Faith-based films are having their own revival, most premiering near the top of the box office charts the last couple of years. 

 

People are hungry for hope. 

 

The Kendrick Brothers’ The Forge, produced by Sony Pictures’ AFFIRM Films, gives it in full force. With themes of redemption, forgiveness, and identity in Christ, the War Room spin-off brings a biblical message to the big screen. 

 

After graduating from high school without any plans for the future, Isaiah (Aspen Kennedy) receives a push to start making better life decisions through his mentor Joshua Moore (Cameron Arnett) and praying mom Cynthia (Priscilla Shirer). 

 

Miss Clara (Karen Abercrombie) spoke the line that resonated most with my soul. “You can’t take one step forward in your faith journey and then one step back. Otherwise you’re just doing the cha-cha.”

 

It seems like I’ve been doing some cha-cha’ing of my own lately. Watching the characters in the movie persevere through faith, discipline, and determination helped me to get recentered myself. 

 

The Forge was an artistic representation of my own prayer to be tested through the fire to become pure and refined. The heat can often be intense and I stumble. But the victory that comes out on the other side of the forge is worth it all.

 

The Forge is currently playing in theaters nationwide. 

 

Follow Jeanni Ritchie at www.faithunfaded.comto read more of her faith journey.