Faith’s Benefits – Personal
Anxious for Nothing. Why are we anxious, and what is the cure? Three common causes of anxiety and a suggested solution. (Probe radio series transcript.)
Tell her you love her. Recently, when my wife, Meg Korpi, was dying of cancer, a longtime friend offered some advice I’m really glad I heeded: I should write and read to her a tribute, expressing what she’s meant to me and how much I love her. (Short op-ed)
Sexual Abuse Victor Offers Hope for Sandusky Victims, Others. He knows how Jerry Sandusky’s victims must feel. Their stories reawakened agonizing memories of childhood sexual abuse in Josh. He’d hated his assailant, hated his father, and damned God. He felt ashamed, and terribly alone. Then a college student’s challenge started him on a quest that changed everything. (Short op-ed by Rusty Wright and Meg Korpi)
Shark-Victim Surfer Girl’s Simple Faith. Teenager Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to a shark attack in a Hawaiian surfing tragedy. Could her simple faith and trust have something significant to say to a society filled with pain and risk? (Short op-ed)
When Life Careens: Love Child Locates Bio-Dad. A former girlfriend phoned, saying, “You have a 27-year-old daughter…She’d like to know if it’s okay to contact you.” Gary’s life was about to take a wild turn through painful introspection and sweet reconciliation. In the process, he discovered that he needed his long-lost daughter as much as she needed him. (Short op-ed by Rusty Wright and Meg Korpi)
Caring for Her Husband’s Love Child. Would you volunteer to care for your spouse’s love child? Debbie Fuller faced that decision. Her choices – and how she made them – may inspire you and your family. (Short op-ed)
Basic Instinct, Showgirls & God? Self-described “Hollywood Animal” Joe Eszterhas, the blockbuster screenwriter famous for steamy eroticism and dark thrillers, says God found him and life’s never been better. (Short op-ed)
“Life Without Limbs” Inspires. Discouraged about your finances, employment, business, or rocky relationships? Meet a guy – born without arms or legs – who will inspire you to face your challenges and dream big. (Short op-ed) French
Tiananmen Leader’s Divine Cause. Chinese student Chai Ling helped lead the massive 1989 demonstrations in Tiananmen Square that drew the world’s praise and her government’s wrath. Twice nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, today this Harvard MBA is a successful businesswoman who still risks persecution to bring reform to China. Her current activities might surprise you. (Short op-ed)
Grappling with Guilt. Feeling guilty can cripple you emotionally. Serious ethical or moral lapses can bring blame and shame. A seemingly minor flaw can sometimes bug the daylights out of you. Healthy ways to deal with guilt and to know that you are really forgiven. (Probe radio series transcript.)
Forgiveness, Reconciliation and You. Ever been cheated or mistreated? Got any lingering grudges? Any unclear air between you and a family member, neighbor or coworker? Many doctors and social scientists extol the personal and societal benefits of forgiveness and reconciliation. Some inspiring case studies. (Probe radio series transcript.)
One Minute After Death: What will happen when you die? (Probe radio series transcript.)
Faith in God: Good for Your Health? Can faith in God improve your health? A surprising number of medical experts say it might. (Short op-ed) Spanish
How to Be Successful and Satisfied. What is success? How can we obtain it? A look at a major obstacle to success and satisfaction; thoughts on how to find both.
Does God’s Love Make You Want to Give? Some current social scientific research suggests it might. Intriguing survey results, and an inspiring story of Auntie Anne, the pretzel lady. (Short op-ed)
Linsanity movie: hoops, hopes, Harvard, heaven. Benchwarmer Jeremy Lin set the basketball world ablaze when he led the faltering New York Knicks to seven straight wins and helped boost them into the NBA playoffs. The film documentary of his phenomenal rollercoaster ride – from struggling underdog to global star – will inspire you. (Short op-ed)
Noah movie: courage, faith, hope. With breathtaking cinematography – and not without controversy – Paramount Pictures releases an intense portrayal of a classic story. That story brings important lessons for 21st–Century living. (Short op-ed)
Heaven is for Real, movie claims. Colton Burpo says that at age 3, he went to heaven, saw Jesus, heard angels sing, and met both his deceased great grandfather and his miscarried sister. The best-selling book about him is now a major motion picture. Is heaven for real? (Short op-ed by Rusty Wright)
Moms’ Night Out movie: Laughs, plus hope for frazzled moms. Want laughs, plus a way to tell a mother she’s loved? Take her to see Moms’ Night Out, opening Mother’s Day weekend. On the set, actors and producers promised the comedy would be a hoot. They’ve delivered, with loads of family fun. I laughed out loud. (Short op-ed)
New Football Movie: Character trumps winning. Could a football coach who teaches that character trumps winning … win games consistently? It’s happened – and quite dramatically – inspiring the film When the Game Stands Tall. Jim Caviezel plays Coach Bob Ladouceur, who led an obscure, struggling California high school team to record-shattering national prominence by helping his players mature toward adulthood. (Short op-ed)
Unbroken movie: hope, despair, redemption. When Louie Zamperini boarded a World War II bomber in late May, 1943, unforeseen dangers awaited the Olympic runner and war hero. He later said he’d prefer suicide to repeating his castaway and POW ordeals. His enthralling story – told now in film – still inspires. (Short op-ed)
Old Fashioned movie: 50 shades of nice. Want an alluring love story for your Valentine’s Day movie date? You have distinct options. Much-discussed Fifty Shades of Grey is based on the erotic novel that’s drawn countless bookclubbers into lip-biting, toe-curling ecstasy by offering excitement, mystery, pleasure, bondage, and pain. Old Fashioned takes, shall we say, a somewhat different approach to relationships. Romance lives. (Short op-ed)
Cleveland Abduction: Courage, faith, riveting TV drama. No one should have to suffer what Michelle Knight and her fellow captives did in Ariel Castro’s house of horrors. With gripping realism and tender reflection, Lifetime’s movie tells this absorbing story from abduction to liberation and beyond. (Short op-ed)
War Room movie: got prayer? Got marital problems? Job-related stress? Ethical conundrums? Try prayer. This Kendrick Brothers / Sony TriStar release weaves prayer insights into a lively drama about a troubled middle-class family. (Short op-ed)
Captive movie: gripping Atlanta hostage drama. Her story captured a nation’s heart. Hostage Ashley Smith reads to courtroom killer Brian Nichols from Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life. Two broken, wounded souls navigate a risky journey about purpose, survival, faith and redemption. (Short op-ed)
The 33 movie: Chilean miners’ despair, faith, miracle rescue. In this dramatic true story that captivated the world in 2010, a huge explosion traps 33 miners deep underground. Up top, an international team works frantically to save them. With miniscule rations and little human hope – but with deep determination and fervent prayer, both above and below ground – the miners last 69 days until liberation. (Short op-ed)
Miracles from Heaven movie: Astonishing outcomes. A nine-year-old girl falls thirty feet, lands headfirst, sustains only minor scrapes and bruises, and leaves the hospital the next day. She says she visited heaven and sat in Jesus’ lap. Eventually, her chronic, life-threatening illness is gone. What happened? (Short op-ed)
The Real MVP movie: Kevin Durant’s inspiring mom struggles and shines. When NBA superstar Kevin Durant received the league’s Most Valuable Player award, he named his mother “the real MVP.” The standing ovation and subsequent media groundswell confirmed that something significant had just happened, something transcending the game. Now, Lifetime Television brings the inspirational backstory to a wide audience. (Short op-ed)
Ben-Hur remake: Revenge, redemption, inspiring backstory. Mark Burnett and Roma Downey have remade the classic MGM film for a new generation … complete with a chariot race for the ages, plus plenty of action, romance and inspiration. What’s behind this story, and why has it endured so long? (Short op-ed)
Deepwater Horizon movie: horror, heroism, fear and faith. The 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil rig explosion, oil spill, cleanup, and lawsuits against British Petroleum dominated the news back then. But the saga of what happened on the rig that night – and the valor that saved many lives – is a lesser-known story. (Short op-ed)
I’m Not Ashamed movie: Columbine victim’s inspiring story. The 1999 Columbine High School massacre became etched in a nation’s collective consciousness. Shooters Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold murdered twelve fellow students and one teacher. Rachel Joy Scott was their first victim. This new film tells her inspiring story. (Short op-ed)
New Life movie: Real love, real life. As I watched this film, I often felt like the screenwriters had placed a hidden microphone in my home. True love. Romance. Exciting, intimate, emotional connection. Fulfilling, committed partnership. Joys and sorrows. Drama … tragedy … recovery … triumph. This one’s got real love and real life, folks. (Short op-ed)
The Star movie: First-Christmas animal adventure. This fun and funny animated film tracks a slew of animals following an unusual Star to a manger in Bethlehem, where they sense something wonderful is about to happen involving a pregnant woman named Mary and her husband Joseph. Celebrity voices include Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Kris Kristofferson, Patricia Heaton, Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi and Christopher Plummer. (Short op-ed)
Justice League movie: Hope lost; hope restored. When Superman’s dead – and the bad guys are closing in fast, and all hope seems lost – who you gonna call? How about the Justice League! Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg team up to fight evil and seek justice for all. Warner Bros. brings their story to theaters on 6 continents. (Short op-ed)
Samson movie: Passion, betrayal, redemption. Beware of seductive women who want to know the secret of your superpowers. And who keep scissors in their boudoir. The epic biblical tale shows that good can triumph over evil, and that flawed leaders can turn second chances into positive outcomes. (Short op-ed)
I Can Only Imagine movie: Abuse, anger, redemption. Could you forgive a dad whose rage drove your mother away, and who abused you physically, verbally and emotionally? The film saga behind this popular song depicts with grace, tenderness, and beauty what became of a prodigal father and his unforgiving son. (Short op-ed)
Paul, Apostle of Christ movie: From vengeance to love. OK, Batman. Riddle me this: Who attacked his opponents with a vengeance, then switched sides, lost his head, but came out a winner? Nick Saban? Babe Ruth? Ronald Reagan? Donald Trump? Good guesses, but… nope. Easter is a good time to remember this guy. (Short op-ed)
Indivisible movie: Would your romance survive this? U.S. Army chaplain Darren Turner wants to encourage soldiers through difficult battle circumstances. An ambush, live combat, and assorted conflicts make him question his own teaching and faith. He returns home callous and closed, angry and mean, casting his marriage on the rocks. A compelling and uplifting true story for everyone tempted to fight with their spouse or partner rather than fighting for their relationship. (Short op-ed)
Run the Race movie: dreams, despair, romance, redemption. Ever had a dream die? Or a loved one? Perhaps you struggle with why bad things sometimes happen to good people. Maybe you enjoy romance, brotherly bonds, or football. If so, Tim Tebow’s film (he’s an executive producer) should appeal to you. (Short op-ed)
Palau movie: Big dreams, remembering roots. When you see a famous and popular person on television, in the movies, or in person, the glow of success can sometimes eclipse their more modest roots. But the genuinely successful do well to remember their origins. Global Christian communicator Luis Palau remembers his, and he’s grateful to those who helped him along the way. This biopic, in theaters April 4 and 6, could inspire you to dream big, as he did. (Short op-ed)
Breakthrough movie: Miracle on Ice? Ever meet someone who died…and lived to tell about it? Breakthrough tells a startling, back-from-the-brink recovery story that’s sure to leave you scratching your head, even if you don’t share the grateful mom’s faith-miracle conclusions. (Short op-ed)
HBO’s Alternate Endings doc: How do you want to die? Got your burial plot picked out yet? How ’bout your casket? Planning on cremation? So where will your ashes go? A coral reef? Outer space? HBO’s insightful new documentary Alternate Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America looks at novel approaches to life’s end. Is there anything after death? (Short op-ed)
Overcomer movie: What defines you? What defines who you are? Your job? Your spouse, your partner, your accomplishments? Does your sense of well-being and satisfaction come from dependence on your position or friends or appearance or skills? What would you do if all that were taken away? Overcomer tells an entertaining, sensitive story of finding a stable source of personal identity in the midst of life’s shifts in relationships, family, work, and sports. (Short op-ed)
Mr. Rogers movie: Want him as your neighbor? Ever feel lonely? Underappreciated? Frightened? Need a friend who’s kind? Respectful? Wise? You might like Mr. Rogers. Sony/Tristar’s new film, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, depicts Fred Rogers’ friendship transforming a cynical journalist’s life. (Short op-ed)
I Still Believe movie: True love, rough roads. In the mood for a touching love story? One with romance, challenges, and hope abounding? Popular singer Jeremy Camp’s story could be just what you’re looking for. You may laugh…and cry, too. (Short op-ed)
Managing Your Coronavirus Fears. Coronavirus has spawned fears galore. Infection and death numbers soar. People wonder: Will I catch it? Will my loved ones? Will it kill us? Will I survive economically? Layoffs and roller-coaster financial markets escalate apprehension. What’s your fear? Tips for managing it. (Short op-ed) Chinese
Hoops Cancellation Withdrawal Disorder. In these tumultuous times, do you have difficulty focusing on work or household responsibilities? Does life seem empty? Do you often daydream about excitement? Are you a basketball fan? If so, you may be suffering from a recently designated serious malady, Hoops Cancellation Withdrawal Disorder (HCWD-20). (Short op-ed)
Humor while hunkering down: COVID-era chuckles. The coronavirus tragedy is, of course, not at all funny. But coping with daily life during it has bred some lighthearted fun as we all adjust to new ways of living and working…and seek comic relief to ease the tension. Some rib ticklers to help lighten your load. (Short op-ed)
NFL coach John Harbaugh on COVID sports coping. The coronavirus pandemic has brought global lifestyle changes, and athletes are not immune. Personal identity, control, and security can all become scrambled in chaotic times. Super-Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh explains how he’s coped amid the loss of sport. (Short op-ed) Washington Examiner version
Coping with COVID-era holiday loneliness. Zoomed out? Exasperated by COVID-era isolation? Longing for face-to-face human interaction beyond your home? You’re not alone. Such craving is widespread, and holiday-induced loneliness brings additional challenges. Maybe some expectation management – and realistic solutions – are in order. (Short op-ed) WashingtonExaminer.com version
‘Wonder Woman 1984’ movie: Will you get what you want? Suppose you could have anything you ever wanted – fame, fortune, relationships, pleasure. Would that make you happy? A megalomaniacal global villain is tapping human desires to help him dominate civilization. In 1984, Wonder Woman races to foil his dastardly scheme. (Short op-ed) Washington Examiner version
‘A Week Away’ movie: Facing fears, feelings, fun, faith and friendships. As a teen, did you struggle to find your place in a complicated world? Could you ever be “good enough” or express your true feelings to one whose smile you desired? Has a personal tragedy made you question divine existence or goodness or power? Do those feelings still linger? If so, A Week Away could help you sort them out. (Short op-ed)
‘Blue Miracle‘ movie: castoff kids, fractured families, fishing, and hope. Does your life sometimes seem stormy? Financial woes mounting? Trouble at home or work? Got family conflicts? Need some hope? Maybe what worked for these Mexican orphans and their caretaker is worth trying. Go fishin’. And pray. (Short op-ed)
‘A Father’s Legacy’ movie: What was your dad like? Did you ever want to feel valued by someone special? Or mourn losing a loved one? Ever wish you could undo past decisions or take back hurtful words? Maybe you know the right thing to do, but lack courage to do it. The complex characters in A Father’s Legacy may resonate with you. (Short op-ed)
‘The Streets Were My Father’ movie: Who’s your daddy? Could you forgive someone who murdered your family member? Or was an MIA parent? Absent, neglectful or abusive fathers can leave lifetime scars. The Streets Were My Father depicts three sons who experienced it all, and have turned their corners in dramatic, inspiring ways. (Short op-ed)
‘Respect’ movie: Aretha’s success, struggles, secrets, soul. Entertainment superstar Aretha Franklin was an industry icon and international treasure. Beloved by millions, honored by presidents, she also struggled with personal and family turmoil. The Queen of Soul handpicked Oscar® winner Jennifer Hudson to play her in this long-awaited MGM biopic. All Aretha was askin’ for was a little respect. Does this movie bring it? (Short op-ed) Washington Examiner version
‘Show Me the Father’ movie: You and your father. How do you think of your father? With love, happiness and respect? With fear, misery and anger? Your relationship with your dad can influence your self-image and success. Show Me the Father uses gripping stories of good parenting and bad to motivate viewers to promote healthy fatherhood. (Short op-ed)
‘American Underdog’ movie: From supermarket stocker to Super Bowl MVP. Do life’s challenges ever get you discouraged? NFL Hall-of-Famer Kurt Warner’s wild journey from castoff to superstar could inspire you to keep pursuing your dreams. (Short op-ed) Washington Examiner version
‘The Chosen’ Jesus TV series: Why so popular? So, why would an online television series about Jesus be breaking popularity records? It has no big-name stars or producers. The stories are ancient. Are viewers looking for hope amid pandemic uncertainty? Are they bored with working from home and turning to diversions their bosses cannot monitor? What did TMZ think? (Short op-ed) Washington Examiner version
‘The Mulligan’ movie: Need a second chance? Ever wish life granted second chances? What would you do with them? The Mulligan movie uses the game of golf to get you to ponder possibilities. (Short op-ed)
‘Elvis’ movie: All Shook Up meets Heartbreak Hotel. Elvis lives. At least in the hearts of his fans, and they are everywhere. Warner Bros.’ new Elvis movie extends the legacy. Why does the raven-haired, swivel-hipped crooner still fascinate millions nearly 45 years after his death? (Short op-ed)
‘Nothing is Impossible’ movie: Hoops, romance, second chances. Feeling battered by life’s challenges? Do circumstantial hurricanes keep hitting you in the face? Could your love life, work, or family relationships use a tune-up? Maybe a rescue or do-over? Chances are you’ll relate to the characters in Nothing is Impossible, a fun and inspiring sports and family drama. (Short op-ed)
‘Till’ movie: Racial murder helped spark civil rights movement. White racists brutally murdered young Emmett Till in 1955 Mississippi. His death, and his mother Mamie’s reaction to it, helped spark the civil rights movement. MGM’s Till tells their compelling story. What gave this grieving mother strength to pursue social change? (Short op-ed) Washington Examiner version
Johnny Cash movie: His life, loves, challenges and successes. International superstar; honored by presidents; a jailbird and addict. Singer Johnny Cash knew great highs and great lows. What was The Man in Black’s legacy? (Short op-ed)
Jesus Revolution movie: ’60s turmoil, radical responses. “Is God Dead?” a 1966 Time magazine cover asked. A 1971 Time cover heralded “The Jesus Revolution.” What caused this cultural shift in the radical 1960s that still impacts us today? Kelsey Grammer (Frasier) stars in a new film that tells part of the story: how a hippie, a drugged-out teenager and a straight-laced California pastor linked up to bring hope to millions. (Short op-ed) Washington Examiner version
Divine dilemma: Who gets God’s nod in March Madness? By Mark I. Pinsky and Rusty Wright. Thursday evening (March16), in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Duke University, a historically Methodist school in Durham, North Carolina, tips off with Pentecostal powerhouse Oral Roberts University, in Orlando, Florida — a Southern Baptist stronghold and a part of the country that takes both religion and college athletics very seriously. If two Christian schools’ fans pray for victory, which one gets God’s favor? (Religion News Service release 3/16/23).
On a Wing and a Prayer movie: deadly danger; divine drama? Ever faced mortal danger? Imagine that you, your family, and a pilot have boarded a small private plane for a flight home from Florida to Louisiana. Ten minutes after takeoff, the pilot dies, leaving you – a passenger – to fly the plane. How would you feel? What would you do? MGM’s On a Wing and a Prayer depicts the dramatic dilemmas that Doug White and his family faced on Easter Sunday, 2009. (Short op-ed)
‘Big George Foreman’ movie: Fame, tragedy, triumph, second chances. George Foreman’s storied career has many facets: Olympic gold medalist, twice World Heavyweight Boxing champion, TV grill pitchman, philanthropist. But a near-death experience forever altered his life’s trajectory. Sony’s new biopic conveys his tragedies and triumphs, with inspiration for anyone who ever needed a second chance. (Short op-ed)
Surprised by Oxford movie: Remedying broken relationships. Ever feel awkward opening yourself emotionally in a relationship? Got any family issues that make trusting others difficult? Does that affect your social life, job, or home life? Do you ever use work, studies, or accomplishments to bolster your self-image when, inside, you’re hiding from others? Perhaps you’ll resonate with this film’s protagonist. (Short op-ed) Washington Examiner version.
Baxters TV series: deeply touching emotional dilemmas. Ever fear rejection in romance? Concerned about family members you love experiencing troubled relationships? Been tempted to stray? Wondering whether or how faith and God fit into life’s complicated messes? If so, you’ll probably connect right away with Prime Video’s new deeply moving TV series, The Baxters. (Short op-ed)
Sony’s The Forge movie: absent father, resentment, respect. Ever experience family conflict? Wish your dad had been more involved in your life? Longing for love and respect for yourself, or for your children? Is resentment churning in your gut? You’ll likely connect with key characters in Sony’s The Forge movie. (Short op-ed)
Best Christmas Pageant Ever movie: Humor with meaning. “The Herdmans were the worst kids in the history of the world,” declares Barbara Robinson’s classic seasonal novel, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Now, a new movie brings the Herdman children’s mischievous shenanigans to the big screen … and along the way, glimpses of touching warmth. (Short op-ed; published by Washington Examiner)