Becoming Fireproof

By DJ Note

There’s a welcome blaze spreading across the landscape, and believe me, you want to get caught in it.

If you liked Flywheel, if you appreciated Facing The Giants, then you’re going to love Sherwood Pictures third attempt in bringing us value-packed, God-based movies. Enter Fireproof.

The premise to this blockbuster feature-length faith-based movie is the fireman’s mantra: Never leave your partner behind. And yet, contrary to that time-honored standard—concerning his marriage—“leave” is exactly what, Caleb, the story’s main character played by Kirk Cameron, is about to do.

In a day when it’s nearly as easy to get a divorce, as it is to pay a parking ticket, Fireproof shouts a message of hope to a broken world crying for answers. When Caleb breaks the news to his father, he’s given a dare—The Love Dare—via a personal journal. Council comes too, through the concern and encouragement of Caleb’s friend, Lt Michael Simmons. “Man I’ve seen you run into a burning building to save people you don’t even know, but you’re gonna let your own marriage just burn to the ground” and “Fireproof doesn’t mean a fire will never come, but that when it comes you’ll be able to withstand it.”

When the phone rang at Evangel, I answered with my usual “thank-you for calling” and “may I help you?” The strong but surrendered male voice on the other end sputtered,

“Do you carry the “Love Dare” book shown in the movie, Fireproof?” I could almost hear the tears hitting his cheek. “My wife and I saw that movie. I’m Caleb. I’m that guy. With God’s help, I’m gonna save my marriage.”

The following day, a young woman stood across from me amidst a number of people crowded around making purchases and talking about their recent “Fireproof” experience.

“Have you seen the movie?” I asked. With eyes pooling in liquid emotion she spoke. “My husband and I saw it over the weekend. We’ve been flirting with divorce. I think that movie may have saved our marriage. We want to give “The Love Dare” a chance.”

Variations of these scenes, have repeated countless times over the counter in the weeks since Fireproof debuted. And the story’s burning question rages: How far would you go to keep a promise? How much would you sacrifice to save your marriage?

It takes courage to enter a burning environment to save that which appears to be lost. It requires strength of character, tenacity, and a willingness to put another’s welfare before the welfare of oneself. All of which are demonstrated in Fireproof.

Don’t cheat yourself out of the privilege of seeing this one, my friends. Make the effort! See it today! Take your loved one and hold hands. This may very well be one fire you need to run into.

Take courage, take the reins, and take the advise of Lt. Simmons, “Man! Don’t just follow your heart, LEAD your heart.” And remember, the glory of a good marriage doesn’t come in the beginning…it comes in the end.

DJ Note writes from Eagle Point, Oregon.