My wife and I just got back from seeing the movie “Seven Pounds.”   I highly recommend the movie with a few disclaimers.  If you have not seen the movie, please only read this first paragraph.  The rest of the blog will discus the movie and give away some of the important parts of the movie.  I really enjoyed this movie.  It sparked some very good conversation on the way home from the movie theater.   My first suggestion is to try to pick movies that you and your spouse can discuss.  This is one of those movies.  The whole movie was great.  Great plot.  Great acting.  Great everything.  Great Theology.  Yes, for me I really saw much of my faith in the movie.

One of the best ways to help your marriage is to have things that spark deep discussions.  We love movies, and we love discussing them after watching them.  Finding movies to watch and discuss is a non threating way to develop great communication.

Now if you haven’t seen the movie, please don’t read this next part.  I began thinking about how the Christian faith is very similar to this movie.  Will Smith plays a character who is a “Christ” figure in the movie.  Because of Christ’s heart transplant for me, I can live. His death gives me New Life.  He sacrificed His Body for me.  Because of Christ’s eye transplant, I can see!   Because of Christ’s gift, I am given a “palace.”   In the movie, Will Smith’s character tells the single parent mother that he is giving her a new home.  This home is to be a place of healing.  He wants her to have life more abundantly.  The number “7″ is an important part of the movie and has deep spiritual significance.  Seven days of creation- that is mentioned in the beginning of the movie.  Seven seconds to destroy it.  Seven people Will Smith’s character helps to save.  Seven pounds comes from the weight of his sacrifice.   Seven in the Bible, conveys the sense of completion.    It is also interesting that near the end of the movie when Will Smith character asks the doctor if there is any other way that Emily (heart transplant) can be saved.  It reminded me of another story where the hero asks GOD if there is any other way to save others.  Another thought about the movie and faith involves the hero willing laying his life down.  Christ mentioned no one takes His life, but rather He willing laid it down.  In a similar fashion, no one took his life, but he willingly laid it down.

After seeing this movie, it sparked other conversations about movies that involve elements of faith.  We are coming up with our top 10 list of movies that everyone should see.   I would be interested to find out your thoughts.  Both on the movie Seven Pounds and what movies you feel like everyone should see.

Thanks for your feedback.

There is no easy way to overcome depression.  There are no quick fixes or magical solutions to make those depressed feelings go away.    Many times family  members may not understand or  think they are  helping by giving advice.  One of the most important things to remember about depression is that it will not last forever, but it always feels like it will not end.  It is hard for people who have not struggled with depression to understand.  Sometimes well meaning people will say things like “Just snap out of it.”  If you could, you would.

Many times even God seems distant.  Often nothing seems to help.  The feelings of hopelessness never ends.  I would like to encourage you not to give up.  I can honestly tell you what helps me (I know that what works for me may not be helpful to you) is to take some time to reflect and do some soul searching.  Journaling is one thing I use from time to time.  Writing down my thoughts even if it seems silly helps me.  I try to be honest about me feelings.  Then after spilling my guts on paper, I try to “listen” for what God would say to me.  The voice of God is always encouraging.  Yes, there are times God is working with me to address a character defect or poor choices I have made, but I see God like the Father who is cheering His kid at a baseball game.  As His child steps up to bat, Dad is cheering him/her on, “Keep your eye on the ball.  Remember what we practiced.”   STRIKE ONE.  Dad yells, “Don’t give up!!  Keep your head in the game.”   STRIKE TWO.     Dad yells,”Shake it off. Don’t worry you’ll get it!”   STRIKE THREE.  YOU’RE OUT.  Dad stands up and says”Don’t give up!  You’ll get it!”  I see Dad cheering us on.  GOD believes in us more than we believe in Him or even ourselves.

For me, reminding myself of this helps during difficult days.

If you find any helpful links I can put on my website, please let me know.

Many times people underestimate how stressful the holidays can be on their emotional health. One of the most important things I’ve discoverd is to take time to recharge my emotional batteries. This does not have to be complicated or expensive. A few minutes sitting outside drinking a cup of hot chocolate or coffee helps me think more clearly and quiets my busy mind. I also sense GOD’s Spirit better when I am sitting down listening and enjoying what HE’s created.

Whatever you do to recharge your emotional batteries, it will help you become a better dad, mom, husband, or wife. Marriage is difficult enough without running on emotionally empty. Look for simple ways to take time out for yourself, and it will help you handle things better.

I would like to welcome you to this blog. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have had a private practice in Longview, TX for 10 years, and have enjoy working with the people in the communtiy. I hope to encourage people in pursuing healthy families and relationships. Please feel free to post your comments, and share your experiences. Check out the links to the left for resources to help you reach your personal relationship goals. Thank you for visiting