Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot

This is a wonderful movie. It is definitely for teenagers and older due to the nature of this movie with some intense scenes. Although none of the seems are graphic, they are still impactful. Tissues may be in order! I am a mental health professional, so none of this was surprising to me but will likely be eye-opening for most people. There is sadness, laughter, fear, joy, hope, and faith throughout this movie. This is an important movie to give the average person a glimpse of an often overlooked problem, while focusing on the power of God. With faith and community, this beautiful movie will make you be thankful for all you have and motivated to help those less fortunate. I highly recommend this movie.

I first learned of the Possum Trot story around 2017 when I heard Bishop Martin speak at a prayer breakfast. I immediately bought his book and read it in almost one sitting. I began following Bishop on social media and knew that he was the "real deal". When my husband and I held a fundraiser to aid in families adopting children, I knew I wanted to invite Bishop and Donna. They graciously drove over to Dallas and I felt like I had made a new friend.

All that to say, sometimes movies are hyped. They're puffed up to make them more entertaining or interesting. Sound of Hope is not that. You will not find a more genuine family than the Martins. And the depiction of their hearts for their community is authentic. The film does not hold back from the heart breaking situations and even shows Bishop and Donna's own weaknesses, frailties and faults with honesty and grace.

This movie is not for the faint of heart. As parents, we sometimes see a PG13 rating and "fudge" a little to allow the 9,10,11 year old to watch. In my opinion, this is not that kind of movie. It deals with very real and traumatic human emotions and actions that most children cannot comprehend. Thirteen is the very minimum age so use discernment. (Again, just my opinion as a parent of now adult children and 6 grandchildren) Bottom line:GO SEE THIS MOVIE! 💯

... for the sake of "the least of us." Theological differences aside, it's a solid film about an inspiring event that we in the faith should not overlook. It is a film that does not pull any punches- its PG13 rating is well deserved. Going into it, I was afraid the filmmakers would try to make adoption look easy. They did not. As they show, it can be a downright terrifying experience. There are scenes where the adoptive parents are in full-on regret mode. But, as explained in the movie, we have not been created to live easy lives. We live to carry the burden of others like Christ did. Mr. And Mrs. Martin, as well as their congregation, show us what this looks like.

I was moved to tears throughout the entire movie. It spoke a really deep truth and did not gloss over how difficult it is to foster kids. I took my 13 and 18 year old to see this and they were incredibly moved. They have cousins who came out of the foster system, but still do not understand the gravity of what some of these kids go through. It prompted a great discussion. I was glad I did not bring my 9 and 10 year olds. Difficult truths.

The acting and directing were fantastic. It was a moving story that did not shy away from the hard parts. I loved a look into a black southern Baptist church and the way they worship and support one another in Christ.

At this time in our world, this story of hearts and lives opening to receive foster children is so welcome. You might shake your head in disbelief that this kind of goodness really is present, but I was thrilled to have this movie shine a light on what genuine people will do for our children. The film was powerful and tender, real and heart felt.

The actors were excellent and well chosen. I am grateful for all the hard work it must have taken to film this, with the children involved especially.

I loved that the people in the film of Possom Trot where shown at the end so we could see what thee children are thankfully up to now. VEry beautiful.