This film was almost never finished. They ran out of money. So, it has been a long process to have it finally be shown in movie theaters across the nation.

You may have heard of the film through reading the book that it is loosely based on and shares the same title. Or maybe you heard about it through other media outlets, film festivals, etc. Whatever the case this film has an important message to share with our society, and I hope many people get the chance to see it.

There are going to be people who see the movie, who LOVED the book, and are going to be upset because it is not exactly Don Miller’s true story. But I am not one of them. I completely understand that there is no way one can ever make a movie that translates anywhere near as to what a book can. And there are always things that must be changed for a film to help make a cohesive story that can translate to the audience, keep them not only informed and challenged, but also entertained.

Blue Like Jazz is a book composed of a collection of essays on Miller’s struggle with the faith that he grew up with, and the challenging questions that he faced when he left his small community or “the bubble” as I like to call it.

Going into the movie I knew there had been additions to the film that were not real. And at the end of the film, I was OK with that because the message at the end was the SAME. With those additions to the film, I believe the message was more clear and made the film that more accessible and relevant.

There are many layers of messages in Jazz that speak to believers and non-believers. If you haven’t seen it and don’t want any spoilers than do not read any further.

1. Faith is a journey not a destination. You will never have arrived. And your journey is not going to be a smooth path through a meadow of flowers. You will climb mountains and feel like you are on top of the world on fire. And then you will find yourself in the lowest valley, questioning what you believe and having little hope. AND THIS IS OK. This is LIFE. You will learn and grow in each phase.

2. Step out of your comfort zone. In the film Miller tries to run from God by doing everything he felt was the opposite of what he had grown up with. And in the end his faith became more real and relevant in his life and in the lives of those around him, than it had before. In the case of Penny, she shared that she stepped out of her comfort zone, first in reading the Bible and becoming a Christian in college, but also going to India and helping in relief work. When you step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself, that is when you learn and grow the most.

3. Find out who are and be true to that. There are many of us who end up doing things because it’s what everyone around us told us we should do, or what they expected us to do or be. If we continue on that path, sooner or later we will self-destruct. Sometimes it may take a really long time to find out who you are, but don’t stop searching. Sometimes searching can be fun. If there are moments where you feel like you have failed, try to look at it differently, “You would have never known if you hadn’t tried. And now there is one less thing to cross off your list of what you are not.”

4. We are a society made up of humans that make mistakes. And that includes the church. No matter how much we all strive to be “perfect” it is never going to happen. And our leaders, those that we look up to, are no exception. This does not mean that we shouldn’t still strive for good things, or hold each other accountable, but it does mean that we cannot fault God for what we as people have done wrong.

This is THE theme for Blue Like Jazz. This is what the film illustrates so beautifully and poignantly in the end with the “Confession Booth.” Miller finally comes to the realization and understanding of what he truly believes, and instead of having people confess their sins to him, he chooses to use that opportunity to reach as many people as possible, confessing to them not only his own short comings, but those of the entire Christian community.

Many people in our society say they have been hurt by the church. Or there are many who see Christians do horrible things. How can you help them? The confession booth is a perfect illustration: 1. Love those people. No matter who they are. 2. Apologize (even if it wasn’t you who actually had any part in it). 3. Share God’s character in word and action.

Please go and see the movie. Go multiple times and bring different people. It is a message that needs to be heard and talked about, so that we can make a better impact on the world.

Until next time…PEACE OUT!