Like Arrows: A Movie Review
Spoiler Alert: some elements of the movie are discussed in this review. If you would like to watch it, it is available on Netflix and other streaming services.
Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates. (Psalms 127:4 - 5)
Like Arrows is an american movie released in 2018 written and directed by Kevin Peeples. It stars Micah Lynn Hanson (Overcomer, Where is Good?) and Alan Powel (Nashville, Quantico). The film is an hour and forty minutes long, recounting the ups and downs of a modern couple attempting to follow the teachings of the Bible through over fifty years of marriage.
The story begins with the engagement of the newly pregnant couple of Alice (Micah Lynn Hanson) and Charlie (Alan Powel). The story skips over to the birth of their first son and the beginning of their family together. The movie will continue skipping years to show some of the most important moments of their lives together as a family. After many years of struggle, they both come to the agreement that the only way to keep their family together is to put their life in the hands of Yeshua, following the Bible. They will anchor their child rearing efforts on Psalms 127:4 - 5, “Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.” As the story progresses, we learn that they will have four children. Each one of them will have a different course, but all of them mirror replicates of various stories in the Bible.
While the entire affair could seem to be a little preachy or even corny to some, the messaging is clear: having a child is hard. As young adults in relationships geared towards marriage, following the teachings of Yahweh, talking to your partner is important. Do they want children? If so, how do you make your children disciples who follow the Lord faithfully?
The entire movie shows many different tricks that can be used: reading the bible consistently with their children, praying together and attending church as a family. Through it all, the couple took the time to pray together, putting God at the center of their lives. If they were to guide their children, like arrows in the hand of a warrior, they needed God's word. The Husband, Charlie, had to understand what Peter said "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered." (1 Peter 3:7) while Alice needed to pray for them all. They succeeded and brought their family to Christ.
As a movie, it is a good watch. A very important message on making Yahweh the foundation for your relationship is well presented. It is a lesson that many people still need to learn - Yahweh is the center of your life, not a part of it.