Males – Tannika Nikeya

I had not seen any promos about the film, so I did not know what to expect, and I didn’t even look up who produced it. I just knew it was a Christian film. I had attended one or two other Christian group film viewings before and have enjoyed it, so I had hopes I would enjoy this one.

Today, my nephew and I joined some of the members of my church and other sisters and brothers in Christ to see The Forge at a neighboring Marcus Theater. We were able to purchase our tickets as a group in advance. Prior to the start of the movie, our group was met with such a kind gesture and blessing: a fellow minister paid for our group’s popcorn and drink. A great kick-off to our afternoon and great group event.

Eight years after War Room, the Kendrick Brothers brought us another powerful movie called The Forge.

And must I add that the Kendrick Brothers once again did not disappoint. Some of the characters from War Room appeared in this film, but this is not a sequel to War Room.

The Kendrick Brothers produced another film with quality production, great acting, laughter, power, and impact. As Mr. Moore, played by Cameron Arnett, mentors Isaiah, I realized that his nuggets and advice about life and becoming a man was not just for Isaiah but for the audience, and I like to think moreso for young men. I was glad that I got a ticket for my nephew, and he was able to hear the same advice Isaiah was hearing. One of the questions Mr. Moore asks Isaiah is what type of man he wants to be.

The Forge is a film in which Isaiah, played by Aspen Kennedy, faces the challenge of steering his life from being irresponsible with a chip on his shoulder due to disappointment and hurt. His mother, played by Priscilla Shirer, doesn’t just challenge him but prays for him and even gets help from more prayer warriors. In The Forge, we are also reminded that the prayers of the righteous availeth much.

This film was embraced with hand claps on victorious moments, laughter, and some tears from me, and I am sure some others.

There are moments in the film that gave a Miss Clara and Elizabeth Jordan moment but also with the men. This film is a must-see for every Christian and also for those who are not. I definitely encourage men to go and see this film, too. I think it really did a good job showing scenes and moments of encouragement, brotherhood, mentorship, and fortitude for men as well as discipling others.

My nephew says he, too, liked the film. He says he even liked it better than War Room.

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxeuHgeQ_PhwH2D_JkZeuMl-vlHyFx1ira?feature=shared

Sometimes you learn a lot when you have conversations with little humans. I don’t remember what led to this topic, but my 9-year-old nephew and I were having a conversation on a lengthy ride home some time ago. He says to me something like a woman shouldn’t depend on or need a man. I immediately understood what he was trying to communicate; however, it led me to definitely clear up something with him. Although he made me proud that he understood a female, too, should and could go out and make life happen for herself, I wanted to make sure he understood one thing.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 KJV). We are to teach our children and instill in them certain truths and disciplines. But we also have to be careful of what beliefs we are spreading to our children verbally and non-verbally. I wanted to make sure my actions or lifestyle wasn’t screaming to him this very thing: that a man is not needed. I am an unmarried woman who is not dating, who is working hard, maintaining a household, growing in my faith in God, and working on furthering my dreams and goals. I have accomplished so much and have done things that were seemingly contributed to mostly married couples like buying a home.

So, I told him, “yes, we women are to not depend on men. In fact, we (both women and men) are supposed to depend solely on God. We, women are to fulfill our destinies and accomplish our goals” because God created each of us with a purpose also. “But, please understand that men are needed and wanted too.” A man is vital to our world. I know we hear and see lately “the future is female”. I also believe in empowering women and helping women grow, heal, and reach their destinies. Moreover, as a woman, I, too, see and experience the danger and issues we face daily. However, I want little boys, and especially little Black boys, to believe they matter and are needed. God created male and female and He has a destiny for us all individually as well as together. Together, we can fulfill and overcome so much more in a world that has grown so divided.