Cinderella Man with Paul McDonald and Jay Heck

This week on the Men at the Movies podcast, we break down the movie Cinderella Man starring Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, and Paul Giamatti. Crisis reveals character, and in James J. Braddock we see a reflection of true fatherhood. He used his creativity to create a world of hope, refusing to allow it to fuel his fear. The fights we face aren’t about us, but handling them with integrity bring inspiration to others. It’s time to get in the ring, and discover God’s truth in this movie.

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Quotes

• Boxing tends to be the context of Cinderella Man, but that’s not what this movie is about.

• Crisis reveals our character.

• To be creative when times are really difficult is evidence of a deeper life.

• You can use your creativity to fuel your fear, or envision a world that you can hope for.

• The child went from being a son, to acting like an orphan, only to be caught and restored by a father’s love.

• When you give up on God, things don’t get better.

 Themes

• Put the first things first, and you will be blessed.

• Crisis reveals character. At our lowest point we realize what matters most.

• Reflection of true fatherhood.

  • Sacrificial love offered in joy.

  • Uses creativity to create a world of hope, light, joy, abundance

  • Truth delivered with tenderness

  • Corrects the behavior, but pursues the heart as well

  • Doesn’t see his children as objects to control, but men and women in training

  • Honesty

  • Being away from his children is his lowest point

  • Inspires others by doing the right thing

• Celebration of a marital partnership

  • Mae honors Jimmy’s sacrifices

  • Their glory is revealed by what they do

  • They shower each other with dignity and honor

  • Free to share their fears with each other

  • Receive the fears without validating or diminishing

  • Partners in the larger story, living for others

  • See, know, accept, and validate each other honestly

Resources

• “Our children look to us to see what the Father is like.” - Craig McConnell

• “The righteous who walks in his integrity—
  blessed are his children after him!” - Proverbs 20:7 (ESV)

Questions

• What crises have you experienced?

• How do you respond in a crisis?

• Does your creativity envision a hopeful future, or a fear-filled future?

• What is your experience with “father?” What words come to mind when you hear that term?

• How do you dignify your partner’s role in your life?  What do you do that diminish that dignity?