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...