Yesterday I had the privilege of attending a pre-release screening of the movie I Can Only Imagine. ( View the trailer here.) It is the story behind the most requested Christian song of all time written by MercyMe lead singer Bart Millard. He says he wrote the lyrics in about 10 minutes and the music in another 10, but I have to agree with the person interviewing him at the beginning of the movie (don’t want to give any spoilers!) who said he didn’t write that song in 10 minutes. It took him a lifetime.

I had no idea of the story behind this song that captured the hearts of people everywhere. The song I Can Only Imagine has played on every genre of radio station imaginable. It has touched people in the deepest part of their spirits. And I must say, the movie is going to do the same – if not more. Talk about redemption! And hope. And faith. And love.

I honestly don’t want to give away the movie because the surprise of Bart’s story is so impactful and poignant. I just want to encourage you to go see it when it comes out.

I have never been a big fan of Christian movies. Now just wait. Let me explain. I have found many of them to be poorly acted, cheesy, and gratuitously emotional. I don’t like movies that make me cry just for the sake of crying. Trust me – I have enough in my life to cry about without paying good money to have those buttons pushed for the heck of it. But this movie is different. There is nothing gratuitous about the emotions. They are real and raw because the story is real and raw.

The movie I Can Only Imagine opens March 16. Please go see it. Yes, take some tissues. You’ll need them. But you aren’t going to just be crying. The movie has many genuinely funny moments, too. Redemption and healing always involve tears and pain, but the beauty that comes from the ashes brings so much hope. And I don’t know about you, but I am always open to a good dose of hope!