When filmmakers were in the process of making “The Blind,” one of their intentions was to tell a story of the redemption of Phil Robertson of “Duck Dynasty” fame.
Robertson’s transformation from a wild, freewheeling alcoholic to a dedicated family man of God is truly inspiring, especially to those who are lost and think they don’t have a chance to redeem themselves in God’s eyes.
But the main message, Phil’s son Willie says, is a widespread effort to share the Good News. If Jesus hadn’t gotten hold of Phil’s life and transformed his heart, there would certainly have been no “Duck Dynasty,” which made the Robertson’s a household name as one of the most popular reality television shows between 2012 and 2017.
At the end of the film, Phil Robertson comes on camera and speaks about his life-changing encounter with Jesus.
“I think he [Phil Robertson] is proud of this film, especially at the end because we do get the gospel out there,” Willie Robertson told Charisma News’ John Matarazzo in a recent interview. “That was all the point. Of course, the movie has a powerful message, but there’s no more powerful message than that of the gospel.
“Phil is not really into talking about his past. He doesn’t give his testimony and walk through it like a lot of people do. It’s like, ‘yeah, I was a heathen but now here I am.’ He really just focuses on the gospel. That’s the key.
“It’s really a perfect opportunity. If someone doesn’t feel like they can share the gospel with someone, or maybe you don’t know the scriptures … you want them to obey the gospel, but you say I’m not sure I’m the one to do it. This movie is a perfect thing to show them. That way you can answer the questions that comes out of it. It’s a great tool for someone to use.”
Willie Robertson and his wife, Korie, say “The Blind” is a family film that parents should take their children to see, especially parents who don’t want to get in their children’s faces when telling them about Jesus.
Through “Duck Dynasty,” Korie Robertson says, the family learned how powerful the media of television can be to bring the message of the gospel to the lost and those so culturally confused—especially in these chaotic times in America.
“It has the power to move people and to change people,” Korie says. “As our show came out, we would always have this little prayer at the end. We have—and I can’t even really tell you how many—perhaps thousands of people come up to us and say, ‘because of that prayer, our family sits around the table and prays together. Because of that prayer, our family, my husband, goes to church with me because he saw men who love God and can be real men.’
“We really saw that with our show and how it impacted people. That’s our prayer for this film that people will come and learn about our story, but really that they will learn about God’s story and the way He changes lives. When He comes into your life, everything changes. There is a theme that this film shows that nobody is too far gone for the gospel of Jesus. It has real power.”
“The Blind” is set to release in theaters nationwide on Sept. 28. Visit theblindmovie.com for more information. {eoa}
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Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.
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