god

the power of second chances

| Faith and Family Films

Do you know someone who is down on their luck? Living with regrets? Wondering if it’s too late to make things right? Whether it’s a string of bad decisions, an unexpected crisis, or just life piling up. We all know people (or are people) who’ve felt like hope was out of reach. But what if the comeback is closer than we think?
I’ve heard powerful stories from my friends at the LA Dream Center, accounts of people who ended up homeless and broken, often because of just a few wrong turns. But time and time again, those same people found a way back.
How? Because someone stepped in. Someone believed in them, encouraged them, and introduced them to hope. It’s been said that just one person who believes in you can change the trajectory of your life and I believe that’s absolutely true.
The idea of second chances isn’t just motivational, it’s deeply biblical. Think about Moses. David. Paul. Peter. These weren’t men who lived spotless lives. They lied. They failed. They even ran from God. But their stories didn’t end in failure. Through God’s mercy, their lives were redeemed and repurposed.
God didn’t define them by their worst moments and He doesn’t define us that way either.
These powerful stories of second chances aren’t limited to real life or the pages of Scripture—they’re also found in cinema. Over the years, faith-based filmmakers have brought hope to life in inspiring ways. Here are just a few standout films that highlight this redemptive theme that God gives us more than just a fresh start, He gives us a new story.


Breakthrough (2019) Based on the true story of John Smith, a teenager who survives a near-fatal drowning. His miraculous recovery becomes a testament to faith and the power of prayer and second chances.
The VeggieTales movie Jonah (2002) playfully yet powerfully illustrates the theme of second chances, reminding viewers that God’s mercy is always available—even when we run the other way.
A New True Story of Redemption
This fall, another inspiring story hits the big screen nationwide called “The Senior”.
No, it’s not about a retirement home. It’s the true story of a former college football star who, at age 59, gets a second chance—at life, at redemption, and with the game he loves. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is ever too far gone or too old for a comeback.
Be a Messenger of Hope
As leaders in our churches and communities, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to be purveyors of hope. You never know who’s quietly waiting for someone to believe in them. Maybe you are the person God wants to use to ignite a second chance in someone’s life. So keep your eyes open. Speak life. Be bold with your encouragement. And never underestimate the power of believing in someone who feels forgotten. Because sometimes, all it takes is one voice to turn a broken past into a redeemed future.

Dave Almgren – Faithandfamilyfilms.info and Two Pastors Popcorn and a Movie Podcast.

Have You Lost Your Vision?

| Faith and Family Films

Not long ago, I watched the movie ‘Sight’ about a young girl who lost her vision. She had to navigate life with no ability to see her world. I somewhat cursorily thought about the challenges that one would face with being blind, having your world upended, and about what I would do if I lost my vision. How would I handle the loss? These were good questions, but there was no real danger of it happening to me.

Fast forward just a few months and I faced the thing I thought would never happen to me; I was suddenly losing the vision in my left eye and the reality was crazy and traumatic. I began to project about what would happen If I lost the vision in my right eye too, resulting in total blindness. How would I accomplish the simple undertakings I take for granted? The possibilities took a very real toll on me. The enemy started depositing thoughts about being worthless and having to depend on others for the rest of my life. How would I have an impact or still fulfill any purpose in my life? Life would be merely an existence. I’d need assistance for the rest of my life. There’d be no path forward to fulfill God’s intended purpose for my life.

. . .So I thought, and Satan hoped for.

I went to the ophthalmologist and eye surgery was quickly scheduled. Would it work? Would I still be blind in my left eye and maybe lose sight in my right eye as well? I was anxious and scared. I decided I needed to dive into the Word to be reminded to have faith, and that God is still in the miracle business. In the movie “Sight” God used a doctor to produce a miracle in the life of the young girl. Her sight was restored through the miracle of medicine. I was now believing in the same, by faith. My surgery was successful, and it was, indeed, a miracle, ‘I once was blind but now I see!’ Did I need to go through this trial to recapture my sense of purpose and re- prioritize what’s important in life? Perhaps. I will take this win – and allow the experience to remind me once more to look to the Lord for everything I need in this life.

For those of you reading this article today, maybe you still have the ability to see with your eyes, but have lost your vision to reach the world and to impact culture? The Bible says that “without vision the people perish.” I encourage you today to hold onto God’s promises. You have inestimable value. Even through your trials and tribulations, God has a purpose, a calling for you. Consider it pure joy when you face trials. God is at work in your life as he was in mine and in the girl in the movie, ‘Sight.’

Dave Almgren – The Movie Guy and Co Host of Two Pastors, Popcorn and a Movie Podcast.