^{I was invited to an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles courtesy of Sony to attend the #TheStarMovie Press Junket and screening in exchange for my coverage. No other compensation was provided. All views shared are completely my own.}

Strengthen Your Faith and Follow Your Heart With The Star

As a mom nothing warms my heart more than exposing Chance to things that will enhance his life.  It’s important to me that we share our faith with him.  When I was pregnant I prayed three very specific prayers concerning him:  1) God, I pray that he is healthy. 2) God, give him a heart after You. 3) God, give him the wisdom of Solomon.  I honestly believe with all of my heart that God honored all three prayers.  Chance (given that name because God gave him a chance at life) was born healthy in spite of the many complications I experienced during pregnancy including being told that I had miscarried.  He loves God and will pray for any and everything.  He is so smart, he began reading at just 14 months.  He’s a gem of a kid…. not just because he’s my kid. 

Being invited to press junket of The Star movie, was an overwhelming experience.  The most compelling aspect being the faith-based component.  I arrived at one of my favorite hotels, The London West Hollywood and things went uphill from there.  The screening was held on site, with popcorn and Christmas cookies shaped like a star.

 

In AFFIRM Films and Sony Pictures Animation’s The Star, a small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day Bo finds the courage to break free and ends up befriending newlyweds Joseph and Mary. Mary’s kindness soon sets Bo on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth, a loveable sheep who has lost her flock, and Dave, a dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star and become unlikely heroes in the greatest story ever told – the first Christmas.

 

The Star is directed by Academy Award®-nominated writer/director Timothy Reckart; executive-produced by DeVon Franklin, Brian Henson and Lisa Henson; and produced by Jennifer Magee-Cook.      The voice cast is led by Steven Yeun (Bo the donkey), Gina Rodriguez (Mary), Zachary Levi (Joseph), Keegan-Michael Key (Dave the dove), Kelly Clarkson (Leah the horse), Anthony Anderson (Zach the goat), Aidy Bryant (Ruth the sheep), Ving Rhames (Thaddeus the dog), Gabriel Iglesias (Rufus the dog), Patricia Heaton (Edith the cow), Kristin Chenoweth (Abby the Mouse), Christopher Plummer (King Herod), and Tracy Morgan (Felix) and Tyler Perry (Cyrus) and Oprah Winfrey (Deborah) as the three camels. It makes its way into the hearts of men in theatres everywhere on November 17^th.

 

I did not realize how much I needed to see The Star until I did.  You see, I have been struggling for a while with my faith.  Not because I don’t believe but I was struggling with trusting God to take care of my needs.  I’m not big on spoilers, so there will be none in this post.  However, I will share how I was impacted by The Star.

 

The Birth of Christ is Powerful

Even with animation, improvisation, and lots of humor the story of the birth of Christ was still very powerful – and from an animal’s perspective.  Watching the movie renewed my faith. I felt liberated in Christ just seeing the story of His birth.  I was moved and filled with excitement at the thought of my son Chance watching it.

Following Your Heart Can Lead to You to Your Wildest Dreams

I have been so guilty of doing what was comfortable opposed to what I believe I was created to do.   At times, I’ve neglected to follow my heart…. not knowing that one day my heart would lead me to my dreams.  God will give you the desires of your heart, if you trust Him and follow your heart. 

Anyone can Change, no Matter How Much Bad They’ve Done

Your past does not have to dictate your future.  You can turn things around, but you must be willing.  For years I thought I would never escape my past, even after salvation.  But, what I realized is my past will always be my past but what matter’s the most is how I’ve positively responded to my past.  What am I changing? How am I changing?

 

I love Jesus! I really do, and I believe my relationship with Him is all that matters.  I’ve always tried to teach Chance by example how to develop a relationship with Christ.  It’s not always easy and it gets messy sometimes.  We are saved by grace, we aren’t perfect.  That’s why it’s important that we have movies like The Star. 

“The Star is a perfect combination of humor and inspiration wrapped up in the life-changing story of the birth of Christ. I can’t wait to take Chance to see it.”

I could truly go on and on about The Star, but I am afraid that I will unconsciously include a few spoilers, and I honestly don’t want to do that.  I want you to enjoy this amazingly funny, inspiring and life-changing film with your family. Please enter to win your copy of The Star on Blu-ray and Digital. 

Are you looking for a great family friendly movie that includes faith?  Whether you are or not a person of faith, this movie is full of lessons that we teach our children daily.  How have you taught your children about faith or how to follow their heart?

[latoyia]