eZine 05.25.2010

The Blind Side
(Warner Brothers, 2009)

Main Point of Discussion:
It’s one thing to know you need to change your life’s direction; it’s quite another to do something about it.

The Movie Clip: “Turn around.”

The Blind Side is an acclaimed, crowd-pleasing movie with numerous clips that can provoke discussion. The movie is pretty much “all things to all people”; it’s a sports movie, a family movie, a tearjerker, a drama, a comedy, and there’s even some action and suspense. Sandra Bullock won a Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy, the posh-but-tough-as-nails wife and mother who reaches out to an abandoned teenager, Michael Oher.

The clip we’re using for this particular discussion features Leigh Anne and her family driving in the middle of the nighttime rain. Soon they see “Big Mike” (Quinton Aaron) walking alone. What happens in the few minutes that follow radically alters the course of their lives.

Introducing the Clip:
Today I want to show you a clip from the movie The Blind Side. Many of you have already seen this movie, but for those who haven’t, it begins with Leigh Anne Tuohy and her family driving in their BMW SUV in the middle of the nighttime rain. Then they see “Big Mike” walking alone. While Leigh Anne and her family notice and talk to Michael, they soon drive away-but Leigh Anne thinks better of that decision. What happens in the few minutes that follow radically alters the course of their lives. Let’s take a look at this scene.

Scene Script:

END CLIP AT 22 minutes and 13 seconds.

Transitional Statement:
In this scene Leigh Anne’s conscience hit her big-time when she realized she had everything in the world to give to Michael, an abandoned teen who had next to nothing. But knowing she needed to take action was only half the battle-she literally had to turn around, to change the direction she was headed, and embrace a whole new way of life.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word…

This year I have already had several chances to do my CONNECT workshop around the U.S., equipping youth workers, both paid and volunteer, to initiate contact with today’s teenagers (click here for a glimpse of a video of this training). If you’re within driving distance of West Virginia, you may want to bring your adult leaders to the Saturday CONNECT workshop in June. Take a peek!

What: This Saturday workshop equips youth workers, both paid and volunteer, to initiate contact with today’s teenagers. (MORE)

Where:

When:

Cost:

REGISTER: Email lbcyouth@rocketmail.com or call Tracy Shingleton or Kim Hurt at (304) 584 4758

Here’s a peek at my speaking/training schedule so far for the next 12 months:

June 5, 2010 (Lumberport, WV)
CONNECT Training Workshop, Lumberport Baptist Church

June 13, 2010 (Rancho Cordova, CA)
Parent Workshop, Sun River Church Family Zone

July 4, 2010 (Rancho Cordova, CA)
Preach, Sun River Church

July 11-16, 2010 (Hordville, NE)
Covenant Cedars Bible Camp, Summer Camp

October 2-4, 2010 (San Diego, CA)
Training Workshops, Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention

January 10-11, 2011 (Boerne, TX)
Baptist General Convention of Texas, 2011 Ministers Retreat

February 4-6, 2011 (East Troy, WI)
Timberlee, WinterXtreme

February 12, 2011 (Antelope, CA)
Parent Workshop, Antelope Springs Church

March 27, 2011 (Lititz, PA)
Preach, Parent Workshop, Middle Creek Church

	“We have Jonathan do his training seminars at our National Youth Workers Convention every year and he always does a great job. Not only is Jonathan’s presentation dynamic, his information is extremely helpful to those in attendance. In fact, that’s why we publish his books.” Tic Long, President Youth Specialties Events

	“Jonathan is an incredible communicator. He has what it takes to get tough with this generation. He is funny, committed, challenging, and he speaks with an edge.” Jim Burns, Ph.D. President, Youth Builders

	“Jonathan is a very talented speaker!.” Ken Davis Dynamic Communicator’s Workshop