Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story

I grew up knowing about Fr. Flanigan and Boys Town. I saw the movie Boys Town on TV when I was about 4. But this was no dry documentary telling us things we already knew. This piece was lovingly created by people who took the time to find out who he truly was. To go to the town where he was born. To interview people who knew him or had connections to him. The creators wove and blended his story with words and pictures that left me feeling that I knew him. This man and all he stood for. This is how I was raised to be a good American. I would like every American to see this. To remind us of who we were, who we are, and who we can be. I did not know what to expect seeing this film, but I did not expect this.

When I decided to watch Heart of a Servant - The Father Flanagan Story, I never imagined it would have such a profound impact on my life. The film was not only well-crafted and captivating, but when approached with an open heart, it had the power to inspire a deeper commitment to helping the less fortunate.

Father Flanagan was such an extraordinary man that if I hadn't seen the film I probably would not have believed that one individual could possess such strength and courage to face and overcome the many challenges that stood so heavily against him.

Father Flanagan not only had a heart of a Servant but he had a Heart of a Father. He was the type of father most dreamed of having. He cared for those children as if they were his own. He stood up for them when no one else would.

This film has the power to change your heart and your life. It will inspire you to do more for those in need and leave you feeling awed, encouraged, hopeful, and grateful that someone like Father Flanagan once walked among us-a man who humbly allowed himself to be used by God in such a meaningful way.

After watching this film, I can only hope and pray that I, too, can fulfill God's purpose for my life with the same humility and grace that Father Flanagan exemplified.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to watch this film-you won't be disappointed.

The life of Father Flanagan is nothing short of incredible, and I cannot believe just how unknown his story is. If you're familiar with Boys Town then you likely know his story, but for those of us outside of Nebraska, it's shockingly easy to have never heard of the amazing man or his impactful works.

A true gentleman ahead of his time, Fr. Flanagan was cutting edge in his beliefs that no boys are bad; all boys deserve to be loved and cared for; and that it doesn't matter what your race or religion is--you should be cared for. He faced a lot of adversity for choosing to take care of these boys, but God provided all he needed and more to make Boys Town a reality. When you see the lasting positive effect he had on all boys associated with Boys Town; how Marvel and Hollywood took interest in him; and how even POTUS trusted him, you will be in awe.

This film is beautifully made, a joy to watch, and (at times) a tear jerker. I was so impressed by the depth and breadth of the coverage this movie had, how much I learned, and--of course--listening to Jonathan Roumie narrating was a very nice touch.

I had heard of Father Flanagan and knew a little bit about the work he did. After watching Heart of a Servant I came to know Fr. Flanagan even better and learned things I never knew about him. This movie did an incredible job of sharing the real story of Fr. Flanagan and shared beautiful details of his life that many didn't know before watching this movie. The filmmakers truly dug into his life and created a beautiful movie honoring this incredible man of God. I was left inspired after watching this film and I felt like I got to know him better through those who knew him. Fr. Flanagan, pray for us.

It was extremely inspiring to see how Fr. Flanigan stepped out in faith and made such a change in the lives of so many youths!

There is a very moving scene where a man shares how "Boy's Town" affected his life and how he bonded with others there because of their mutual experience of prior suffering. What a great way to show how God brings good out of everything-even our deepest pains!

This film also explores the power of praying together as they were out of food and petitioned the Lord and witnessed His miracles. It's a great reminder of how we are called to participate in God's plan which brings Him glory!

Fr. Flanigan didn't believe in bad boys, he believed in boys who needed love and a good example. He shows us how we should all see each other through the eyes of God and welcome all!

I can't recommend this film enough!