Remix: Story Evangelism

Yesterday I saw "The Pursuit of Happyness." It's a movie about Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) and his son (played by Smith's real-life son) as they try to endure reality while pursuing a better life. In the movie, Gardner is accepted, against all odds, to a non-paying six month internship at a prestigious brokerage firm. Because of the turmoil of having no steady income, Gardner and his son face eviction, lack of food, etc. I won't say more and spoil the story for you, but it's a very good movie, inspired by the true story of Chris Gardner.

I wonder what inspired the producers to make this movie. I am sure that the ability to make money helped influence their decision, but I also think that it is because they wanted a lot of people to hear Gardner's story of hope. Without making a movie, it's likely that most would never hear Gardner's story. (I doubt I would have). Because Gardner's story can be **good news** for those who need to hear it, making this movie is a form of *evangelism*--it spreads good news. If you are a Christian, your life story is a story of good news. It may not be as flashy as Chris Gardner's story, the ending is still being written, and plot developments are sure to spring up, but maybe those whom God has put in your life don't good news from movies, but your good news. After all, it's almost always the characters that make for a great story...especially if you know them.