Holy Week, Father Stu and Lamb Cakes

It’s Holy Week…a time when the more than 2 billion Christians around the world are mindful of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Without sounding irreverent, it’s also spring break. At least, in our home. So, we’ve ventured to the Florida panhandle, a place we’ve never been. And, now that we live in South Carolina, is a short, 7-hour drive. 

While the kids were completely glued to their devices on the drive,  John and I listened to a recent chat I had with Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson for my podcast about their new movie leading up to Easter, called Father Stu. (Mel famously released The Passion Of The Christ before Easter back in ‘04. ) 

Father Stu is already stirring things up. It’s based on the true story of Stuart Long — a bad boy boxer whose life changes when he’s in a motorcycle accident. After the accident, he has an epiphany to become a priest. But, not long after becoming a priest, he develops a debilitating muscle disease that eventually takes his life. Stuart is played by Mark Wahlberg. Stuart’s father, Bill, by Mel Gibson. 

Is Father Stu a faith-based movie? If so, why is it rated R? 

Mark and Mel are both devout Catholics — They told me what their faith means to them during our conversation. But, they also say faith-based movies “preach to the choir”, and they want to reach a new crowd.  Thus, the R-rating is because of some colorful language. You can WATCH our entire conversation here. 

I’d love to hear what you think about the movie which releases tomorrow, April 13th. Personally, I think they’re on to something. Good movies with great stories that just happen to have a faith element. 

Keep shining your light and loving people well!

The Paula Faris 'Faith & Calling' Podcast

BONUS EPISODE with Mark Wahlburg and Mel Gibson – This bonus edition of "Faith & Calling" features two titans of the entertainment industry who beyond their shared calling also happen to be men of deep faith. Mark Wahlburg and Mel Gibson joined me for a spirited conversation about their latest project, exclusively in theaters this Easter. "Father Stu" is the real-life story of a bad boy boxer who finds renewed purpose in the calling to become a priest, with Gibson and Wahlberg starring as father and son. Hear why Wahlberg was so moved by the story that he broke the cardinal rule of filmmaking by financing the film with his own money.

Listen Now!

Episode 61 with Craig Melvin & Lindsay Czarniak – It's undeniable the major toll a global pandemic, racial unrest and political upheaval has taken on us all. Now imagine if it was your job to show up every day and report on these stories to the country - and add in that your partner also works in the same industry. That's the weighty reality of my guests this week, and they are diving into a don't-miss conversation about the elusive work/life balance in our chaotic world and the steadying effect of listening for God's calling along the way. This duo's connection is adorable, and I can't wait for you to hear how their faith is central to what keeps them grounded. Listen Now!

FARIS FAVORITES

1. Every Easter, my mom makes a lamb cake. Let me clarify before you think we’re actually making a cake out of LAMB. (Um, no.) Mom’s lamb cake is in the shape of a lamb

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she uses a lamb mold, then decorates it with white frosting and coconut flakes. The goal is the first photo. The reality is the second photo. Some years, it didn’t turn out so great, from a structural perspective. But, when I think of Easter, this is one of my very favorite traditions!

2. Because we’re at the beach this week, these are hands down my favorite towels for the family, especially when packing! They are lightweight, don’t hold sand and are a great size to throw multiple in a beach/pool bag! Photo via Amazon.com3. As I venture into this new space of entrepreneurship, founding and launching CARRY Media™, I’m devouring books on leadership styles. I’m learning the difference between leading and managing (I’m really good at the former, really bad at the latter). So, right now I’m enjoying Bob Iger’s book, "The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company." I’d love to hear what books you’re reading! Photo via Amazon.com