Monday, March 26, 2012

Movie Review - October Baby - Testimony


October Baby opened in select theaters across the United States this past Friday. I live near one of those theaters and am incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to see it opening night.



I bought two tickets, not wanting to view it alone, and I took one of my best friends with me. We met for dinner beforehand, talked about life, and proceeded to the theater. 

Arriving a few minutes into the previews, we scoured the auditorium for seats. Very few remained empty, so we opted to sit toward the bottom, front row. Thank God for comfy IMAX seats we could rock back in to avoid a strained neck!

As the movie opened, I gasped at the beauty of the lake scene which followed the on-stage opening scene where we discover Hannah having a seizure. This scene leads to the doctor's office, where her parents explain to her that she is not only an adopted child, but is also the product of a failed abortion. She discovers one more detail about her life, but I won't spoil that for you. You must see it for yourself.

Why? Because there is intense realism in this story. There is truth and life. Truth isn't always pleasant. It hurts on occasion. Life can be bitter and it can be sweet. Sometimes we take a journey and later regret it. Sometimes we make a decision and find out too late it wasn't the best one. And every now and then, God will open the door for someone else's healing because of something we choose to do or say. And we may not even know it.

Whether you've been adopted and wonder what it would be like to meet your birth mother or father and ask them all the questions you've carried throughout your life OR you've made that decision to abort your pregnancy, this movie will resonate through your entire being. Emotions long buried surface as the scenes unfold.

In 1994, I carried life within my womb. With no one to support me in my desire to bring a new life into this world, I opted for the worst. I aborted my child while believing the lie that this was my only choice. Little did I know the emotional trauma that choice would leave with me for the years to come. Because when you've aborted your child, you face that heartache at every turn for the rest of your life. When you get pregnant again. When you watch mommies with their babies in public. When you give birth. When you celebrate birthdays. When you celebrate graduations. When you celebrate weddings. When you watch movies like October Baby. It doesn't go away, even when you bury it deep within your heart and promise yourself to never face it again. Even then, it's still there. Only you refuse to admit it.

The only true healing comes when you recognize Jesus as your Lord and Savior and understand that His blood covers all of your sin. Even the ones you have a difficult time forgiving yourself (and others) for. You can try to deny it. But deep down, you recognize its truth, because that conviction you feel prompts you to believe it. I know. I had a hard time forgiving myself. I said I'd never do it, but I did. It wasn't until I begged God to help me forgive myself that I could overcome those thoughts and accusations against me.

Toward the end of the movie, a simple note is left behind: I forgive you. The wound in my heart ripped open once more as I remembered God's words to me in a dream: I forgive you. She forgives you. Now, forgive yourself. Three simple words can bring so much healing. I forgive you.

The film came to its conclusion, and the theater erupted in applause. There are only three other times I remember hearing this occur. The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Passion of the Christ. I remained in my seat at the end of the film, waiting to see my friend, Cecil Stokes', name come up on the screen. Several others began rising from theirs, ready to exit the room. As soon as actress Shari Rigby began sharing her testimony, those standing froze and turned to listen. I, in my seat, began to sob. And continued to sob until the lights came up. God once again touched my heart as I mourned my decision made so many years made before. 

Life never stops reminding us of the choices we make every day. Forgiveness is there, but the memories never fade. 



This movie is one I highly encourage all to see. There aren't enough words to describe it. Intense. Emotional. Vibrant. Thoughtful. Inspiring. Provocative. If you haven't seen it, please do. Encourage Hollywood to continue to produce pro-life movies with encouraging messages. We need more films like this in our world. I know I'll be one of the first in line to buy it on DVD, too...

10 comments:

  1. Alycia, I'm sure this was hard to share, but thank you for sharing it. So many women have suffered silently from abortions. I hope your words and this movie bring healing to others. I'm praying for you, that Christ will wrap his arms around your heart. Love, Mary

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  2. (((HUGS))) Thank you for sharing from your heart today, Alicia. I have only heard about this movie briefly on the Family Life Network. God bless you for taking the time to share it with us today.

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  3. Oh, Alycia, I sat at my computer and cried as I read your heartfelt words. Praise God for His forgiveness for ALL our sins, not just abortion.

    I can't imagine what it must be like, but I can say with all confidence, yes, you're forgiven, just as I'm forgiven of all my sins.

    Oh that we would all grieve the sin that has bound us...and celebrate the forgiveness that sets us free!

    Love and blessings, sweet friend. May the truth of your words bring comfort and peace to many who know and understand.

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  4. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, ladies! These are my prayers for other women who have been through similar circumstances, too! God bless you all for your understanding and grace.

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  5. Bless you for sharing your heart. We go tonite to see the movie, I plan to take lots of tissues. As a Preg Center counselor I have seen hearts broken after choosing abortion and other hearts that have become hard and embittered toward God and others after making the choice of abortion. Thank you for your choice of accepting God's forgiveness.

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  6. Thank you for sharing this. I saw this movie twice, the part where Shari gets the letter hit me the hardest! I kept telling myself-I NEED that letter! I NEED it or i'll never get over this pain! Then I realized I have that letter-the Holy word of God...I am forgiven. I'm only weeks into my healing process, the second time I couldn't watch that scene. I covered my eyes, the emotion of it is just too much.

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  7. I thought I had a miscarriage after several weeks of being late. I took hot baths drank castro oil. I had one child and was almost17 and unhappy in my marriage. Heard this would help. The relief when I started but it was so different.I was pretty sure I had a miscarriage, but didn't go to a doctor. A few months later I was expecting and it was verified I wasn't happy about it, but I kept on playing basketball thinking whatever when I was told to stop be careful, and for sure I started to miscarry at work.It hurt so bad worse than having my baby. I was rushed to the hospital and this time prayed please don't let me lose this baby! What an empty feeling after a Dnc 2 days in the hospital and empty handed and they said we don't know what it was a boy or girl.When I explained the previous possible miscarriage the Dr said its possible and if you didn't get a Dnc that could have caused trouble for attachment. It is for the best natures way. That didn't help with the quilt wondering what sex not placing a name.I went into depression. When I came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior Psalm 139 was my comfort. You Know our name and one day I will see my child in heaven. I still think from time to time, but only looking forward to the day.

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  8. I have to comment because Rachel Hendrix (Hannah in October Baby) is my daughter and being a part of this movie has changed her life. Not only was the movie a message of forgiveness and healing but the stories behind all those involved are also stories of God's grace, love and provision. God is all over October Baby and I am blessed every time I read that someone else was blessed by what they saw on the screen. Thank you for sharing your story with such honesty. I pray that others will be touched as deeply as you were and I pray that the message will continue long after the movie is gone.

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  9. To all the anonymous' posting: I hear your hearts and feel your sorrow, regret and longing. I pray God whispers His sweet forgiveness and healing to your hearts as you struggle through the emotions you carry as a daily burden. God promised to wash our sins away, which He did through the blood of His Son on that cross so many years ago. Please take to heart that you are forgiven and that you may now forgive yourselves. The Truth has set you free. Know that one day you will see your child again and for now, they rest in the arms of Jesus. There is no more pain, no more heartache, no more tears in heaven. Be blessed and allow God to minister to your heart through the testimonies of others, wonderful movies like "October Baby," and His cleansing Word. God loves you all. I pray you welcome Him into those deep and dark places of your heart, where He can shed His glorious light and fill you with the joy of salvation, which no one can ever take from you.

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  10. Dear V: It brought tears to my eyes to see that you would take the time to post a comment here. Thank you so much for sharing about Rachel's testimony and how God has done so much through this film. I loved the film and hope others have seen it after reading here. Rachel did a fantastic job at bringing Hannah to life on the screen, and she is so beautiful!

    I pray my story helps to bring healing to others and (most importantly) glory to God, as well.

    Thank you for your kindness. I truly appreciate it.
    ~ Alycia

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