You may remember that I am trying to compile a list of the Top Ten Christian Movies. You may also recall that I am finding it a bit difficult. Still, I am optimistic. I'll get there eventually.
My list so far - up to number 6 - is here.
Today I watched number 7. Yup, I did. It is Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, and it is exceptionally good. It's the story of the life of the world renowned paediatric neurosurgeon, Dr Benjamin Carson.
In 1961 when the film begins, Benny is 11. He's black. He comes from a single parent family. He can barely read. And he has a temper he can't control.
He also has an exceptional mother. A mother who loves her sons and who wants a better life for them than she had. She is also a committed Christian.
Benny's mother sees that telly is having a negative influence on her two boys, and so she limits them to two or three programmes a week and then sends them to the library to read. At least two books a week. With book reviews. She has them learn their multiplication tables. And do picture study. And music appreciation. Okay, she doesn't call them that, but that's what they are. It's all very CMish in fact.
This young man comes third in his High School Class and gains a scholarship to Yale. Eventually he wins one of only two positions as Neurosurgical Intern at the prestigious John Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
He gets there because of the intentional parenting of his mother. He gets there because of books. And he gets there because of his unwavering faith in God.
This is a film highly deserving of position number 7.
That is a great story!
ReplyDeleteYour observations remind us the great importance of praying parents (and also that CM is not the only one with good ideas :-)
Your Theological Minute is interesting today, too! Would that be the official RPCA position?
Yes, I think that would be the official position of our denomination, Ruby. Is it yours?
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to see that movie. Thank you so much for reviewing it and putting together the list! :)
ReplyDeleteWe did enjoy your #7 as well. I just revisited your list. Have you seen Ben-hur?
ReplyDeleteHaven't heard of this one, Jeanne. Thanks for the recommendation. Now I'm off to read about the others. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, brilliant movie! xxx
ReplyDeleteI've not seen the movie but I've read the book - and actually, it didn't inspire me. Sure, he has achieved much, but I found the story as the book presented it MUCH too perfect - it seemed like Ben Carson had no character flaws whatsoever and never had a season in life to be ashamed of. Everything went right according to the perfect plan. Are there really people like that in the world? Well, I'm not like that.
ReplyDeleteI came away from it thinking I would never achieve much because I'm not a perfect person.
Sorry to put a dampener on your review :(
Perhaps I should try to watch the movie anyway, remembering to keep an open mind :)
Certainly his anger came across as a significant character flaw in the film. He was certainly not a nice chap in his High School years.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that he put his work before his family is also significant. It is interesting that his recent brush with prostate cancer has changed his work/life priorities somewhat.
Are either of these apparent in the book?
There is a new minute up now, Jeanne, so I am going from my memory. Yes, we would say that Easter is of pagan origin and not found in scripture, nor prescribed for worship.
ReplyDeleteRebecca, it is a long while since I read the book so I don't remember what I thought at the time about Carson's flaws or lack of. I do know however that no Christian is without them and we do not grow or become "polished" without trial and growth. I blogged about it! Be encouraged!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie, but I've shared the book with countless people--including several young men in southern African and with my own son. Mom gets an A+ for knowing what matters. The book played a role not replacing our tv when the switch to digital came.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, I'm not sure if those issues are presented in the book. It was a few years ago that I read it.
ReplyDeleteWhat I've said above is what I remember from it, which is possibly more about who I was and what I was struggling with at the time I read it. Ah, how books can do that ;)
[btw thanks for your mention of The Housekeeper And The Professor - like you I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it!]
Ruby, thank you :) <3 <3
One to put on my watch list. :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, I'm going to add it to our list of movies to watch / books to read :)
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