Relativity Media has acquired the rights to turn Eric Blehm’s best-selling book “Fearless” into a movie, Fox News is reporting.
In the same vein as Navy SEAL books “Lone Survivor” and “Act of Valor,” “Fearless” tells the personal story of Team Six operator Adam Brown, who died in combat in 2010.
But beyond Brown’s heroism on the battlefield in Afghanistan – the story delves into his battle with personal demons and a drug addiction that at one point land him behind bars. Yet ultimately, it was Brown’s faith in God that pulled him through – and we’re told that making sure the Christian element remains strong in the film version was a must.
“These guys (the Relativity team) are committed to honoring Adam, and telling the story like it is,” said a source with knowledge of the deal. “Maybe even set a new trend in Hollywood, where they don’t have to put their artistic license into a story to make it good, the power is truth and accuracy of the portrayal.”
As initially reported by Fox News earlier this year, the best-selling book was in the process of being shopped around with a number of offers on the table, but the book team and the Brown family took time in choosing the best outfit to take on such a poignant story of courage and sacrifice.
“A film version could impact others in ways that are unimaginable,” Adam’s wife Kelley Brown said. “It brings us great joy to witness the path this has all taken, and we trust when it happens, it will be done right to honor Adam, his memory and what he and his fellow SEALs stand for.”
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Doctor’s Real-Life Conversion From Atheism to Christianity Inspired a Central Character in God's Not Dead
Martin Yip is one of the main characters in “God’s Not Dead,” the movie about a student who debates an atheist professor on the existence of God that surprised Hollywood with its impressive performance at the box office.
Yip’s character, an atheist who converts to Christianity after meeting protagonist Josh Wheaton on campus, is actually based on a real-life doctor who went through a similar experience decades ago.
Dr. Ming Wang, an eye surgeon in Nashville, Tenn., was studying in the U.S. when he became a follower of Jesus.
His story, captured in the 2013 book “God’s Not Dead” (the book preceded the film), began in China, where he grew up with parents who taught at a medical school, according to the Tennessean.
Coming from a highly educated family, Wang said academics were always of the utmost importance.
“Everything was about scholarship, learning and science in our family,” he told the Tennessean. “Education was the most important.”
He ended up going to Harvard Medical School, where he graduated with honors and was later one of the first surgeons in the U.S. to perform laser cataract surgery. He also holds a degree from MIT and a doctorate in laser physics.
It was at Harvard, though, that he went through a transformation that transcended academics. Wang began questioning certain structures, wondering how the eye, for instance, could be so complex, yet still the result of random evolution.
And that was only one example of the inquisitiveness that sent him on a spiritual path.
A professor’s faith also inspired him, leading Wang to eventually embrace Christianity, the Tennessean reported.
Certainly not one to discredit science, Wang believes that it simply doesn’t tell the whole story about life’s complexities on its own.
Yip, the character based on Wang, is depicted in “God’s Not Dead” as a smart and curious young man who experiences Wheaton’s theological battle with Professor Radisson firsthand, watching the two go toe-to-toe over God’s existence during a series of in-class debates.
After hearing both sides of the debate, Yip ends up becoming a Christian.
Watch Wang share his story on TBN below:
Yip’s character, an atheist who converts to Christianity after meeting protagonist Josh Wheaton on campus, is actually based on a real-life doctor who went through a similar experience decades ago.
Dr. Ming Wang, an eye surgeon in Nashville, Tenn., was studying in the U.S. when he became a follower of Jesus.
His story, captured in the 2013 book “God’s Not Dead” (the book preceded the film), began in China, where he grew up with parents who taught at a medical school, according to the Tennessean.
Coming from a highly educated family, Wang said academics were always of the utmost importance.
“Everything was about scholarship, learning and science in our family,” he told the Tennessean. “Education was the most important.”
He ended up going to Harvard Medical School, where he graduated with honors and was later one of the first surgeons in the U.S. to perform laser cataract surgery. He also holds a degree from MIT and a doctorate in laser physics.
It was at Harvard, though, that he went through a transformation that transcended academics. Wang began questioning certain structures, wondering how the eye, for instance, could be so complex, yet still the result of random evolution.
And that was only one example of the inquisitiveness that sent him on a spiritual path.
A professor’s faith also inspired him, leading Wang to eventually embrace Christianity, the Tennessean reported.
Certainly not one to discredit science, Wang believes that it simply doesn’t tell the whole story about life’s complexities on its own.
Yip, the character based on Wang, is depicted in “God’s Not Dead” as a smart and curious young man who experiences Wheaton’s theological battle with Professor Radisson firsthand, watching the two go toe-to-toe over God’s existence during a series of in-class debates.
After hearing both sides of the debate, Yip ends up becoming a Christian.
Watch Wang share his story on TBN below:
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Killing Jesus Becomes a Miniseries
After two very successful movies, National Geographic‘s Killing movie franchise is adding a miniseries: Killing Jesus. Law & Order veteran Walon Green has been tapped to write and executive produce the project, based on the book Killing Jesus: A History by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard.
O’Reilly’s Killing Jesus, which chronicles the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, was published in September. Like the previous entries in Nat Geo’s Killing franchise, Killing Jesus will combine historical insights with dramatic storytelling. The mini is expected to begin production this summer for a 2015 premiere globally on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages. Last year’s Killing Kennedy became the most-watched program in Nat Geo’s history and garnered SAG, WGA, DGA and PGA Award nominations.
Religion-themed event programming is red-hot right now on the heels of the blockbuster success of History’s The Bible miniseries. A Bible sequel is in the works at NBC, and WGN America recently greenlighted a Ten Commandments event series. .
O’Reilly’s Killing Jesus, which chronicles the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, was published in September. Like the previous entries in Nat Geo’s Killing franchise, Killing Jesus will combine historical insights with dramatic storytelling. The mini is expected to begin production this summer for a 2015 premiere globally on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages. Last year’s Killing Kennedy became the most-watched program in Nat Geo’s history and garnered SAG, WGA, DGA and PGA Award nominations.
Religion-themed event programming is red-hot right now on the heels of the blockbuster success of History’s The Bible miniseries. A Bible sequel is in the works at NBC, and WGN America recently greenlighted a Ten Commandments event series. .
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Matthew McConaughey Spotted Reading Lee Strobel's 'The Case for Christ'
Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey was reportedly spotted reading Christian author Lee Strobel's The Case for Christ who tweeted Monday: "Here's Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey reading my book Case for Christ while working out."
Strobel linked the message with a photo of McConaughey looking deeply engrossed several pages deep in the book with the title partially hidden. The photo, according to the author, was taken in 2007.
Strobel linked the message with a photo of McConaughey looking deeply engrossed several pages deep in the book with the title partially hidden. The photo, according to the author, was taken in 2007.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Josh Turner Writes Book on Fatherhood
Country singer Josh Turner has been a "Grammy nominee" and "multi-platinum recording artist." Now, he can add "author" to his list of accomplishments.
Turner's first book, Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood, will be published April 29 by Thomas Nelson.
"It's a book full of life lessons, life stories, from my experiences, things I've learned throughout my life, mistakes I've made," says Turner, whose hits include Long Black Train, Your Man and Time Is Love.
Turner says Thomas Nelson approached him about doing a book after People magazine named him the "Hottest Dad in Country Music" in 2011.
"People talk about songwriting being therapy, but, for me, it was great to not have to be hunched over a guitar or be trying to craft a melody along with the words," he says. "I just let the words flow and told stories."
The editing process, on the other hand, "was somewhat of a booger. You have to be really careful how you say things. You want to be able to say things the best you possibly can, to make sure people take the best possible lesson away from the story and not come across as preachy, coarse or harsh."
Duck Dynasty's Jase Robertson penned the book's foreword, writing, "Josh shares from his heart and experiences and is sincerely honest about how God uses us in our strengths, despite our weaknesses."
Turner says he got his advance copy Man Stuff this week. "I looked at my wife, Jennifer, the other night and said, 'Can you believe your husband has a book?' " Turner says. "She was like, 'Yeah, and I think you have more in you.' That made me feel good."
Turner's first book, Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood, will be published April 29 by Thomas Nelson.
"It's a book full of life lessons, life stories, from my experiences, things I've learned throughout my life, mistakes I've made," says Turner, whose hits include Long Black Train, Your Man and Time Is Love.
Turner says Thomas Nelson approached him about doing a book after People magazine named him the "Hottest Dad in Country Music" in 2011.
"People talk about songwriting being therapy, but, for me, it was great to not have to be hunched over a guitar or be trying to craft a melody along with the words," he says. "I just let the words flow and told stories."
The editing process, on the other hand, "was somewhat of a booger. You have to be really careful how you say things. You want to be able to say things the best you possibly can, to make sure people take the best possible lesson away from the story and not come across as preachy, coarse or harsh."
Duck Dynasty's Jase Robertson penned the book's foreword, writing, "Josh shares from his heart and experiences and is sincerely honest about how God uses us in our strengths, despite our weaknesses."
Turner says he got his advance copy Man Stuff this week. "I looked at my wife, Jennifer, the other night and said, 'Can you believe your husband has a book?' " Turner says. "She was like, 'Yeah, and I think you have more in you.' That made me feel good."
Friday, January 31, 2014
Free Preview of Michael Sweet's Upcoming Autobio
Michael Sweet is offering up the first chapter from his upcoming autobiography titled “Honestly: My life and Stryper Revealed." Insiders who have previewed the book have already praised it for its candor and insight into the story behind Stryper and Michael Sweet. The book includes quotes from Dave Mustaine, Larry The Cable Guy, Eddie Trunk, wrestler Chris Jericho, and more.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Film Grace Unplugged and Its Companion Book Want You to Own Your Faith
A new Christian film "Grace Unplugged" is headed to theaters this fall, but Christians can enjoy its companion book "Own It" even sooner.
"Grace Unplugged" will follow a talented young singer whose Christian faith and family ties are tested when she pursues a music career in Hollywood despite her worship-leader father.
The drama captures real-life issues with faith in today's society and explores the true meaning of success.
Michael Di Marco wrote its spin-off book, "Own It," and The Christian Post was able to speak to the author about the upcoming book, which hits shelves on Sept. 1.
In addition to writing over 40 books aimed at teens and young adults, the best-selling author is also a publisher and creative director at Hungry Planet. Di Marco also serves as a youth director at his church in Nashville, Tenn.
With the help of his wife Hayley, Di Marco channeled the message of "Grace Unplugged" into text after the producers of the film sought him for the task. In "Own It," the author offers readers pointers on coming to terms with and strengthening their faith.
"Everyone has trouble owning their faith," Di Marco started. "We all come into faith differently; our journeys are all different, but there are two common paths to faith- you're either raised in it or it occurs after the deep realization of emptiness."
"Owning" your faith is when Christians accept that they do not have all of the answers to every question,
"Once that wears off, what parts of your faith are still your parents, or what parts are rooted in needing to be emptied," the author asked. "That's where we own our faith- when we own not only the things we believe, but the things we don't believe. Own your doubts, own the mystery of the gospel, own that that God is in control of things you know and things you don't know."
Di Marco also offered insight on not only deepening your walk with God, but advice for how to spread God's word with grace.
"When someone truly owns their faith, they walk, sleep, eat and sweat the gospel, and the gospel is not only spoken in word but seen in deed."
"The Bible says Christians will be known by their love and by their fruit. I always encourage people to pray to God, not that they would be a more compelling apologetic debater for the gospel, but that they would pray for more fruit of the spirit in their life," the author added.
"That what truly shows that you own your faith, but more importantly, that the spirit owns you."
As for "Grace Unplugged," the poignant film hits theaters on October 4.
"It sets a new standard for faith based movies that aren't biographical or historical, and it feels like a Hollywood movie, which is a compliment," said Di Marco. "I guarantee you're going to love it," he added.
Watch the trailer for the film here.
"Grace Unplugged" will follow a talented young singer whose Christian faith and family ties are tested when she pursues a music career in Hollywood despite her worship-leader father.
The drama captures real-life issues with faith in today's society and explores the true meaning of success.
Michael Di Marco wrote its spin-off book, "Own It," and The Christian Post was able to speak to the author about the upcoming book, which hits shelves on Sept. 1.
In addition to writing over 40 books aimed at teens and young adults, the best-selling author is also a publisher and creative director at Hungry Planet. Di Marco also serves as a youth director at his church in Nashville, Tenn.
With the help of his wife Hayley, Di Marco channeled the message of "Grace Unplugged" into text after the producers of the film sought him for the task. In "Own It," the author offers readers pointers on coming to terms with and strengthening their faith.
"Everyone has trouble owning their faith," Di Marco started. "We all come into faith differently; our journeys are all different, but there are two common paths to faith- you're either raised in it or it occurs after the deep realization of emptiness."
"Owning" your faith is when Christians accept that they do not have all of the answers to every question,
"Once that wears off, what parts of your faith are still your parents, or what parts are rooted in needing to be emptied," the author asked. "That's where we own our faith- when we own not only the things we believe, but the things we don't believe. Own your doubts, own the mystery of the gospel, own that that God is in control of things you know and things you don't know."
Di Marco also offered insight on not only deepening your walk with God, but advice for how to spread God's word with grace.
"When someone truly owns their faith, they walk, sleep, eat and sweat the gospel, and the gospel is not only spoken in word but seen in deed."
"The Bible says Christians will be known by their love and by their fruit. I always encourage people to pray to God, not that they would be a more compelling apologetic debater for the gospel, but that they would pray for more fruit of the spirit in their life," the author added.
"That what truly shows that you own your faith, but more importantly, that the spirit owns you."
As for "Grace Unplugged," the poignant film hits theaters on October 4.
"It sets a new standard for faith based movies that aren't biographical or historical, and it feels like a Hollywood movie, which is a compliment," said Di Marco. "I guarantee you're going to love it," he added.
Watch the trailer for the film here.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Left Behind Film Has Major Casting News
Tisdale had a scheduling conflict and dropped out of the film. On Friday, producers took to the movie’s Facebook page to announce her departure, while wishing her the best as she prepares for a television opportunity. The other announcement, though, will likely excite some reality television fans and music enthusiasts.
Grammy-nominated singer Jordin Sparks has joined on as a character named “Shasta.” For now, the details surrounding her role are under wraps, but producer and scriptwriter Paul Lalonde shared a small tidbit of information about the character.
“She will be a passenger on a plane that the film’s main character Captain Rayford Steele (Nicolas Cage) is piloting,” he said on the film’s Facebook page.
As her fans know, Sparks has had a successful career in both music and films following her 2007 “American Idol” victory. She is the latest addition to a film that has Christian and secular media, alike, buzzing.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Valerie Harper, Lauren Holly Cast in 'The Town That Came A-Courtin' for Up
Former "Rhoda" star Valerie Harper has joined the cast of "The Town
That Came A-Courtin'" which will premiere on UP
in January.
Lauren Holly, Cameron Bancroft and Lucie Guest have also been cast in the film, which is based on author and columnist Ronda Rich's bestselling novel of the same name.
In the film, Holly stars as as successful author and fiercely independent Southern woman Abby Houston, who finds herself being held captive in a remote cabin by an obsessed fan.
Harper -- who shocked fans earlier this year when she announced that she has terminal brain cancer -- will play Charlotte, the owner of a bed-and-breakfast in the fictional town of Bliss. The townspeople of Bliss plot to set Houston up with their widowed mayor, Spencer Alexander (Bancroft), a single father of two.
UP's Barbara Fisher said "This uplifting, sometimes bumpy romance showcases how a community’s spirit and good will can help people connect and find each other."
Lauren Holly, Cameron Bancroft and Lucie Guest have also been cast in the film, which is based on author and columnist Ronda Rich's bestselling novel of the same name.
In the film, Holly stars as as successful author and fiercely independent Southern woman Abby Houston, who finds herself being held captive in a remote cabin by an obsessed fan.
Harper -- who shocked fans earlier this year when she announced that she has terminal brain cancer -- will play Charlotte, the owner of a bed-and-breakfast in the fictional town of Bliss. The townspeople of Bliss plot to set Houston up with their widowed mayor, Spencer Alexander (Bancroft), a single father of two.
UP's Barbara Fisher said "This uplifting, sometimes bumpy romance showcases how a community’s spirit and good will can help people connect and find each other."
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
'Heaven Is For Real' Goes to Big Screen; Backed by 'Braveheart' Writer, Starring Greg Kinnear and Thomas Haden Church
Production has begun for the screen adaptation of best-selling book Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back, which chronicles the near death experience that reportedly brought a 3-year-old boy face-to-face with Jesus Christ.
Filming started last week in Winnipeg, Manitoba, under Director Randall Wallace, who wrote the Academy Award-winning film "Braveheart" and directed "We Were Soldiers," "Secretariat," and "The Man in the Iron Mask." T.D. Jakes, pastor at the Potter's House in Dallas, and producer of the movie "Jumping the Broom," adds his weight to the film as a producer.
In 2003, 3-year-old Colton Burpo nearly died after his appendix burst. While in surgery, he reportedly went to heaven and saw Jesus. "It wasn't until four months after we got out of the hospital that we finally listened to our son," Todd explained, in a 2011 interview that has received over 13 million hits on Youtube.
"Jesus and some angels came and flew me up to heaven," Colton explained. He identified Jesus through the "markers" on his hands and feet. "I was in the throne room of God to start with, so I got to see what that looked like."
"God used people or things that I liked to calm me down," Colton said. While reportedly in heaven, Colton met Todd's grandfather, Pop, who was Todd's "most significant male role model" but died when Todd was six years old. "He's really nice," the revived boy told his father, "you used to play with him as a kid and work with him on the farm and shoot stuff with him." Speechless, Todd verified the story.
Colton also knew that he had two sisters, one of whom died in a miscarriage. "You had a baby die in your tummy," he told his mother Sonja. She asked, "How do you know you have two sisters?" He responded, "Well, she told me." Colton told his mother that his sister is "just waiting for you guys to come to heaven."
When Jesus reportedly told Colton he had to go back, the boy didn't want to leave. "Even though I didn't want to go back, he said that he was answering my dad's prayer," the boy explained.
The book, published in November 2010, has sold more than 8 million copies and has been translated into more than 30 languages. It has also spent more than two years on the New York Times paperback nonfiction best-seller list.
The film, set to be released around Easter 2014 by TriStar Pictures, will feature first-time actor Connor Corum as Colton, along with Thomas Haden Church ("Sideways") as family friend Jay Olson. Greg Kinnear ("Little Miss Sunshine," "You've Got Mail," Oscar nominated for "As Good as it Gets") will play the boy's father, Todd, while Kelly Reilly (Mary Watson in "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows") will play his mother, Sonja. Along with Jakes, another producer is Joe Roth ("Oz the Great and Powerful," "Alice in Wonderland").
Filming started last week in Winnipeg, Manitoba, under Director Randall Wallace, who wrote the Academy Award-winning film "Braveheart" and directed "We Were Soldiers," "Secretariat," and "The Man in the Iron Mask." T.D. Jakes, pastor at the Potter's House in Dallas, and producer of the movie "Jumping the Broom," adds his weight to the film as a producer.
In 2003, 3-year-old Colton Burpo nearly died after his appendix burst. While in surgery, he reportedly went to heaven and saw Jesus. "It wasn't until four months after we got out of the hospital that we finally listened to our son," Todd explained, in a 2011 interview that has received over 13 million hits on Youtube.
"Jesus and some angels came and flew me up to heaven," Colton explained. He identified Jesus through the "markers" on his hands and feet. "I was in the throne room of God to start with, so I got to see what that looked like."
"God used people or things that I liked to calm me down," Colton said. While reportedly in heaven, Colton met Todd's grandfather, Pop, who was Todd's "most significant male role model" but died when Todd was six years old. "He's really nice," the revived boy told his father, "you used to play with him as a kid and work with him on the farm and shoot stuff with him." Speechless, Todd verified the story.
Colton also knew that he had two sisters, one of whom died in a miscarriage. "You had a baby die in your tummy," he told his mother Sonja. She asked, "How do you know you have two sisters?" He responded, "Well, she told me." Colton told his mother that his sister is "just waiting for you guys to come to heaven."
When Jesus reportedly told Colton he had to go back, the boy didn't want to leave. "Even though I didn't want to go back, he said that he was answering my dad's prayer," the boy explained.
The book, published in November 2010, has sold more than 8 million copies and has been translated into more than 30 languages. It has also spent more than two years on the New York Times paperback nonfiction best-seller list.
The film, set to be released around Easter 2014 by TriStar Pictures, will feature first-time actor Connor Corum as Colton, along with Thomas Haden Church ("Sideways") as family friend Jay Olson. Greg Kinnear ("Little Miss Sunshine," "You've Got Mail," Oscar nominated for "As Good as it Gets") will play the boy's father, Todd, while Kelly Reilly (Mary Watson in "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows") will play his mother, Sonja. Along with Jakes, another producer is Joe Roth ("Oz the Great and Powerful," "Alice in Wonderland").
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Former American Idol Finalist Danny Gokey Shares Inspiration of New Book
When former "American Idol" finalist, now country music singer, Danny Gokey's first wife Sophia died just a month before he auditioned for the iconic show in 2008, he wanted to wallow in the pain of a loss he thought he would never get over.
"It was almost like, at that point I doubted everything I knew about God, I doubted everything that I've ever walked [spiritually] for because you don't understand that me and Sophia, my first wife, we believed that God was gonna do a miracle and He didn't show up," Gokey told an audience on Sunday.
"It really messed me up on the inside because everything I believed all of a sudden I started questioning," he added. Gokey didn't understand what was happening with his life then because he was in the middle of a story for a book that God had told him he was going to write in 2007.
This fall, Gokey is expected to deliver the book God spoke into his life five years ago titled Hope In Front of Me.
Hope In Front of Me is expected to take readers on a very personal journey into Gokey's loss.
"When I tried out for 'American Idol' it was a month after she (Sophia) passed away. People asked, 'why'd you do that?' Believe me, I didn't want to try out for this show. But I had made a promise to my wife that year that I was going to try out for 'American Idol' and when she passed away, everything inside of my heart said I don't want to try out for the show because I had nothing to say to anybody," Gokey recalled.
"I was so hurt, I wish I could go the next year but if you don't understand my story, is that I was 28 at the time and you only have until 28 years old to try out. So I was placed in a rock and a hard place and little did I know that God was writing my story before I got there. He put me in that place."
"And so I tried out for the show, very broken, very hurt," he continued. "I remember I started going through the 'American Idol' process. I remember when I woke up it felt like this depression came around me, like I was falling in a black hole … I was falling because I had nothing to stand on."
Despite his depression, Gokey soldiered on as he continued advancing on the show, finally making it into Hollywood week. "Hollywood week was probably the most difficult weeks of my depression going through the loss of Sophia. I remember right after Hollywood week, I told God, 'God, I do not want to be on the show. Because I have nothing to say to anybody and I was mad and I was angry," he said.
"I was mad at God and I didn't want to be mad at God. I mean you could accuse me of being a horrible person but that's what I was. And literally, this is what the Lord told me, He said, 'let go,'" noted Gokey.
"He gave me the verse, 'be still and know that I am God.' And I kept hearing it but didn't know what it meant. So I looked it up and saw it in the original Hebrew format that it literally was giving a picture. Sometimes, we hang onto stuff. And sometimes the things that we hang onto are the very things that drag us down."
The word became Gokey's turning point out of depression and put him on the road to recovery and reconciliation. "I remember I sat down on the end of my bed because this thing was destroying me. I sat down on my bed with tears coming from my eyes. I said 'God, I refuse to let this thing destroy me,'" said Gokey who explained that he was literally "hanging onto her casket being buried with her" by holding onto his depression.
Gokey now believes God allowed him to go through what he went through in preparation for writing Hope In Front of Me.
"I'm not trying to be cheesy, but I talk about this in the book, your heart is your real set of eyes and if your heart is poisoned with bitterness you start seeing the whole world through that lens. And the more I started to let it go I had a new look on life," he said.
read full article
"It was almost like, at that point I doubted everything I knew about God, I doubted everything that I've ever walked [spiritually] for because you don't understand that me and Sophia, my first wife, we believed that God was gonna do a miracle and He didn't show up," Gokey told an audience on Sunday.
"It really messed me up on the inside because everything I believed all of a sudden I started questioning," he added. Gokey didn't understand what was happening with his life then because he was in the middle of a story for a book that God had told him he was going to write in 2007.
This fall, Gokey is expected to deliver the book God spoke into his life five years ago titled Hope In Front of Me.
Hope In Front of Me is expected to take readers on a very personal journey into Gokey's loss.
"When I tried out for 'American Idol' it was a month after she (Sophia) passed away. People asked, 'why'd you do that?' Believe me, I didn't want to try out for this show. But I had made a promise to my wife that year that I was going to try out for 'American Idol' and when she passed away, everything inside of my heart said I don't want to try out for the show because I had nothing to say to anybody," Gokey recalled.
"I was so hurt, I wish I could go the next year but if you don't understand my story, is that I was 28 at the time and you only have until 28 years old to try out. So I was placed in a rock and a hard place and little did I know that God was writing my story before I got there. He put me in that place."
"And so I tried out for the show, very broken, very hurt," he continued. "I remember I started going through the 'American Idol' process. I remember when I woke up it felt like this depression came around me, like I was falling in a black hole … I was falling because I had nothing to stand on."
Despite his depression, Gokey soldiered on as he continued advancing on the show, finally making it into Hollywood week. "Hollywood week was probably the most difficult weeks of my depression going through the loss of Sophia. I remember right after Hollywood week, I told God, 'God, I do not want to be on the show. Because I have nothing to say to anybody and I was mad and I was angry," he said.
"I was mad at God and I didn't want to be mad at God. I mean you could accuse me of being a horrible person but that's what I was. And literally, this is what the Lord told me, He said, 'let go,'" noted Gokey.
"He gave me the verse, 'be still and know that I am God.' And I kept hearing it but didn't know what it meant. So I looked it up and saw it in the original Hebrew format that it literally was giving a picture. Sometimes, we hang onto stuff. And sometimes the things that we hang onto are the very things that drag us down."
The word became Gokey's turning point out of depression and put him on the road to recovery and reconciliation. "I remember I sat down on the end of my bed because this thing was destroying me. I sat down on my bed with tears coming from my eyes. I said 'God, I refuse to let this thing destroy me,'" said Gokey who explained that he was literally "hanging onto her casket being buried with her" by holding onto his depression.
Gokey now believes God allowed him to go through what he went through in preparation for writing Hope In Front of Me.
"I'm not trying to be cheesy, but I talk about this in the book, your heart is your real set of eyes and if your heart is poisoned with bitterness you start seeing the whole world through that lens. And the more I started to let it go I had a new look on life," he said.
read full article
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
National Geographic To Produce Killing Jesus
National Geographic Channel is set to adapt Bill O’Reilly's upcoming book Killing Jesus: A History, marking the third telepic partnering of the author, the cable network and Ridley Scott's Scott Free Productions.
The news comes on the heels of the big ratings of O'Reilly's Killing Lincoln in February. The scripted adaptation, starring Billy Campbell as the 16th president and Jesse Johnson as John Wilkes Booth, pulled a record 3.4 million viewers to the cable network. Nat Geo is also in pre-production on O'Reilly's Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot.
O'Reilly, who will serve as executive producer on Killing Jesus, is writing the book with his researcher and partner Martin Dugard. Production on the film is scheduled to begin in the fall.
NGC president Howard Owens tells The Hollywood Reporter: "Killing Lincoln proved our audience's response to factual drama. The audacity of these books is in the way Bill thinks and tells a story. We think it fits really well with the history of the Bible, and we've had a lot of success in the religious genre."
Killing Jesus, as the title implies, follows the events leading up to the crucifixion. And the green light follows the current success of History's religion-themed miniseries The Bible, which has been pulling north of 10 million viewers every Sunday since March 3. Nat Geo's previous religious forays include 2006 special The Gospel of Judas.
The news comes on the heels of the big ratings of O'Reilly's Killing Lincoln in February. The scripted adaptation, starring Billy Campbell as the 16th president and Jesse Johnson as John Wilkes Booth, pulled a record 3.4 million viewers to the cable network. Nat Geo is also in pre-production on O'Reilly's Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot.
O'Reilly, who will serve as executive producer on Killing Jesus, is writing the book with his researcher and partner Martin Dugard. Production on the film is scheduled to begin in the fall.
NGC president Howard Owens tells The Hollywood Reporter: "Killing Lincoln proved our audience's response to factual drama. The audacity of these books is in the way Bill thinks and tells a story. We think it fits really well with the history of the Bible, and we've had a lot of success in the religious genre."
Killing Jesus, as the title implies, follows the events leading up to the crucifixion. And the green light follows the current success of History's religion-themed miniseries The Bible, which has been pulling north of 10 million viewers every Sunday since March 3. Nat Geo's previous religious forays include 2006 special The Gospel of Judas.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Ashley Tisdale Joins ‘Left Behind’
Deadline is reporting that Ashley Tisdale has signed up for the Left Behind film re-boot starring Nicolas Cage. The former High School Musical star will play Chloe Steele, the daughter of Cage’s Ray Steele character. After millions of people suddenly disappear from Earth, Chloe wanders America looking to find any remaining members of her family. Vic Armstrong is directing the adaptation of the bestselling faith-based novels.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Chad Michael Murray May Be ‘Left Behind’
Chad Michael Murray is in negotiations to join the cast of Left Behind. The former One Tree Hill actor would be playing the role of journalist Cameron “Buck” Williams in the end-of-the-world thriller. Nicolas Cage is also starring in the Left Behind reboot. The film is based on the first of the 16 bestselling faith-based novels written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Left Behind was first adapted for a series of movies starring Kirk Cameron starting in 2001.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Former Beatles Exec Pens Memoir
GRAMMY® Award-winning former Beatles executive and music industry icon Ken Mansfield chronicles a deeply personal journey of faith and struggle in his highly-anticipated fourth title, Stumbling on Open Ground: Love, God, Cancer, and Rock ‘n’ Roll (January 15).
Revealing ongoing trials with two bouts of cancer, Mansfield’s memoir thoughtfully frames his spiritual struggle and physical pain in the light of ultimate healing and triumph. Sharing personal prayers and honest insight alongside remarkable moments from his storied music career, he confronts his failing body, a faith that both falters and soars, and the questions that aren’t supposed to be asked—but need to be answered.
“Dealing with cancer is not as linear as most books describe the ordeal,” Mansfield shares. “Going into it, going through it, and coming out of cancer is not that orderly. The battle is more of a hanging on, a falling apart, a sense of loss, and a lot of lonely flailing among the rubble.”
“This is a quest for deeper comprehension, a desire to dip beneath the opaque surface,” he adds. “As a child, I would ask my earthly father how to do things. As a child of God, I am asking my heavenly Father how this all works between Him and me.”
Ken Mansfield’s legendary career in the music industry includes tenures as the U.S. manager of the Beatles’ Apple Records, an executive at Capitol Records, a vice president at MGM Records, and president of Andy Williams’ Barnaby Records (CBS Records), among numerous influential roles. He has worked with such artists as the Beach Boys, James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Glen Campbell and Lou Rawls.
Instrumental in launching country music’s “Outlaw” movement in the 1970s, Mansfield was involved in the careers of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, among others. He produced Colter's #1 hit "I'm Not Lisa," as well as Jennings’ 1975 landmark recording, Are You Ready For The Country. He also produced the Gaither Vocal Band’s GRAMMY® Award-winning 1991 Homecoming album. The seminal release precipitated the resurgence of Southern Gospel music and the Gaither Homecoming series of recordings, videos and concerts.
Since devoting his life to Christ more than two decades ago, Mansfield is now an ordained minister and sought-after speaker.
Revealing ongoing trials with two bouts of cancer, Mansfield’s memoir thoughtfully frames his spiritual struggle and physical pain in the light of ultimate healing and triumph. Sharing personal prayers and honest insight alongside remarkable moments from his storied music career, he confronts his failing body, a faith that both falters and soars, and the questions that aren’t supposed to be asked—but need to be answered.
“Dealing with cancer is not as linear as most books describe the ordeal,” Mansfield shares. “Going into it, going through it, and coming out of cancer is not that orderly. The battle is more of a hanging on, a falling apart, a sense of loss, and a lot of lonely flailing among the rubble.”
“This is a quest for deeper comprehension, a desire to dip beneath the opaque surface,” he adds. “As a child, I would ask my earthly father how to do things. As a child of God, I am asking my heavenly Father how this all works between Him and me.”
Ken Mansfield’s legendary career in the music industry includes tenures as the U.S. manager of the Beatles’ Apple Records, an executive at Capitol Records, a vice president at MGM Records, and president of Andy Williams’ Barnaby Records (CBS Records), among numerous influential roles. He has worked with such artists as the Beach Boys, James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Glen Campbell and Lou Rawls.
Instrumental in launching country music’s “Outlaw” movement in the 1970s, Mansfield was involved in the careers of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, among others. He produced Colter's #1 hit "I'm Not Lisa," as well as Jennings’ 1975 landmark recording, Are You Ready For The Country. He also produced the Gaither Vocal Band’s GRAMMY® Award-winning 1991 Homecoming album. The seminal release precipitated the resurgence of Southern Gospel music and the Gaither Homecoming series of recordings, videos and concerts.
Since devoting his life to Christ more than two decades ago, Mansfield is now an ordained minister and sought-after speaker.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Nicolas Cage Likely to Star in 'Left Behind' Series Remake
Academy Award–winning actor Nicolas Cage is reportedly in talks to star in "Left Behind," a mainstream remake of the Christian-themed movie trilogy about the End Times.
The reboot will mark the first film from Stoney Lake Entertainment, a new production company led by Paul Lalonde, a Canadian/American film producer and writer and co-founder of Cloud Ten Pictures, variety.com reported Friday.
"Left Behind" is the first installment of a 16-book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins about the adventures of the sinners left on earth after the Rapture. The series, first published 1995-2007, has sold more than 65 million copies around the world.
The series has already been adapted into three films starring Kirk Cameron, who plays the leader of the Tribulation Force against the Global Community and its leader Nicolae Carpathia, the Antichrist. The original movie series was launched in 2001.
The plot focuses on a group of survivors during the first few hours after the Rapture. The budget of the film is in the $15 million range, and its production is likely to begin in early spring for a late next year release.
Variety quoted Lalonde as saying that distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films had given a theatrical guarantee.
Lalonde and his brother, Peter, started up the production company Cloud Ten Pictures as a means of spreading the Gospel message and producing inspirational Christian films that would help to disband the general consensus that Christian movies are low quality," the company's website says.
Read full article
The reboot will mark the first film from Stoney Lake Entertainment, a new production company led by Paul Lalonde, a Canadian/American film producer and writer and co-founder of Cloud Ten Pictures, variety.com reported Friday.
"Left Behind" is the first installment of a 16-book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins about the adventures of the sinners left on earth after the Rapture. The series, first published 1995-2007, has sold more than 65 million copies around the world.
The series has already been adapted into three films starring Kirk Cameron, who plays the leader of the Tribulation Force against the Global Community and its leader Nicolae Carpathia, the Antichrist. The original movie series was launched in 2001.
The plot focuses on a group of survivors during the first few hours after the Rapture. The budget of the film is in the $15 million range, and its production is likely to begin in early spring for a late next year release.
Variety quoted Lalonde as saying that distributor Samuel Goldwyn Films had given a theatrical guarantee.
Lalonde and his brother, Peter, started up the production company Cloud Ten Pictures as a means of spreading the Gospel message and producing inspirational Christian films that would help to disband the general consensus that Christian movies are low quality," the company's website says.
Read full article
Monday, June 4, 2012
The Gospel of Stephen King
Rev. Paul F.M. Zahl argues that there’s a lot of faith behind Stephen King's fright.
Zahl says some of the most stirring affirmations of Christian faith can be found in the chilling stories of King. The horror master has been preaching sermons to millions of readers for years, only most of King’s fans don’t know it, he says.
“People tend to think that Stephen King is anti-religious because he is a horror writer, but that’s completely mistaken,” says Zahl, a retired Episcopal priest who has written about King’s religious sensibility for Christianity Today magazine. “Several of his books are parables of grace in action.”
Want to read a powerful meditation on Jesus’ sacrificial love? Check out how King links the death of the mammoth death row inmate John Coffey (note the initials, J.C.) to Jesus’ crucifixion in “The Green Mile.” King’s “Storm of the Century” is a creepy retelling of Jesus’ eerie encounter with the demon called “Legion” in the Gospel of Mark’s fifth chapter. And King’s epic apocalyptic novel, “The Stand,” reads like a contemporary retelling of the Book of Revelation, with a little Exodus thrown in, Zahl says.
Zahl’s claim about King's faith may sound ludicrous. Yet there is an actual body of literature devoted to King’s religious sensibility. Several pastors and authors say King displays a sophisticated grasp of theology in his books, and his stories are stuffed with biblical references and story lines taken straight from the Bible.
Read the rest of the article here.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Filmmaker: I found God in Hollywood
It’s not impossible to be a Christian in Hollywood, Lee Stanley will tell you. What it does take is guts - the same guts it takes to be a Christian anywhere, he says.
Stanley wasn’t a believer when he moved from New England to California in the 1960s. He was in love with a fantasy – not the idea of making it big on the big screen, but being around the water all the time.
The aspiring baseball player had realized he wasn’t going to make it to the major leagues, so he turned to another passion - diving. He had no idea the trek West would lead him on the road to becoming a filmmaker who tells stories of redemption and faith.
Stanley details his life in “Faith in the Land of Make-Believe,” published this month by Zondervan. He said he wrote the book to “to encourage people that have wandered away or lost the confidence in the things that have been on their heart for years.”
Article continues here.
Stanley wasn’t a believer when he moved from New England to California in the 1960s. He was in love with a fantasy – not the idea of making it big on the big screen, but being around the water all the time.
The aspiring baseball player had realized he wasn’t going to make it to the major leagues, so he turned to another passion - diving. He had no idea the trek West would lead him on the road to becoming a filmmaker who tells stories of redemption and faith.
Stanley details his life in “Faith in the Land of Make-Believe,” published this month by Zondervan. He said he wrote the book to “to encourage people that have wandered away or lost the confidence in the things that have been on their heart for years.”
Article continues here.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Kathy Ireland: From Super Model to Role Model
When most people hear Kathy Ireland, they think Sports Illustrated and super model. However, since her rise to stardom, she has become a business woman and outspoken Christian.
In her latest book, Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity, will be published on Apr. 7, Ireland attempts to help families cope with crises including family finances, health, stress, and "most importantly finding wisdom and security in the glory of Christian faith."
In her latest book, Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide to Success and Sanity, will be published on Apr. 7, Ireland attempts to help families cope with crises including family finances, health, stress, and "most importantly finding wisdom and security in the glory of Christian faith."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)