A Question of Faith Challenges with Love and Compassion

“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from their troubles”

                                                                              Psalm 34:17

“Sometimes when tragedy strikes, instead of running toward God…we can’t run away from him fast enough.”  These are the words spoken by Pastor David Newman in the new film A Question of Faith, the first faith-based film released nationally and produced by African-American women…Lisa Diane Washington and Angela White.

Three families lives intersect over loss, love and compassion.  Pastor David Williams (Richard T. Jones) and First Lady Teresa (Kim Fields) are the true embodiment of what living the lives God has set forth for us looks like.  They almost feel too good to be true with two sons, who are just as perfect.

Kate Hernandez (Jaci Velasquez) and her daughter Maria (Karen Valero) are living the immigrant dream.  Owner of her own business, Kate looks forward to the day Maria (who is an honor roll student) graduates and begins preparation for her future in college.

John Danielson (C. Thomas Howell) is the owner of a failing construction company, who is relying on the talents of his daughter Michelle (Amber Nelon Thompson) to dig him out of debt. Oh yeah, John is a little bit of a racist and has little faith in God.

The “question of faith” becomes real for each family when collectively face loss and pain of tremendous proportions.  Pain of parents losing a child and questioning why God, who is supposed to be a forgiving God, has taken away a loved one.

Pain of a hardworking parent, who despite her best efforts, is faced with a daughter who has an impending jail sentence for manslaughter over texting and driving.  Pain of losing a child, who is not gone in body, but her spirit is broken due to an unforeseen health condition.

I have to admit, having seen many of faith-based films, I’ve always been left with a bad taste in my mouth. A Question of Faith is the first one that truly touched my heart and made me want to run and join a church. That says a lot, considering the fact that I am a devout Buddhist.

Seeing a serious, grounded side to actress Kim Fields was refreshing and heartfelt.  There is not one false or fake moment from her on-screen as Teresa. The patience and empathy eminating from her character, could only come from someone who intimately knows the Lord in real life.   Richard T. Jones, as her better half, convincingly exudes the male perspective on having to let a child go with a rich amount of complexity you wouldn’t a expect from a man of God.  It just goes to show, that everyone, (even a Pastor) when faced with the unforeseeable at the end of the day is still a human being.

You know when you want to reach out to the screen and smack the taste out of someone’s mouth, that actor has truly done their job. Kudos to C. Thomas Howell!!!

The music will have you clapping those hands and toe-tapping thanks to the Nelson Jackson III.  Nelson has written and played for countless artists in the music industry, to include (but not limited to); Dr. Dre, Stevie Wonder, El Debarge, Donnie McClurkin, Jeff Lorber, Norman Hutchins, Brandy, Richard Elliot and Al Jarreau. Most recently, Nelson produced hit records with R&B/Hip Hop boy band “Mindless Behavior” and had an appearance on BET’s 106 & Park. His love for music is unquestionable and his dedication to writing and producing is instantly recognizable.

At the end, you will find yourself wondering if these families give in to the loss, pain, and uncertainty that has shattered their lives or will they find the tie that binds them all together through hope, trust, redemption and goodwill?  Hit a theater near you on  Friday, September 29th to find out.  You will be inspired and uplifted simultaneously after checking out A Question in Faith.