I recently received the media release for the movie, Stand Your Ground, and was immediately intrigued. The movie is based on a true story and has won numerous awards. Stand Your Ground is now out on DVD, and it is a testament to what can happen when events bring you to your knees.
When Jackie Carpenter's son is falsely accused of murder, she prays for a miracle and fights against all odds to set him free. When the prosecution seeks a life sentence for her son, Jackie's world spins into turmoil, sending her on a journey that ultimately brings her to her knees and - thankfully - a triumphant resurgence into faith. The circumstances of her son's situation causes Jackie Carpenter to test her faith and totally lean on God for the results she can only hope He will provide.
The story takes place in Georgia and opens with green farm country and a quaint little town. Jackie and Larry Carpenter have two adult sons. Jim is the older son and he's a minister. Jason is the younger brother and he is married with a young son, and is in the business of real estate. Because Jason's properties are robbed 17 times or so, he decides that he will go and keep watch at night to see if he can catch the thieves and call the police.
As it turns out, Jackie and Larry get a call in the middle of the night from Jason's wife, Stephanie, in the middle of the night telling them that Jason has been arrested for murder. Suddenly their lives as they know it is over, and everything is chaotic. Jason's wife struggles, not knowing what to say to their son, while Jackie vows she will do everything she can to get her son out of jail and back home. A touching scene is when Jason is so distraught being incarcerated while waiting for trial and he calls home. Instead of talking with his wife and son, they sing him a song while Stephanie plays piano. You can see the small bit of peace he is able to find in this very small moment.
Jason is charged with felony murder. As the movie progresses, the charges against Jason are reduced because the police officer who initially arrested Jason was let go from his position due to poor behavior. The charges are then further reduced to voluntary manslaughter to which Jason was to receive 3 to 5 years in prison if only he would plead guilty. After much deliberation within his family, Jason and Stephanie believe that God wants Jason to choose the trial.
At one point in the trial proceedings, the attorney representing Jason suggests that Jackie not take her Bible into the trial because it might offend a juror. I loved how she dug her heels in, pointed out she could offend a juror for many other reasons as well, and takes her Bible with her anyway. As she walks into the courtroom, Jackie's friends and the community support her by raising the pages of Psalms they have each brought with them into the courtroom themselves.
Throughout the movie, we really don't know what actually happened that night. We hear conflicting stories from one of the eye witnesses, but throughout the movie we never hear what really happened that night. In the courtroom, Jason testifies to the facts of that night and then we know. I'm not going to give you the ending - get the movie and find out what happens at trial - don't assume you know.
Stand Your Ground shows us how life can test the faith of each and every one of us. It has a clearly communicated message by both Jackie and Jason to "stand your ground" and fight for what you believe against all the odds. Stand Your Ground is a powerful witness for the power of prayer and faith in God. It reminds us to rely on His strength instead of our own.
Just last week I heard a sermon on letting stufft go, giving it to God, admitting we are powerless, and trusting that he can take care of whatever situation we give Him. This movie shows us exactly that. God does - and will - intervene, carry us through the midst of our troubles, and will bring us through, regardless of the outcome.
The movie was based on the books by Jackie Carpenter, The Bridge" Between Cell Block A and a Miracle is Psalm 91 and Georgia Justice: Journey To Faith. I don't think any movie made based on the sharing of a mother's heart could go wrong, and I'm sure the books are even better. Be sure to check out the movie's official website, or connect with them on Facebook!
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