Last night, my company (Good Steward Software) bought out all of the tickets to a showing of the movie, “Amazing Grace”. There were 125 tickets which were given out to friends and family. Needless to say, because there was free stuff involved, the theater was packed. I was really excited because with a 17 month old at home, Carrie and I don’t get out much! So we were able to procure the services of a baby sitter for Maggie, and we got to go out on the town (or at least the movie theater) for a few hours.
I didn’t really know what to expect for a few reason… first, I had no idea what the movie was about. Second, I’m not a huge fan of historical movies. I like movies in general, but my favorites are usually more action filled, or gut busting comedies. Ok, fine, so I like to be entertained when I pay the 8 bucks to see a movie… sue me. Anyway, I went in not expecting much… and left truly inspired.
The film tells the story of William Wilberforce, who began the movement which eventually ended the slave trade in England in the late 1700’s. What is truly amazing about this story is the persistence and determination that Wilberforce maintained throughout his life. The battle that he faced was one that didn’t last a few months or even a few years. This fight, the fight that Wilberforce knew to be right, began in 1790, and ended with the passing of the Slavery Abolition Act shortly after his death in 1833. Even after being laughed at so many times, he never gave up. That, my friends, is heroic.
There were so many great lines in the movie too, but my favorite was spoken by Wilberforce to who would become the Prime Minister. He said, “We are still young enough to believe in the impossible”. I hope I never get that old.