“Powerful” That is the best word for me to describe the movie Courageous. As a Hollywood action thriller, it does not compare. This movie is about real people, living real lives, and that is what gives it the emotional punch that a Hollywood thriller could never do.

I can relate to these guys. They do their job (as Sheriff Deputies) and occasionally get together outside of work. They are average men. One is divorced , another has just completed his rookie year & the other 2 are married with kids. A fifth man joins the group through an interesting series of events.

And it is in the context of being so ordinary that Courageous has it real power and has such an emotional punch. You feel the good natured humor as the men jest with each other. You also feel the grief as one of them looses a child in a tragic accident. It is this tragedy that becomes the catalyst to change.

Courageous has a very clear message for men – fathers in particular. You are important. You are needed. You do have a vital role in your family, especially in the lives of your children – even your teenagers.

Although I am not a father, I can still contribute by being a role model for a young person who does not have a father figure.

This movie went beyond simply being entertaining. It presented a challenge to men to stand up and Resolve to be Men of Courage.