Review of A Story Worth Living (2016) by Tom K — 20 May 2016

Having known of all that Ransomed Heart and John Eldridge is about for several years I did know what to expect. I know beyond any doubt that no intent was there to deceive.

The intent was only that while men and women would enjoy the film it might also perk their interest in what type of men and or christians would appreciate the common yearning in every persons heart for adventure. Showing the commonality of a guy like Charlie Boorman and some very open and honest guys who have dealt with some significant setbacks in life. We all have much more in common than differences.

I will say I was a bit disappointed but knew I would be even before I went. There is context here. And that was what I was disappointed about in the film. Not enough context in the short time to try to mesh into the deep truths that were conveyed. That being said I am sure I would have failed to tell the story any better.

My anticipation was because I have been to many RH events. I have led several adventures like this, in that place and several boot camps in the past helping men and women overcome what life has thrown at them in an effort to kill their hearts. I and others with me have spent thousands of dollars in efforts to help men overcome addiction, abuse, loss, hatred and quite frankly terrible representations of Christianity.

This is how I know these men never tried or intended to dupe anyone. I am sorry you felt duped. I even understand why. But please don't slander the men who tried to do something cool that many different people from different backgrounds would enjoy. They did not make this film for you as much as they did for those of us who already have a relationship with &Sons and Christ. But there was a hope that others would be blessed by it as well.

I have been on all those roads. All those trails save one. I have taken many people over those passes for their first time and saw the amazement in their eyes and fear in their hearts as they experienced for the first time so much of what makes my heart come alive.

I felt myself being disappointed as I watched the film. But not because I was tricked. It because the message is so much deeper and richer than anything that we can communicate in 90 minutes. The beauty of that area is as well. No way to show it and show the actual grandeur and amazement that exist there. But they did a heck of a job trying. They failed in many peoples eyes it seems. But they did try? More than most of us can claim. Isn't that what adventure is? Going out and doing something rather than living vicariously through others?

My only critique is that we needed more self effacing humor and less trying to convince the audience of how scary things were. I know these guys and I know that was a huge part of the adventure. It had to be. I also spend several weeks a year in the alpine loop region and know exactly what they faced. I know those roads are tough on bikes. I have helped more than I can count pick a bike up after a spill trying to get over one of the granite switchbacks.

Cows, sheep, dogs, bears, lions are all a part of that. I enjoyed those tidbits but get where people would think this less than masculine. I know a show of masculinity was not the point. A show of taking an adventure in spite of doubting ones strength or skill was. The effort was to try to get some men who are scared to go on an adventure like this to get out of a recliner and take a risk. Walk with God. The ultimate Risk Taker. For all those who feel misled I know you feel yourselves risk takers already. You ride. You camp, you hike, you fish. But is that all? Do you risk anywhere else in life that is not just about satisfying your own desires? Have you risked to save another human being? I'm sure many have. Maybe you have served in the military and experienced a brotherhood kinship you will never forget. Perhaps that was what you were hopping to vicariously experience again by going to the film. There is a reason for that. Your soul yearns to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Your hearts craves doing something that takes risk and sacrifice. It wants to help others... This is what they were trying to convey.

Yes they missed the mark in your opinion and that is perfectly understandable but to sit back and judge ones motives is not helpful and to criticize them will not make your experience any better. John risked decades of a good reputation and helping thousands upon thousands of men get significant breakthrough to hopefully bless us all. He succeeded in that for thousands. He failed for some. But not because of his integrity. But because of his innocence.

He isn't Donald Trump. He doesn't live life completely cynical and trying to determine every way in which something could be misconstrued. They didn't make this film for profit or for money at all. So to accuse them of trying to sell you anything is incorrect but I get it. We live in a very broken and cynical world. They made it to bless men who are too beaten down to take a real risk in life. Yan sit on the side lines and criticize. Thats your prerogative. I don't blame you. If I were you I am sure I would do the same. I am not even judging you. No point in that. I am actually trying to help you understand these guys did not try to trick you or take advantage of you at all. But we do have an enemy, whether we understand that or not. We do have one and he doesn't want these guys to succeed and he doesn't want you to gain any understanding of what is really going on either. But all these guys were doing was trying to help a few thousand men reach deep inside themselves and be willing to take a risk, an adventure of discovery. Perhaps self discovery...

For some men this is a mission trip. For some its mentoring a young man. For others it is doing a zip-line for the first time in spite a fear of heights. For others it is getting married. Perhaps getting married again. For some it is risking your reputation and heart to pour yourself into a film like this.

We can only imagine all the self effacing humor and frustrations that presented themselves in the making of this film. Had this been more prevalent in the film it may have made a bigger impact with the non faith or non Ransomed Heart community. Maybe not.

But one thing is for sure. These guys had the balls to make the movie and risk being exposed. Many of us know that was the bigger adventure. And for that I am honored to call them fellow brothers in the kingdom. Thank you men. I love you and am inspired by your efforts. Thanks for getting in the arena.

I know the guys never wanted to hurt the Kingdom and for sure never wanted to trick anyone. Ask for your money and you will get it. Integrity is all we have and I know how important that is to these men.