I’m happy to report Hollywood has decided “God sells” this year and so major studios have invested in a few faith-based stories. Tucked among the superheroes, catastrophes and the latest horror flicks this weekend, you can go and see the film adaptation of the surprise bestseller, Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo. Sony Pictures brought together an A-list cast, beginning with Greg Kinnear, as the small town Nebraska preacher, Todd Burpo. The Burpo family are real people, making ends meets in a tough economy. When their son, Colton, was four years old he nearly died from a burst appendix. While his body lay listless on the operating table, his spirit took a little spin around the hospital and then into the heavenly dimension. His startling recollections after his recovery rock his parents’ world. The movie does a good job of taking an incident and building a decent storyline around it. The always likeable Kinnear carries the film portraying a pastor faced with doubts about his own faith system.

From my point of view, the revelations are quite tame. When your circle of friends are spirit communicators, animal psychics, healers, and mystics, a little boy with an NDE is no big deal. Still, it was pleasing to see a movie dealing with faith issues and presenting a Christian preacher as someone of integrity, rather than a flim-flam man. It was also gratifying to see a well-attended house and hear the audience laugh at the right places. Applause broke out the end. I can’t remember that last movie I saw when that happened.

 Watch the Heaven is For Real Trailer

Amazon

For my money, the really fascinating story that needs to be told is only touched upon in Heaven is for Real–the story of the amazing Akiane Kramarik. The movie begins with a girl painting a picture. During the course of the movie, Colton is asked to describe Jesus, but can’t find the words. The movie ends with him identifying the now-famous Prince of Peace painted by Akiane at the age of eight as the real deal.

Years ago I had a life-changing “dream” with Jesus visiting my bedside, holding my hand, and talking to me. His face was clear and his blue/green eyes so compelling. The experience is recalled in Ever-Flowing Streams: Tapping into Healing Energy. Like Colton Burpo, I stared in stunned amazement at my computer screen last year seeing the likeness Akiane painted. It is the Jesus of my “dream.”

 Prince of Peace by Akiane

Go and enjoy Heaven is For Real at the theatres. Your dollars will encourage Hollywood to keep making spirit movies.

And for a real treat watch some YouTube Videos of Akiane Kramarik

Blessings–

Dana