“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” — Romans 15:4 (ESV)
Inspiring, True Stories (Are Better)
The movie Rocky has entertained and inspired people since it premiered in 1976 and was once ranked as the most inspirational sports movie ever. It’s the tale of a relatively unknown heavyweight boxer from Philadelphia who was given the chance to fight the world champion, Appollo Creed, for the heavyweight title. Rocky was a sizeable underdog, but he went the distance in front of his home town crowd and lost by a split decision.
The movie was so inspiring and so well-received that it sparked a series that has produced a total of eight movies, with the last (Creed 2) coming out this month.
Rocky was the everyday, working man who was given a shot at something that most could only dream about, but he made the most of his opportunity. Although fictitious, the movie gave people hope and caused people to dream big and believe.
A better story that provides hope and inspiration is the story of Jesus, who lived as the common man (Matthew 8:20) and gave hope to the hopeless (John 4, with the woman at the well) and healed those in need (see the Gospels).
When you need an uplifting moment, go to God’s Word. It is there to provide just the inspiration you need.
— Brett Honeycutt
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