Rhemalogy

“All in all God it was a very good day.”

I’ve always tried to do those reviews with an uplifting word and a happy ending. Especially in lieu of the recent tragedies that are in the news. There was another movie I was set to review of that caliber, but this morning when I opened my eyes, this movie was on my television and all of the memories began to flood my heart and fill my mind. From our private stock, Letters to God is a true story about the life of Tyler Doherty’s (Tanner Maguire) fight with cancer and how he touched so many lives in spite of his daily battle against this incurable foe.

Tyler, an extraordinary eight-year-old armed with strong faith and courage sent letters to the ultimate pen pal God in the form of prayers. This he does every day without fail. These letters find their way into the hands of Tyler’s postman, Brady McDaniels (Jeffrey Johnson), who is at the crossroads of his life and searching for the true meaning. At first, Brady is confused about what to do with these letters, but his decision is a testament to the power of Tyler’s shining spirit, bravery, and grace.

Not only does Tyler touch his postman, but everyone around him in his neighborhood and community. Which is a testament to how we as children of God should be in spite of our circumstances. To let our lights so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Tyler becomes, in the words of Mr. Perryfield (Ralph Waite), “God’s warrior.” With this sentiment, the movie drives home that a little faith can go a long way. His story offered a far more powerful witness to the importance of faith. That faith could give a young boy the courage to face his own death and still keep the needs of others first and foremost in his thoughts. Many of the letters he wrote to God were intercessions for others. How many of us could honestly do that? Leaving a legacy behind?

I liked the movie’s simplicity. You can’t get lost in the storyline. It’s a straightforward narrative about faith, courage, and transformation. Positive attributes we truly need today. I liked the depiction of prayer in this film. Those praying weren’t necessarily praying for Tyler’s healing but for his strength and courage. His story makes the point that healing isn’t always about the recovery of the body, but sometimes healing is about the wellness of the spirit. Tyler’s spirit was strong and healthy regardless of his body’s condition. That was a good message.

Letters to God was originally released in 2010, is 110 min, rated PG. Can be seen on Amazon Prime and Youtube. You can rent the DVD or Blue-ray from DVD Netflix.

Directors: David Nixon and Patrick Doughtie.
Writers: Patrick Doughtie(story and screenplay), Art D’Alessandro, and Sandra Thrift.
Stars: Tanner Maguire, Jeffrey Johnson, and Robyn Lively.

We give Letters to God

To me, Letters to God is the sum total of why Jesus spoke so affirmatively of children and even used them as examples for us. Children cut through the foolishness and see God clearly whereas adults are sometimes more jaded and can’t. They have simple and innocent faith and know how to trust. Tyler becomes the perfect example for those around him. Jesus said, “Become like little children,” This movie helps explain those words. This is a heartwarming and inspiring movie that has remarkable life lessons. And how it ends…well, that is all in one’s perception.

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