Finding Forrester
a story about disciple-makers
a story about disciple-makers
Born in Scotland, Connery played many important Hollywood roles. He is best known as “Bond, James Bond” of 007 fame. But that is another story.
As summer waned each year, my now-retired teacher-wife girded herself for the onslaught of the middle school students she would guide for the next nine months. Even today, a favorite activity is watching “teacher” movies. One of our favorites is Finding Forrester. While not a Christian film, the themes explored speak to the disciple-making lifestyle.
Jamal, a talented young basketball player in New York City, would rather have been known for his basketball prowess than for his proficiency with a pen. Unknown to his friends and family, Jamal had many journals hidden away. Why hidden? He did not want anyone to know what really made him tick.
Unable to hide forever, an observant astute teacher recognized that Jamal was “dumbing down” his public persona. This resulted in Jamal moving to a private school where his academic gifts would be nurtured. That was when Jamal discovered the watcher. High above the neighborhood basketball court where Jamal’s pick up games were played, the watcher was wasting his life away in solitude. A highly acclaimed writer with just one successful novel, William Forrester (Connery) retreated from the curious questions provoked by one critically renowned novel.
Watching this movie for the “umpteenth” time, I realized that one stream of thought in the film relates to our subject of making disciples. The latent talent in Jamal would not have bloomed unless Forrester got up out of his lazy-boy, overcame his personal inadequacy fears, opened the door to his apartment, and invited Jamal inside. Because he did, Jamal became a different person. So did Forester.
The literature teacher at Jamaal’s new school assigned Forrester’s “Avalon Landing” as a reading project. Realizing that the author of “Avalon Landing” was the neighborhood recluse, Jamal asked to read some of “his stuff.” Over time, Forrester agreed to help Jamal become the writer of his dreams.
When Jamal’s own words failed to make it onto a blank page, Forrester sat him down at a typewriter (remember those?) and handed him an article he had once written about baseball. “Start typing my words until you feel your own taking over.” Tentatively Jamal began, carefully pushing each key so as not to make a mistake. “Hit the keys. Jamal, HIT THE KEYS,” Forrester bellowed. With growing confidence derived from Forrester’s opening paragraph, Jamal’s own words began to flow. What powerful and robust words they were, the kind with the potential to change lives! They did. While Jamal discovered himself for the first time, William rediscovered who he was.
Because some people find the Bible hard to understand and apply to their lives, Disciple Daily offers a unique learning experience based on the storyline of the Bible. This enables people to live a purposed life together as followers of Jesus.
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This cannot happen in a vacuum. Like Jamal and Forrester, most of us are so isolated, so consumed by our own issues, that we cannot see the forest for the trees. We lie to ourselves. “I am too busy, not qualified. I’m blah, blah, blah.
Making disciples is as much about you as it is someone else. To discover ourselves, how we fit into God’s grand story, we must to be involved in the lives of others. our family? Yes! But, also in the lives of those beyond our family, not part of our local church. That’s the secret. You need them as much as they need you, maybe more.
Are you angry, sad about the way life has turned out, frightened by your own shadow? Open the door to your private places and do some business with our Savior. Don’t be surprised if Jesus brings someone with Him to your home and heart for supper. If He does, help them find their words under your influence. You just might discover some new about you.
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:19-22).”
In closing, I want to thank some disciples of Jesus that the Lord has brought into my life. Chris, Shaun, Bruce, David, Andrii, Firuz, Rakhim, Eugene, Nona, Jimmy, Adam, Anthony, Daniel, Andrey, Tim Teamers, Denny, Nell, Chris, Carpenters Class, Grace House ladies, and more. You’ll never know how God has used each of you to teach me. Jimmy, I am so proud of all of you!
Gabe, I have cherished the time we have had together. I think about your wisdom and gentle spirit often, and you will go far. Finally. Noemi, I have learned so much from you. You never stop teaching (even at home) and this old dog is learning some new tricks.
Sweetheart. Can we watch Finding Forrester tonight?
Disciple Daily offers a unique learning experience based on the storyline of the Bible. We help people gain confidence in their own ability to disciple others, enabling them to live together purposefully as followers of Jesus.
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