This month Good News Wants to Know… Have you ever watched a movie and thought you could play the lead part because it so much resembles your life? What was the movie? What was the role and why?

In high school I thought I could play the role of Monica (Sanaa Lathan) from “Love and Basketball.” The movie was about two childhood friends who both aspired to be professional basketball players. I used to play basketball in high school/college, and just like Monica, I was fiercely competitive, still am, lol. But also like her, I have a softer side that can be emotional.

Ariana Reid, Executive Director, Hope Women’s Centers

Actually, I would answer with referencing the TV show “Everyone Loves Raymond.” As the daughter of a hilarious, overbearing Italian “Ma” named Marie, I relate100% to Raymond’s experiences. Thinking about it makes me miss her and look forward to fellowship with my Ma again one day in heaven!

Dr. Andrea Hazim, Founder, Elev8Life Educational Foundation

I really believe that I could be the co-lead part of Nathan Hayes, the Black Deputy and mentor and father and role model in the movie “Courageous.” He was a family man that lived by biblical guide lines. He did not compromise his parenting to placate his children or the culture. He was an encourager of righteousness, and people sought out his guidance.

Bernard King, Sr., Pastor, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship

“The Graduate.” (I actually bought an Alfa Romeo!) Dustin Hoffman. But in the end, instead of pounding on the glass at the back of the church, I got the girl!!

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott Attorneys at Law

The movie is “The Sandlot” – I feel I identify with this movie because I grew up with a bunch of kids in my neighborhood, and we played baseball (all sports) the entire summer. We rode bikes everywhere and went to the community pool together.  I identify mostly with Benny ‘The Jet’ Rodriguez – was the leader of the group, organizing the games, planning the activities and getting everyone involved. We made great memories, and looking back, those were some of the greatest summers ever – playing baseball at the Sandlot! 

Chris Lane, Executive Director, First Priority

“Catch Me if You Can” with Leonardo D’ Caprio. I wouldn’t play the “lead role,” but definitely played an “extra” in this movie as a former Pan Am flight attendant.  

It was based on a true story of Frank  Abagnale, who impersonated a Pan Am pilot flying all over the world counterfeiting money and stealing identities.  At that time, I was a flight attendant for Pan Am.  The movie portrayed accurately the “glamour” of flying internationally and being treated as royalty.  

Years later, at a dinner party,  I sat next to a former PAA pilot I had flown with, and we realized we had been on one of the flights from NYC to Paris with Frank as co-pilot.  The FBI finally caught up to him and after serving time, he became an informant and turned his life around. Perhaps, he found Christ during those years in prison. And in all my years of flying all over the world and being treated like royalty, it never filled the void in my life until I surrendered my life to Christ.

Gita Santangelo, Community Prayer Partner

Because I do not see a lot of movies, to my recollection, that has never happened to me. It’s enough for me to keep up with my own life as it unfolds!

H. Collins Forman, Jr., P.A.

In all actuality, I once thought I could have played the lead of many of the Star Trek movies. Cpt. Kirk was always a hero of mine and then Cpt. Picard came along… and that sealed it for me. If only there was a little more about faith in Christ then I would be perfect for the role. “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose… Things are only impossible until they are not… The road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is very much shorter than we think… Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives… Seize the time!” ~ Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Dennis DeMarois, Executive Director, Gathering Palm Beach County

The movie I feel resembles my life is “Remember the Titans” because I can identify with Denzel Washington’s role as Coach Herman Boone and how the film’s elements of teamwork, commitment and friendship apply in life, as well as in football.

Gregg Wallick, President/CEO, Best Roofing

The movie “27 Dresses” — like the main character, Jane, I was a bridesmaid a bazillion times before I actually got married.

Karen Granger, Community Relations Director, 4KIDS Palm Beach County

The only one I can think of is “Cinderella.” I once was a slave for the world and now I am God’s princess.

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

In “Field of Dreams,” Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner ) is led to his destiny by the direction of an inner voice speaking to him, “If you build it he will come.” Acting on this inner voice, he goes against all conventional wisdom, endures the smirks and mocking from those around him, and turns his farm into a baseball diamond. The dream, however, becomes a reality when old baseball legends appear on his field including Ray’s deceased father, resulting in a moving reconciliation with Ray. I can relate to Ray Kinsella in some ways – as listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and stepping out into the arts and entertainment field and sharing the Gospel through family faith based productions. When I see people touched and inspired by our productions, I feel like days of heaven on earth. I know as I continue being obedient to the Holy Spirit’s direction, the Lord will continue to show up and, as He does, the ability of the ministry to reconcile people to God will grow.

Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Revelation Ministries

Inspector Clouseau in “The Pink Panther.” A DEA agent for 32 years with a disregard for propriety and borderline ineptness, I was named “Federal Employee of the Year” prior to my retirement. Need I say more?

Omar Aleman, Owner, Aleman & Associates

I could have played the lead part in the movie “Rudy” because my life resembled Rudy’s life in terms of wanting to play football at a particular university, despite obstacles, including being undersized for the position played. Like Rudy, who was determined to make the University of Notre Dame football team as a Defensive End, being undersized, I also was determined to make the Bethune Cookman University football team as a Defensive End, being also undersized (6’2”, 218 pounds). After graduation I signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears (NFL).

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

I laughingly think that I am Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” wondering when I will be back home. My life does not look like Kansas (or in my case a small farm town) but the adventures each day are wonderful and exciting! The ending would be different; after 35 years in South Florida, there is no place I would rather call home. Perhaps Dorothy needed more time in Oz.

Patricia Colangelo, EdS, Director of Operations – Florida, Trinity International University

A movie that I could relate to recently was “Draft Day” starring Kevin Costner as a Head Coach in the NFL drafting players to be on his team. He chose players based on their “character and integrity of heart” not just their ‘athletic ability.’

SPOILER ALERT…His #1 draft pick was a college running back (not the fastest in the league) but a young man who after he scored a touchdown handed the football to a young lady in the stands…. after seeing the highlight reel in slow motion, Kevin Costner realized the young man gave the ball to his younger sister who was battling cancer… That is a Player I would want on my team!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder/President, SAINTS of Florida P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry

An old movie I remember watching, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” resembled my hopes and aspirations of public service. When the idealistic young Jefferson Smith (James Stewart) winds up appointed to the United States Senate, he gains the mentorship of Senator Joseph Paine (Claude Rains). However, Paine isn’t as noble as his reputation would indicate, and he becomes involved in a scheme to discredit Smith, who wants to build a boys’ campsite where a more lucrative project could go. Determined to stand up against Paine and his corrupt peers, Smith takes his case to the Senate floor.

Romney Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers Morris & Ziegler Llp

I’m not really a movie guy, but I feel like I could have played Yoda with very little makeup.

Samuel Lamerson, PhD, Professor of New Testament, Knox Theological Seminary

I could play the part of Cinderella. I understand the rejection one feels and the longing to be loved. The heart cries out. When Christ rescued me, I experienced that unconditional love. When the King took my hand, He clothed me in righteousness. He gave me beauty for ashes. And how can I forget my glass slippers.

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life

This is a tough question to answer. But, for me, I really liked the role of Captain America in all the Avengers movies. But I particularly liked his role in “Age Of Ultron.” He kept the team focused on the big picture of fighting for what was right and staying together as a team. He led the team to battle and was willing to give his life for the cause – and that is the redemption story!

Tom Lukasik, Vice President Community Engagement, 4KIDS

Renee Zellweger played a most caring wife who was driven to help the most needy of persons in a  movie entitled “Same Kind of Different as Me.” Her role haunted me for days as I thought of what could happen in this down and out world if more women and men were truly like her towards strangers in need. Very worthwhile movie reminding me of John 15:12, telling us to love each other as God has loved us. Her sincere love for the homeless and later her husband’s true friendship with one particular homeless man was deep and real. It resembles some of what we do, but I can only wish to be so perfect… It’s actually never enough!

Virlee “Vee” Stepelton, Ministry Advocate

The movie “Spartacus” is my all-time favorite movie. Kirk Douglas was one of my all-time favorite “Real Actors.” It resembles my life in the sense that Spartacus died on the cross just like Jesus, refusing to denounce his love for Christianity, as Jesus was the one who founded Christianity.

Willy Guardiola, Christian On A Mission