movie review: "voiceless"

"Jesse Dean is a recently discharged soldier who had a rough upbringing, but because of his wife, found God and now is totally devoted to his faith.

He and wife move to Philadelphia so he can take a new job as an outreach leader at an old church whose membership has been declining. As everything is going well and as he starts connecting to the community, he discovers there's an abortion clinic directly across the street from the church.

He goes to the pastor and to several others in the church and tries to get their help to no avail. One day something tragic and personal happens to him while he's going about his everyday routine. He comes to the point that he begins to take action himself. He gets involved but the more involved he gets, the more resistance he gets from those in church and community. His wife, who thinks his actions will get him fired or land him in jail, also comes against him.

Finally, it comes down to him having to make a choice: is he going to take the easy way out and back off, which is what everyone wants him to do, or will he face a major confrontation which will require him to put everything on the line…not just his job, but his freedom and marriage as well.

This film encourages people to stand up for what they know is right, particularly as it pertains to taking God's truths into society to address social issues. It addresses the spirit of retreat as it pertains to engaging the culture that has developed within the Church."

This is a fabulous movie! I feel like Christian movies tend to get a bad wrap for different reasons but this movie, though tackling a heavy subject, is well done and pulls you in from the start! I like what Jesse says at the beginning of the movie and feel it sums up his journey. "I've never questioned where God is leading me, even if it's a little uncomfortable." And what Pastor Gil tells him when Jesse shares his concerns about the abortion clinic. He tells Jesse, "there's nothing you can do." I think we all sometimes can feel helpless at not knowing where to begin when it comes to helping others or wanting to help fight a grand-scale issue (i.e., homelessness, poverty, human trafficking, etc.). But Jesse does something about what's bothering him. He takes action. And he's immediately met with opposition. Another line from the movie I like is what he says to Pastor Gil as the opposition is heating up. When the pastor wants him to be quiet. "It isn't about activism. This is about being a voice for the voiceless. About speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves." I think one of the biggest take aways for me is the impact of one person. That one person can do something. Towards the end of the movie when Jesse is faced with being arrested should he go back to the abortion clinic, I was reminded of Exodus 14:14: "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Just when he was willing to make that sacrifice for what he believed in, an army of people showed up to take his place. People he had impacted; people he had helped. I think this movie is a beautiful story of being God's hands and feet to help those who are hurting. 

You can learn more about the movie by clicking here and see where it's playing. 

I received a free link to watch this movie from Icon Media Group for my honest review.