Amazing Grace

I went to see this movie this past weekend. Wow! What an amazing film. I had seen some advertisements, but hadn't really known what the story was about. After seeing it, I think it's a movie everyone should see. I know there are some historical inaccuracies, but trust me, those do not take away from the mission of the movie. The passion and dedication of one man, one group to right a wrong, it's certainly a wake up call. What a pioneer this man was and what a message he sends to us today.

As for the song...

"John Newton (played by Albert Finney in Amazing Grace) wrote the words to one of the most beloved hymns of all time between 1760 and 1770, while working as an evangelical pastor. Son of the commander of a merchant ship, Newton was captain of a slave ship for many years, until he underwent a dramatic religious conversion while steering his vessel through a storm.

Repenting and regretting the misery he had inflicted on the thousands of human cargo he had transported across the Middle Passage for many years, he devoted his life to the Church, and wrote the lyrics to many hymns which are still popular today.

In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807."

I never knew the story behind the song, but again, WOW! This song means more to me now than I can ever even express. I'll never hear it and just sing it like any other song, it will carry with it much more meaning.

If you have any doubts about this movie, put them away and just go. Trust me, it's so needed and worth it.