The Movie Courageous is a 2011 Sherwood Pictures faith-based film. It was their fourth production after Flywheel, Facing the Giants and Fireproof. Courageous was directed by Alex Kendrick who stars as one of the lead actors in this movie about fatherhood.
Fatherhood is a critical role in society and godly fatherlessness in many homes is what motivated this movie’s production. The movie was followed by a book called The Resolution for Men to help men be who God called them to be.
Here are 43 Courageous movie quotes you ought to keep in mind:
1. “When a father’s absent, kids are five times more likely to commit suicide, and abuse drugs, twenty times more likely to wind up in prison.” ~ Sheriff
This is a sobering statistic when you think about it, which shows why father figures are important in society. A father’s presence provides a sense of security for his children as well as his wife. This statistic wasn’t made up for the movie, but was based on actual research during the story’s development.
So most of the wayward and rebellious people you come across in life probably have father issues. Their behavior tends to be a cry for attention which they didn’t get from their fathers.
2. “I’m telling you, man, not having a father as a child, man scarred me in more ways than I can count.” ~ Nathan Hayes
Over a barbeque with his fellow officers, Nathan shares his experiences growing up as a young man without a father. He felt he could’ve been messed up were it not for his pastor who played the fatherly role in his life.
As a father, your children want you to be a part of their lives and have a rock to lean on.
Children that have great relationships with their fathers tend to be more confident about themselves. Your kids see you as their hero and without that, they’ll look for heroes in the wrong places.
3. “Look, it’s not like I don’t love the guy, but it’s hard to respect a hypocrite.” ~ Shane Fuller
During the same conversation, Shane also shares the rocky relationship he had with his dad. He grew up not respecting him because he had a habit of not practicing what he preached.
Kids follow more what you do than what you say, and that’s why leading by example is imperative. It’s one of the reasons why children tend to be rebellious when their fathers are hypocritical.
They fail to understand why they get punished or scolded for doing what their fathers do, so be careful.
4. “There’s so many things I didn’t say. I should’ve been a better father.” ~ Adam Mitchell
Men have a tendency of getting preoccupied with work and hobbies, and leave little to no time for their kids. Some genuinely want to provide a better life for them, while others couldn’t be bothered about investing in them.
Adam had lost his daughter to a car accident, and the incident acted as a wakeup call. It made him rethink about how he had been fathering his two kids up to that point. Don’t become too busy for your kids because every moment with them is an opportunity to invest in their lives.
5. “I’m accepting the fact that I have to learn how to do the hard things.” ~ Adam Mitchell
Being a father in all honesty is a tough job, but also one of the most rewarding. It requires a great degree of personal sacrifice for the wellbeing of your kids, so they can advance in life. That’s why most men are terrified at the thought of fathering children.
You don’t have to rely on your own strength however, because God Himself gives you the grace. You need to seek Him in prayer and ask Him to help you be a great father like Him. The hard things don’t become as hard when God is working in and through you.
6. “We have the responsibility to mold a life. And I don’t think that should be taken casually.” ~ Adam Mitchell
Adam shares with his fellow officers that he has resolved to be a better father, and wants accountability. After losing his daughter, he finally realizes the gravity of what it means to be a father. He now wants to be a great father to his son, whom he didn’t give much attention before.
Raising your kids should be done intentionally and not left to chance. The wisest thing you can do is dedicate them to God, to become the people he desires them to be. Pray about every aspect of their lives, teach the Word of God and train them in godliness.
7. “David, part of being a man is about taking responsibility. Any fool can have a child.” ~ Nathan Hayes
David, another officer in their group, confesses to Nathan how he abandoned a girl he impregnated in college. Being convicted of his irresponsibility, he pours his out to Nathan who encourages him to take responsibility. Edwin Cole once said, “Being a male is a matter of birth, being a man is a matter of choice.”
Being a man is a choice you make to be responsible for yourself and those under your care. This lack of responsibility is what most men struggle with, and it affects the lives of numerous kids. Choose to be a responsible father instead.
8. “I ain’t got nobody man. I just ain’t got nobody.” ~ Derrick
Derrick had become part of a gang seeking a sense of belonging, which he found in the wrong crowd. Unfortunately for him, he paid for his involvement with the wrong people by being sentenced to prison. Nathan, who had met him earlier, wonders why he was hanging around with gang members.
Derrick just breaks down and tells him that he had no one to look out for him. That sense of belonging and a sense of worth is what fathers are to provide for their kids. Your children need you.
9. “But I tell you that as a father, you are accountable to God for the position of influence he has given you.” ~ Adam Mitchell
You might have heard the saying that goes, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” The more God entrusts with you, the greater the level of accountability He will require. You have the power to influence your children’s lives and it’s a huge responsibility.
If you don’t use that influence, someone else will and more than likely they will mislead your kids. Don’t let the culture, or television influence their lives. Use the word of God to influence them so that they grow up loving the Lord.
10. “A father should love his children and seek to win their hearts. He should protect them, discipline them and teach them about God.” ~ Adam Mitchell
Children tend to listen when they know that you have their best interests at heart. Love is one of their greatest needs, therefore you must constantly seek to win their hearts. Losing their hearts to someone else is a dangerous situation which you must try to avoid by all means necessary.
This is how young girls fall prey to predators who eventually abuse them, but made them feel special at first. Lean on God for strength and He will help you become the father He designed you to be.
