When Doug and Terri White arrived at Forsythe Church of Christ and decided to make it their church home, I didn’t know what a blessing they would be. And I certainly didn’t know that it wouldn’t be long before I’d be sitting in a movie theater for our church’s private showing of a new movie about their life called On A Wing and A Prayer!
The movie is based on a terrifying true experience ten years ago on Easter weekend. Doug and Terri and their two daughters were on their way back from the funeral of Doug’s brother. Leaving Fort Myers, Florida on a charter flight, the pilot passed away, leaving Doug to attempt to fly the plane and save his family. Since I’m in the picture with them, the outcome is not a mystery. But the movie takes us through the intense experience moment by moment.
There were several things I really loved about this movie. It is an intense movie - even knowing the outcome I still felt myself on the edge of my seat! It is a Christian movie, but in a subtle way. By that, I mean it is not preachy - but demonstrates the life of faith, family, and the place of prayer in moments where only God can help. Doug is quick to deflect praise for himself, noting that this could have only happened if God was in control. There are several things that could have played out in any number of ways but fell together in just the right way for this family to be saved. Doug and Terri give all credit to God. In the movie, we get to see faith in action through prayer, bravery, and trust.
Another thing I liked about the movie was the way that Doug’s trust in the Lord was at a low point during this time. His brother had just passed away. There were the questions we all face when a loved one dies unexpectedly. I’m grateful that these themes were explored a bit because no one’s faith is strong all the time. In our moments when we wonder about God’s interest and action in our lives, we are not abandoned by Him! I never met Doug’s brother, but from the way he was portrayed, I would have liked him a lot.
A search of YouTube will yield actual conversations of Doug and Air Traffic Control during the scary flight as well as speeches Doug has made in the time that followed. This happened ten years ago on Easter weekend. I asked Doug what he hoped this movie would accomplish. He said that he hopes it is a blessing to the church and helps people come to know the power of God in our lives.
As I stated earlier, Doug and Terri have been a blessing to our church. The movie reveals Doug’s culinary skills with a grill, and I can testify that this is another accurate fact in the movie! When I talked with the Christian Chronicle about this story I told them that the Whites are people who like to contribute their skills and actions to the life of the church. They are great examples of living faith.
I unhesitatingly recommend that you watch this movie as soon as you can and encourage others to watch as well. I’m grateful for Roma Downey’s passion for films that explore faith and for bringing this story to life for all of us to experience, appreciate, and be inspired.
Linkage
Aaron Dietrich What’s Your Story?
Gripping Faith-Based Film ‘On A Wing And A Prayer’ Flies High With Wide Appeal
Christian Chronicle: Christian family inspired new movie ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’
Christian Headlines: Roma Downey's On a Wing and a Prayer Tells True-Life 'Miraculous' Airplane Story
Entertainment Weekly: Dennis Quaid is a real-life passenger forced to land a plane in On a Wing and a Prayer first look
Catholic Review: Audio Interview of Roma Downey and Doug White
Boston Herald: Heather Graham stars in uplifting true-life movie ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’
Metro Philadelphia ‘On A Wing and a Prayer’ stars talk powerful true story that fueled the film
Access Atlanta: Jesse Metcalfe on breaking heartthrob mold in new film ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’
DeRidder businessman’s courageous act behind new movie
When you see the movie, I’d love to hear your reactions in the comments. Please share with others to spread the word about this great film.
Great movie! Will be watching it again.
Just watched this a couple nights ago. It really dovetailed together in an amazing way.