Conviction

Movietime. I’m currently planning a pre-release party for “Voyage of the Dawn Treader”.  And I just caught for the very first time “Good Will Hunting” – at least the last half of it.  It was fabulous because it made me cry. Any movie that will make me cry has my heart. But then, I recently shed a tear watching the remake of “The Karate Kid”, so take that with a grain of salt.

But tonight I wanted to pass on some feedback about a new movie out called “Conviction” featuring Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell.

I work for a faith-based, non-profit. I don’t get a lot of junket trips or frills, but I do have the blessing of a very rewarding job.  Every once in awhile, we’ll get a little surprise.  Earlier this fall, Hilary Swank, as well as the woman she played in the movie, Betty Anne Waters, came to our office building to screen “Conviction” for our neighbors (and landlords), Prison Fellowship Ministries.  We were invited. Downstairs in the big conference room - just a little popcorn and excitement after work.  

“Conviction” is based on a true story about a woman named Betty Anne Waters who resolved, as a married mom with kids, to complete high school, college and law school to help get her brother Kenny out of prison.  Kenny had been convicted of murder and Betty Anne believed he was innocent.  The story is a moving depiction of the love between a sister and brother – a love that blossomed in a very tough, abusive environment.  Betty Anne and Kenny had unstable parents and then suffered through rounds of foster homes.  The pain drew them together and the bond never broke. 

The most poignant moment for me was the scene of little Betty Sue as a child, all alone, with chocolate candy all over her mouth, watching her flailing mother cuss out the police as they brought home her delinquent brother.  The movie says a lot about children who don’t have a loving home environment – the impact, as well as the tremendous achievement when they overcome the odds.  It also shows the loving hand of God who so often provides us a grace of some sort to get us through.  In this case, he provided a special, enduring friendship between a brother and sister in the midst of such great suffering, as well as an amazing friend (played by Minnie Driver), who came alongside Betty Sue in law school and encouraged her every step of the way.  

In every true life story, there is suffering.  And in every true life story, there is evidence of grace.  Look for it.  Betty Anne sought for the evidence that made all the difference to her brother’s conviction.  What is the evidence in and around your life that there is Grace? 

I frequently realize that there is evidence of Grace in my life. Most recently, I’ve been thinking about the life-long relationships that I’ve formed with my coworkers on the “battlefield” and how deeply I enjoy them.

So if you see this movie, let me know what you think.

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