world. I too, had a father like Barts! My story goes very much like his. This is by far the best Christian, most personal & intimate story anyone could ever watch! It truly shows how much God loves EACH of us, no matter what we've done or where we've been! It shows how powerful and immediate his forgiveness is when we come to him, anywhere, anytime. It also shows how powerful our forgive ess can be when we choose to forgive others, no matter what they've done to us! By choosing to forgive ( " I choose to forgive because I've been forgiven"!), it changes us permanently and we instantly become better people. I believe we are living in a world where many people around the world dont feel worthy of Gods live & forgiveness because of something (s) in their past but its NOT True! Christian's all around the world should be focusing on loving others, no matter who they are or what they've done instead of being g overcritical of so many others! Like Barts story, we dont know what's happened to them behind closed doors and why they may behave or think the way they do. God still loves them just as much as any if us! We should be working more at what Jesus says in his word: looking in the mirror every day at our own selves and seeing how we can be better than being so quick to judge & criticize others! I truly believe that if our churches and many more Christian's would have been doing this over past decades, more people would be on their way to heaven today! " Love your neighbor as yourself". Its the second greatest commandment to enter into heave. When we pass from here. Love from this Christian to all gods children around the world!! He loves you more than you can ever imagine!
Faith movies are getting better, when I was young the Christian movies were bad. I saw MercyMe in Feb & we saw the trailer for this film at the end of his concert.
Absolutely heartwarming story. following your dreams, making James was your past and true story ….I can only imagine …song. Redemption. I’m glad you signed on to the movie. He processor much is the character and the story of fart head singer of MercyMe.
Sadly instead of seeing the love in this interview... some judgement is clouding what this was all about! Why can’t we see our common characteristics here. Step back and remember what God has done for all of us!
Trace has been through a lot in his personal life as well from nearly being killed in a car crash to surviving being shot through the heart by his ex wife
When one chooses while knowingly presented a debit card for failure...such as a spirit of healing ..life...wisdom.. strength.. humility...purity...and wisdom to use strength to fight for it for it awakens eyes and minds to see how things where...are and will be if not addressed ....and choose another path....is a harm to that spirit....#worldnews
Madame Poovie: And you have a problem with confessing that you are a sinner and accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? Give me some Bible verses about going to mass and receiving the eucharist. I am tired of being told if I'm not catholic I am going to hell. If you say this, YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN, you are just a member of a manmade institution.
sagrammyfour YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT! Catholicism is a MAN MADE BS AND NOT FROM GOD!! The bible, God's inspired word, has the pattern for His church, the catholics DONT FOLLOW IT! They are just like the mormons, jehovahs witnesses, and all the other denominational churches! And they are ALL WRONG!! Read your bible. Follow God's word for the church, the plan of salvation INCLUDING BAPTISM, and how to live our lives.
Madame Poovie: Your very lengthy replies show me you are a legalist and a moralist (Pharisee?) who would rather further the cause of a man made institution than the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic Church does not equal Jesus Christ. There is something wrong in being exclusive, selfish and proprietary about the Gospel and salvation. The Good News is to be shared by all, for all. You do not have a monopoly on Scriptures--believe it or not, I have read and am familiar with every word you are quoting. He is MY lord, too--you do not have a corner on salvation. As Christians, we should all rejoice when another soul is won. I do not need to boast of anything or anyone except my Jesus who came to save us all, and that we might have abundant life. To do anything less is not in keeping with what Jesus taught us.
It says ... mankind cannot serve two masters...it must return everything it made violating what was pure and sacred...accept judgement and see if the order presents a solution....the earth is crumbling...and no redemption till it all ...those who participated...confess
Hebrews 12:1-3 KJVS [1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us , and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Repent God is coming now confess and believe in your heart that jesus is the christ and your lord and savior and that he died for your sins and that God rose him from the dead on the third day and you will be saved now build a relationship with God and ask the lord for forgiveness daily jesus loves you ask him to guide you and come into your life spread da word
Ahaha my dad beat us boys everyday of our lives.. What a wussy.. He got so tired of spanking us he started making us do exercises... We would much rather he beat us... Ahaha my poor dad.. We deserved everything he had to do Doc johnny
Sounds like he’s just making that voice it’s not really his voice lol no one has a voice like that they have to make it like that. Sounds like he has a voice box. It sounds like a lazy voice.
johnny llooddte Do you pray for him? God tells us to pray for our leaders. Remember too that God allowed Trump to become president. He will use him for His purpose.
Trump has done more for the Christian people and has stood for God more than any other President by far in modern history. Its the Democrats that have the real problems.
Movie Review Title: I Can Only Imagine Directors: Andrew and Jon Erwin Distributor: Lionsgate Films Genre: Biography, Drama, Family, Music MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements including some violence USCCB Rating: A-II - adults and adolescents My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars Primary Audiences: Teens and adults Year of Release: 2018 I Can Only Imagine is the true story of the hit Christian song of the same title, written by Bart Millard of MercyMe, how it came to be, and the story behind it. It tells a story of the power of music, love, and most importantly, faith. Media Key One: Balance The story unfolds as Bart Millard is taken to a Christian summer camp after he went to sleep the previous night to the sounds of his mother and father arguing and fighting. He enjoys his week, after being apprehensive at first, but comes home after the week to see all of his mom’s things gone from the house, and a moving truck that was driving away. He chases after the truck, wondering if his mom would ever come back. This gives a balanced insight into Bart’s childhood, experiencing pain and fighting at home while experiencing true faith and joy away at camp. Years have passed, and Bart is in high school dealing with a football injury that has caused him to end his career in that sport. He is spotted by the music director, unknowingly, singing songs. She casts him in the school’s production of Oklahoma, and there he finds his passion for music. After high school, he hits the road with his guitar and comes to a group who will later become MercyMe. The first 45 minutes of this movie are crucial to give a well-formed background of events, and a balanced view of Bart’s life. Media Keys Two and Three: Attitude Awareness and The Dignity of the Human Person Keeping in mind the environment Bart grew up in, many may sympathize with him if they have experienced a similar upbringing. As MercyMe is getting their career as a band started, Bart heads home to find his father’s house better looking than it ever was, and there comes his father, Bible in hand, well dressed, and having a pleasant attitude. Bart finds out his dad has cancer, which caused him to change his ways, his attitude, and to strive to be a good Christian. Bart struggles with this change of attitude, wondering if it is fake, causing his own attitude to change. Yet, he takes the opportunity to take his father to a service where he is singing at. Bart is aware of how he should treat his father and is beginning to gain the father he wished he always had before he passes away. After the funeral is when Bart wrote the hit song, “I Can Only Imagine” and the song went on to become popular even across secular genres, gaining the attention of Amy Grant and others who got MercyMe on the map. The Fourth Media Key: Truth-Filled We have a responsibility to diligently choose what we feed ourselves with in the media. This key examines how, and if, truth is present within the media piece. This story tells one thing that is common to many; this tells a story of conversion. Finding truth within moments of doubt is something that many struggle with. Bart’s dad is a figure many can relate to during his conversion, seeking the truth rooted in Scripture and faith. Finding the truth caused him to change and to find joy again. That’s something we experience daily, living in truth and communion with God brings joy and makes the world just a little bit brighter and filled with more joy. The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring So many have described this movie as inspiring, and I agree. We see a story of pain and neglect blossom into joy and beauty in Bart’s side of the story, and his father’s story turning from a story of anger and rage to a story of faith. Both persevered through some tough moments in their own lives to find God and to find joy. Bart even gained a hit song that has inspired many just from writing about his experiences, trials, and joys. So many have found triumph and good within this story, and that in of itself is inspiring. The Sixth Media Key: Skillfully Developed In this movie, there is no need for crazy CGI or special effects; the value of the production all comes from the script and how it is presented. Every single person involved showed real emotion, which added all the more impact. And the script was beautifully written, showing how each event impacted each and every person involved in Bart’s life. The Seventh Media Key: Motivated By and Relevant to Experience We as human beings desire to relate to others and to know more about the human experience. This story tells a unique, yet similar and relevant story to many. We see how from a rough upbringing; one comes to rely on God, and the other comes to find God after a turbulent life. Bart finds strength in God as he learns what it means to be on his own, but also when he finds his father again with a new perspective on life and faith.
I've been a christian for 40 yrs and love the lord more than anything else that exists in this world. I too, had a father like Barts! My story goes very much like his. This is by far the best Christian, most personal & intimate story anyone could ever watch! It truly shows how much God loves EACH of us, no matter what we've done or where we've been! It shows how powerful and immediate his forgiveness is when we come to him, anywhere, anytime. It also shows how powerful our forgive ess can be when we choose to forgive others, no matter what they've done to us! By choosing to forgive ( " I choose to forgive because I've been forgiven"!), it changes us permanently and we instantly become better people. I believe we are living in a world where many people around the world dont feel worthy of Gods live & forgiveness because of something (s) in their past but its NOT True! Christian's all around the world should be focusing on loving others, no matter who they are or what they've done instead of being g overcritical of so many others! Like Barts story, we dont know what's happened to them behind closed doors and why they may behave or think the way they do. God still loves them just as much as any if us! We should be working more at what Jesus says in his word: looking in the mirror every day at our own selves and seeing how we can be better than being so quick to judge & criticize others! I truly believe that if our churches and many more Christian's would have been doing this over past decades, more people would be on their way to heaven today! " Love your neighbor as yourself". Its the second greatest commandment to enter into heave. When we pass from here. Love from this Christian to all gods children around the world!! He loves you more than you can ever imagine!
![Trace Adkins - Still A Soldier [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2WA10dETkF8/mqdefault.jpg)
Trace does an amazing job at anything he does. You can tell this movie really helped him. We are have flaws and he admits that he does too. You have to admire him. REDEMPTION
he has a classic deep southern drawl of a voice! he did a great job in the movie.
I absolutely Loved this movie. God Is Good All The Time 🌻💛🌻💛🌻💛🌻
Kathie.. Definitely agree! Amen!! Our GOD is SO GOOD!
And all the time god is good
All the time, God is good!!!!!!!!
Amen!!!!
Yes he is
Wonderful movie. Tracy Atkins is wonderful and if you didn't know. You fit that part of a Music manager so well that part was made for you. Be blessed, a fan from Texas.
Lisa Herrera A
Yep the scene he’s talking about translated so well. I couldn’t stop crying! Believe me I was determine not to cry but I failed big time.
Hercules mac Same!!!
Same
I cried almost the whole movie! :) Beautiful and so inspiring.
Great movie and message for “ALL”.
He's right! Nobody is beyond redemption. If you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you will be SAVED!
You believe that Christ died for ALL your sins,was buried and rose again on the 3rd day, believe it with NO WORKS INVOLVED, then you become SAVED AND SEALED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Amen!
Well....got to make Him your LORD as well. Not just your Savior. Can't have one without the other.
There is way more to do than just that! Way more! Like continuing in his word. Study.
Trace Adkins, Dennis Quaid... mercy me, I pray to God that this reaches out and touches people in a spiritual and empowering way.
That movie was really an eye opener...loved it...very touching...God bless you Trace...you are always amazing and God bless all the others that was in this heart touching movie
This movie would not have been the same without Trace in my humble opinion. What an AMAZING performance. BRAVO.
Great movie. Trace Atkins was terrific.
Jesus is about hope, redemption, forgiveness and love
Its not about religion. By the way, Christians are human just like you.
It's about salvation in Jesus Christ. He came and gave His life for you
and me and the world past, present and future. Giving your life to Him is
awesome. Will you be perfect in this world, no, but you strive to live
for Him. Jesus said in the Bible "there is none righteous, no not one"
humanly speaking.
Patrick Saxon - grow up! It’s Jesus who condemns all other religions outside of Biblical Christianity, blame Him.....Matt 7, 23 etc...
yeah....I wouldn’t.....
Amen!
I loved this movie, I've seen it 3 times & we are showing it at my Church in August at our movie night. Thanks to Bart for sharing his story & all who made it possible to put his story on the screen. This is a healing movie one that I know will help people heal & encourage others to renew thier Faith or come to God.
💖JESUS CHRIST IS MY LORD TO THE GLORY OF GOD OUR FATHER 💖💖💖!!! PRAISE HIM IN ALL THINGS FOR HE IS WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE 👏👏👏💖💖💖!!! AMEN💖💖💖!!!
Awesome song! Great movie! 😇
What a gentleman. What a godly man.
Love his voice.
Gives me cold chills...loved this movie 🍿 we need more like it....
GOD IS GOOD BE BLESSED!!!
heavenly8173 q
Amen
It was a beautiful movie. I thought J. Michael Linley did an awesome job as Bart. Beautiful voice, stellar acting. Movie is a must see!
Excited to see this film
1jeffbrown I hope you have seen it by now and if you haven’t , please go I saw it today and it was great
The movie is so good!
A MUST SEE !!!!!!
Judy Reddy Amen!!!
Loved, loved, loved this movie. A movie everyone should see.
Wonderful inspiring movie
I saw this movie today, "I Can Only Imagine" is a game changer and very well done, I will see it a 2nd time for sure !
I love the twists, turns, and awe inspiring scenes of this story and I love Bart Willard. God bless him.
Great movie 🎥 keep making more movie like this this is number one hit Thank You 🙏
What a wonderful blessing,how God Almighty use,s our life to reach out to others.
God Bless all of the actors and MercyMe. Thank you so much for sharing not only your life ,but also this wonderful song.
May God Almighty continue to bless you and your band.
Was so movie thru pain he found hope and found his purpose he saw god revelation transformed his dad there hope nothing impossible and Jesus can there Jesus do praise God for the glorious new hope that was brought just pray life o Lord would find a new hope find the darkness rain and come lite you let ur reign shine thru life's be moved in mighty name of Jesus amen lite way ur path ur mercy thru this ur grace let reign over life's many blessings god bless you blessings over all amen
God bless you blessings over you and y'all I'm praying for you the reigns god bless happy ressurwcting day ressurwcting king is glorious victorious and mighty god only king forever reign forever true infinite reign forever his praises reign amen
And you were so heart touching and kind and careing in this movie and that why iloveya and always will
Wonderful wonderful movie; God bless all of the actors, directors and crew for bringing such an inspirational message of redemption.....loved it
I've been a christian for 40 yrs and love the lord more than anything else that exists in this world. I too, had a father like Barts! My story goes very much like his. This is by far the best Christian, most personal & intimate story anyone could ever watch! It truly shows how much God loves EACH of us, no matter what we've done or where we've been! It shows how powerful and immediate his forgiveness is when we come to him, anywhere, anytime. It also shows how powerful our forgive ess can be when we choose to forgive others, no matter what they've done to us! By choosing to forgive ( " I choose to forgive because I've been forgiven"!), it changes us permanently and we instantly become better people. I believe we are living in a world where many people around the world dont feel worthy of Gods live & forgiveness because of something (s) in their past but its NOT True! Christian's all around the world should be focusing on loving others, no matter who they are or what they've done instead of being g overcritical of so many others! Like Barts story, we dont know what's happened to them behind closed doors and why they may behave or think the way they do. God still loves them just as much as any if us! We should be working more at what Jesus says in his word: looking in the mirror every day at our own selves and seeing how we can be better than being so quick to judge & criticize others! I truly believe that if our churches and many more Christian's would have been doing this over past decades, more people would be on their way to heaven today! " Love your neighbor as yourself". Its the second greatest commandment to enter into heave. When we pass from here. Love from this Christian to all gods children around the world!! He loves you more than you can ever imagine!
I can just imagine Trace singing "Why me lord"..
THANK YOU, LORD, FOR LOVING ME EVEN. WHEN I HAVE DENY YOU, LORD. FORGIVE ME.
Faith movies are getting better, when I was young the Christian movies were bad. I saw MercyMe in Feb & we saw the trailer for this film at the end of his concert.
Absolutely heartwarming story. following your dreams, making James was your past and true story ….I can only imagine …song. Redemption. I’m glad you signed on to the movie. He processor much is the character and the story of fart head singer of MercyMe.
love this movie.. bought it and watch it SEVERAL times a week
This movie was awesome..thank you!
Such a great movie
This movie is amazing.
💯 Trace Adkins love what you said. Thanks
Love your advice and your take on Barts story
Can't wait to see this film! Love this song!
It is so worth the money!
Outstanding
Great movie. Just saw it. Powerful!!!
Great movie
Excited to see this show 😃
great movie and great song
Beautiful movie!
Amazing movie 😊❤👍😭😭
Love this little movie with Trace, this is the kind of man that's rare too hard find..
I only have hope and love for one man hes the best in the world
That is a very heart touching movie andyo3
Wonderful movie!
Amen trac god working on you
I am SOOOOOO jealous of Trace's voice. I wish mine was just as baritone as his.
I love this movie. it made me cried three times.
Btw i like amy (the actress in thies movie. She is really beautifull
Amen
Trace was awesome in this movie …
Sadly instead of seeing the love in this interview... some judgement is clouding what this was all about! Why can’t we see our common characteristics here. Step back and remember what God has done for all of us!
GOD IS IN CONTROL!!!
Trace has been through a lot in his personal life as well from nearly being killed in a car crash to surviving being shot through the heart by his ex wife
We all need to face our demons
When one chooses while knowingly presented a debit card for failure...such as a spirit of healing ..life...wisdom.. strength.. humility...purity...and wisdom to use strength to fight for it for it awakens eyes and minds to see how things where...are and will be if not addressed ....and choose another path....is a harm to that spirit....#worldnews
TRACE ADKINS NEEDS TO BE SAVED......HE SKIPS AROUND THE FAITH AND BELIEF QUESTIONS
postalgunslinger Let's pray that his heart is softened and his eyes are opened to his need for Jesus.
Madame Poovie: And you have a problem with confessing that you are a sinner and accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? Give me some Bible verses about going to mass and receiving the eucharist. I am tired of being told if I'm not catholic I am going to hell. If you say this, YOU ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN, you are just a member of a manmade institution.
sagrammyfour YOU ARE EXACTLY RIGHT! Catholicism is a MAN MADE BS AND NOT FROM GOD!! The bible, God's inspired word, has the pattern for His church, the catholics DONT FOLLOW IT! They are just like the mormons, jehovahs witnesses, and all the other denominational churches! And they are ALL WRONG!! Read your bible. Follow God's word for the church, the plan of salvation INCLUDING BAPTISM, and how to live our lives.
Madame Poovie: Your very lengthy replies show me you are a legalist and a moralist (Pharisee?) who would rather further the cause of a man made institution than the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic Church does not equal Jesus Christ. There is something wrong in being exclusive, selfish and proprietary about the Gospel and salvation. The Good News is to be shared by all, for all. You do not have a monopoly on Scriptures--believe it or not, I have read and am familiar with every word you are quoting. He is MY lord, too--you do not have a corner on salvation. As Christians, we should all rejoice when another soul is won. I do not need to boast of anything or anyone except my Jesus who came to save us all, and that we might have abundant life. To do anything less is not in keeping with what Jesus taught us.
We should not run down any religious people if we agree or not agree they still love the Lord and that is what counts
now …. I'll go buy the movie!
It says ... mankind cannot serve two masters...it must return everything it made violating what was pure and sacred...accept judgement and see if the order presents a solution....the earth is crumbling...and no redemption till it all ...those who participated...confess
Hebrews 12:1-3 KJVS
[1] Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us , and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Jennifer love hlm to
jesus
What’s up with that news anchor? Shoving homosexuality in Christian stuff now ?
Please tell the news anchor to sit like a man. I mean no offense.
Gay in your face. Strange.
Jennifer love hlm to Andrew
Repent God is coming now confess and believe in your heart that jesus is the christ and your lord and savior and that he died for your sins and that God rose him from the dead on the third day and you will be saved now build a relationship with God and ask the lord for forgiveness daily jesus loves you ask him to guide you and come into your life spread da word
Holy Front kick!! Is that a gay Anderson Silva? LOL
Christian tune? More like our anthem!
Ahaha my dad beat us boys everyday of our lives.. What a wussy..
He got so tired of spanking us he started making us do exercises...
We would much rather he beat us... Ahaha my poor dad..
We deserved everything he had to do
Doc johnny
johnny llooddte Apparently he hit you in the head too many times based on both your comments
Sounds like he’s just making that voice it’s not really his voice lol no one has a voice like that they have to make it like that. Sounds like he has a voice box. It sounds like a lazy voice.
That’s definitely Traces voice. I’ve met him, spoke with him, and his voice is his trademark.. it’s what makes his songs great..!
what makes country singers think they can act? Great movie anyway.
Sue Peel I think he was amazing in this movie. God uses who he wants to for a reason
I think trchump is beyond redemption
johnny llooddte Do you pray for him? God tells us to pray for our leaders. Remember too that God allowed Trump to become president. He will use him for His purpose.
How do you know the only one who knows is God
Trump has done more for the Christian people and has stood for God more than any other President by far in modern history. Its the Democrats that have the real problems.
Maybe you should pray for your own heart and the hate you have in you
Love person big time
Movie Review
Title: I Can Only Imagine
Directors: Andrew and Jon Erwin
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Genre: Biography, Drama, Family, Music
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements including some violence
USCCB Rating: A-II - adults and adolescents
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Primary Audiences: Teens and adults
Year of Release: 2018
I Can Only Imagine is the true story of the hit Christian song of the same title, written by Bart Millard of MercyMe, how it came to be, and the story behind it. It tells a story of the power of music, love, and most importantly, faith.
Media Key One: Balance
The story unfolds as Bart Millard is taken to a Christian summer camp after he went to sleep the previous night to the sounds of his mother and father arguing and fighting. He enjoys his week, after being apprehensive at first, but comes home after the week to see all of his mom’s things gone from the house, and a moving truck that was driving away. He chases after the truck, wondering if his mom would ever come back. This gives a balanced insight into Bart’s childhood, experiencing pain and fighting at home while experiencing true faith and joy away at camp.
Years have passed, and Bart is in high school dealing with a football injury that has caused him to end his career in that sport. He is spotted by the music director, unknowingly, singing songs. She casts him in the school’s production of Oklahoma, and there he finds his passion for music. After high school, he hits the road with his guitar and comes to a group who will later become MercyMe.
The first 45 minutes of this movie are crucial to give a well-formed background of events, and a balanced view of Bart’s life.
Media Keys Two and Three: Attitude Awareness and The Dignity of the Human Person
Keeping in mind the environment Bart grew up in, many may sympathize with him if they have experienced a similar upbringing. As MercyMe is getting their career as a band started, Bart heads home to find his father’s house better looking than it ever was, and there comes his father, Bible in hand, well dressed, and having a pleasant attitude. Bart finds out his dad has cancer, which caused him to change his ways, his attitude, and to strive to be a good Christian. Bart struggles with this change of attitude, wondering if it is fake, causing his own attitude to change. Yet, he takes the opportunity to take his father to a service where he is singing at. Bart is aware of how he should treat his father and is beginning to gain the father he wished he always had before he passes away. After the funeral is when Bart wrote the hit song, “I Can Only Imagine” and the song went on to become popular even across secular genres, gaining the attention of Amy Grant and others who got MercyMe on the map.
The Fourth Media Key: Truth-Filled
We have a responsibility to diligently choose what we feed ourselves with in the media. This key examines how, and if, truth is present within the media piece. This story tells one thing that is common to many; this tells a story of conversion. Finding truth within moments of doubt is something that many struggle with. Bart’s dad is a figure many can relate to during his conversion, seeking the truth rooted in Scripture and faith. Finding the truth caused him to change and to find joy again. That’s something we experience daily, living in truth and communion with God brings joy and makes the world just a little bit brighter and filled with more joy.
The Fifth Media Key: Inspiring
So many have described this movie as inspiring, and I agree. We see a story of pain and neglect blossom into joy and beauty in Bart’s side of the story, and his father’s story turning from a story of anger and rage to a story of faith. Both persevered through some tough moments in their own lives to find God and to find joy. Bart even gained a hit song that has inspired many just from writing about his experiences, trials, and joys. So many have found triumph and good within this story, and that in of itself is inspiring.
The Sixth Media Key: Skillfully Developed
In this movie, there is no need for crazy CGI or special effects; the value of the production all comes from the script and how it is presented. Every single person involved showed real emotion, which added all the more impact. And the script was beautifully written, showing how each event impacted each and every person involved in Bart’s life.
The Seventh Media Key: Motivated By and Relevant to Experience
We as human beings desire to relate to others and to know more about the human experience. This story tells a unique, yet similar and relevant story to many. We see how from a rough upbringing; one comes to rely on God, and the other comes to find God after a turbulent life. Bart finds strength in God as he learns what it means to be on his own, but also when he finds his father again with a new perspective on life and faith.
I've been a christian for 40 yrs and love the lord more than anything else that exists in this world. I too, had a father like Barts! My story goes very much like his. This is by far the best Christian, most personal & intimate story anyone could ever watch! It truly shows how much God loves EACH of us, no matter what we've done or where we've been! It shows how powerful and immediate his forgiveness is when we come to him, anywhere, anytime. It also shows how powerful our forgive ess can be when we choose to forgive others, no matter what they've done to us! By choosing to forgive ( " I choose to forgive because I've been forgiven"!), it changes us permanently and we instantly become better people. I believe we are living in a world where many people around the world dont feel worthy of Gods live & forgiveness because of something (s) in their past but its NOT True! Christian's all around the world should be focusing on loving others, no matter who they are or what they've done instead of being g overcritical of so many others! Like Barts story, we dont know what's happened to them behind closed doors and why they may behave or think the way they do. God still loves them just as much as any if us! We should be working more at what Jesus says in his word: looking in the mirror every day at our own selves and seeing how we can be better than being so quick to judge & criticize others! I truly believe that if our churches and many more Christian's would have been doing this over past decades, more people would be on their way to heaven today! " Love your neighbor as yourself". Its the second greatest commandment to enter into heave. When we pass from here. Love from this Christian to all gods children around the world!! He loves you more than you can ever imagine!