Mar 19, 2020
Today’s conversation is with actor, writer, director and producer Kevin Downes. Kevin has been part of the film industry in these various roles over the last 20 years and has most recently been a part of movies like “Woodlawn,” “Mom’s Night Out,” and “I Can Only Imagine.” His most recent project in partnership with the Erwin Brothers, is called “I Still Believe,” starring: KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Shania Twain, and Gary Sinise. This beautiful movie tells the story of Christian artist Jeremy Camp’s life and faith journey as he faced incredible heart ache, and also incredible hope.
Who would have thought that when Kevin and I had this conversation just a couple of weeks ago, what the world would look like today. Kevin and I talk all about following God in your calling, and the value of stewarding stories that highlight the truth that we don’t know what will happen, but His hope and his love are big enough to take our questions. Right now, we are in the throws around the world of a time that feels incredibly uncertain and unknown. Many of us feel completely out of control, are struggling to see how this is all going to pan out and feel trapped in a sea of uncertainty. Dear ones, look around and press in to the stories around you. Take this opportunity to ask God to show you how to weather this wilderness we are ALL walking in, and support and spur one another on. Even as we take a steps back, that doesn’t mean we have to live totally isolated. We can press in from a far. We can look more fully into the faces of the ones in our homes. And together, we will cling to His promises. One of my current favorites is this: “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16 Take care of yourselves, take care of each other. You matter. We all matter.
Since the recording of this episode, almost all the theaters across the U.S. have decided to close in order to protect people in light of the covid-19 pandemic. BUT, this conversation still couldn’t be more timely. AND praise the Lord, when the movie came out, it had an incredible opening weekend at the box office! If you have a way to go see it, GO! You will not regret it. If not, hang out with us here on the podcast today, and pray for all of the industries affected by the pandemic. We are all walking in ways we have not known before, but we are not walking alone.
Find ways to connect with Kevin,
the movie, references from the podcast below.
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References:
Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA
“I Still Believe” (the song)
Shari Rigby’s episode of the Simply Stories Podcast
“I Still Believe” (the movie)
Check your local theaters on whether or not they are open due to the covid-19 pandemic.
Scripture References:
John 17:16- In the world not of it
Matthew 18:12- Leave the 99, the parable of the lost sheep
Ephesians 4:14- Not being tossed by the wind
Romans 8:28-He works all things for good
John 2:1-11-Water into wine
Psalm 34:18- He’s close to the broken-hearted
Psalm 30:1-5- Joy comes in the morning
Esther 4:14- For such a time as this
Deuteronomy 31:6- He will never leave us or forsake us
Connect with the “I Still Believe” movie:
Hashtag: #IStillBelieve
Connect with Kevin:
Connect with Emily & catch up on the Simply Stories Podcast: