Movie Review: Paul's Promise (In Theaters Now)

Movie Synopsis:

Set in the peak of the 1960s Civil Rights movement, PAUL'S PROMISE is the inspiring true story of Paul Holderfield, former racist firefighter-turned-pastor who started one of the first integrated churches in the American South. It's one man's journey to hope and healing during a troubled time in our Nation's history that resulted in one man's decision to serve God and stand up to injustice - a story that continues to make a huge impact on the community to this day.

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Watch the Trailer:

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My Review:

PAUL’S PROMISE steps back to the 1960s with authentic stages, behavior, and props. I loved the women’s hairstyles and fashion. From the “Beehive” to the “Bombshell” and all the hair accessories, I marveled at how women did their hair back then. All the characters possessed strong Southern accents, with a few that seemed over the top. The stages and memorabilia reflected the decade and reminded me of my grandparents’ house before it was remodeled.

Sadly, the 1960s was also a time of seated racism and the uphill fight for civil rights. Racism always saddens me, and PAUL’S PROMISE made me cry a lot. Violence against Black men and women appeared on screen several times. The term Negro is used. Powerful hatred displayed verbally and created dangerous situations. Add to that domestic violence and end-of-life issues, and the movie is a heavy one.

Yet, PAUL’S PROMISE highlights the power of prayer and the miracle of a changed heart. Again, the movie felt realistic as Paul’s mama desperately prays for her son for such a long time. Yet, it is her terminal diagnosis that finally forces Paul’s addictions, racism, and bitterness to the surface. His character change is slow to come (as is often the case in real life). At the end, I wished that the story had continued beyond the expected climax to tell more of how Paul founded a racially integrated church. I think that would have created a more inspirational feel and lightened the heaviness of the movie.

PAUL’S PROMISE is not appropriate for young viewers due to the racism, domestic violence, hatred, smoking, and alcoholism that is presented. It is a movie that brings awareness to racism of the past so that Christians can (and should) do much better today and in the future. 4/5 Stars.

Many thanks to Damascus Road Productions for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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More about PAUL'S PROMISE:

• An encouraging film about the power of a praying mama!


• This film is based on a true story!


• Buy your tickets TODAY to see PAUL'S PROMISE in theaters starting 10/21! Tickets available at: https://paulspromisemovie.com/  ©2022 Momentum.

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Giveaway:

One reader of this post will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. US only. Giveaway ends 10/23/2022 at 11:59 P. M. EST.

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God Made Me and You by Shai Linne

In God Made Me and You, Shai Linne addresses the sensitive topic of ethnic diversity. Rather than adopting the “be color blind” stance, this tale promotes celebration of all of God's creation. The narrative points out, rather than ignores, the differences in nature as well as the differences in people. Delving deep, the text identifies living in a world cursed by sin as the root of racism and bullying. Next, the author points to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross as the remedy for sin. There's a clear presentation of the gospel and as well as an explanation of how the gospel calls us to love each other. Following the story are two pages that give parents direction about helping a child appreciate God's design for ethnic diversity.

I think this is the first children's book I've seen in which the author addresses how racism and bullying are more than bad behavior issues. The text cuts to the heart of the matter as it discusses sin as the root of all the meanness. Like this book says, since the fall of man, the world exists under the curse of sin and “the very differences meant / to give God praise / Are now reasons for hatred, / so evil our ways.” Thankfully, the story doesn't end there! It continues on to address redemption, salvation, and love for “saints of all colors.”

I find this book is more of an educational resource for us than a book for recreational reading. My daughters request it only occasionally, but they look, listen, and appear to embrace its ideas when we do read it. We homeschool so I use books like this to teach my girls how to respond and appreciate people of other races. 

God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity appears to be targeted to early elementary age children. My six year old was immediately interested when we received the book and the children depicted in the illustrations seem to be about her age. The colorful illustrations by Trish Mahoney complement the rhyming narrative of God Made Me and You. They are modern, fun, and help to accentuate the theme of the book.

Read an excerpt from God Made Me and You by Shai Linne on the publisher's website.

And here is the audio for the song the teacher sings at the end:

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this complimentary book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

ColorFull by Dorena Williamson

Racial tension is common in politics and news.

I never expected VPK in a Christian school would be my daughter's introduction to racial prejudice. It didn't take long for her to experience exclusion due to her skin color and to learn that the same classmates who excluded her also excluded people of other skin colors. And so, I had to talk with her about that. It was hard for her to understand. I tried to explain that God created us all with different skin colors and no one should be treated as lower or higher than another.

ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us by Dorena Wiliamson is a beautful tool that I can use to combat her own experience of discrimination and teach her sympathy for others. In ColorFull, Imani, Kayla, and Christopher learn about colors through playtime activities and a wise Granny Mac who leads the conversation into skin color. Essentially, the message is that all skin colors were chosen by God in his wisdom and love. All are equally loved by their Creator. Rather than trying to be colorblind, we can choose to celebrate the different skin colors we have.

ColorFull is a sturdy, hard-cover, children's book featuring whimsical, vibrant illustrations by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. My daughters haven't seen the book yet because it's a birthday gift, but I expect the illustrations to hold their attention while I read. Discussion questions, appropriate for 4-8 year olds are included. I think my two year old will enjoy the story and illustrations, but the discussion questions will be above her comprehension level.

I recommend ColorFull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us to anyone with children. Every child will eventually encounter racial prejudice of some form and this book can help them grow up with a healthy perspective.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow

Adisa Johnson, a young African-American lawyer, never expected that conversing with a reporter would lead to losing her job. Luke Nelson, a white police officer, never planned to shoot an unarmed African-American youth. When their split-second decisions alter Adisa and Luke's lives, they find themselves uncomfortably situated together. Adisa, as a reluctant and loyalty-divided defense lawyer, and Luke, as a suspicious but desperate client. Their tenuous relationship serves as an example of their respective communities and the racial tensions that exist far after slavery's abolition. As circumstances escalate and Luke's hope of exoneration diminishes, the future seems dark. Everyone involved, white and black, must confront their own prejudices. Only then can light, hope, and life arise.

A Time to Stand is the first novel I've read by Robert Whitlow. The plot was engaging, but not captivating to where I felt I couldn't put it down. Adisa's relationships, spiritual growth and the preparing of a legal defense were the most interesting aspects of the story to me. As expected, the challenging issue of racial prejudice spans this entire novel. The author attempted to address multiple sides of the issue, but I'd be interested in hearing the thoughts of an African-American reader as to how authentic this book reads. While the main issue of the book is racial prejudice, there are other thought-provoking nuggets throughout the book including a most encouraging one: Our actions and prayers matter more than we'll ever know.

I recommend A Time to Stand by Robert Whitlow to readers looking for a thought-provoking read with elements of suspense and drama.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."