Where Hope Grows

This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Godspeed Pictures, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #wherehopegrowsmovie http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

After the jam-packed stretch of weeks we've been having, it was so nice to just relax Sunday afternoon at home. I needed a few hours to prop myself up and rest this silly hip injury. It was the perfect day to curl up with a great blanket and watch a movie. And we all know no movie is complete without a few snacks. Salty and sweet- I've got to have them both!

Jared and I were able to prescreen the movie "Where Hope Grows" and I highly recommend it! It's a great new film that focuses on finding redemption through faith, hope, and love and comes out May 15th. Calvin is a former professional baseball player who's career ended shortly due to personal problems in his life. He's a man who is obviously hurting and in a rough stage of life when he meets and befriends a boy who works at the supermarket. He lovingly calls him "Produce" and the two become friends despite the differences in their lives. Calvin slowly begins to experience the world through Produce’s eyes. Faith, work, purpose and most importantly family, blossom into Calvin’s life as their friendship develops.

Do you ever have those people in your life that just challenge you to be better, without them ever really doing anything specific? I've got a few people like that in my life, and this movie reminded me of them and how much they mean to me. Produce is so optimistic in all circumstances, even when he's picked on, even when he doesn't get employee of the month and even when those he loves don't reciprocate. Each day at his job he'd enthusiastically tell the customers to "Have a magnificent day!" And you know what? He meant it!

It reminded me of my own attitude at work sometimes, and how it's so easy to have a negative outlook. I don't want to be that person anymore. I want to go through life being that person everyone is happy to see. The person who finds good in each situation, the person that encourages others in every aspect of life. It doesn't matter who you are, what walk of life you're from, your age, your race, your job... You can impact someone greatly just by showing a little kindness and a lot of patience.

This movie has a little bit of it all. Family drama. Teenage challenges. Sports. (You local gals might appreciate the Louisville references!) But the one word that comes to mind is honestly just inspirational. I felt challenged to be a better version of myself. Be the friend who reaches out to the people in need and be the person who doesn't judge, no matter the circumstances.

Be sure to check out your local theaters for show times this coming weekend when "Where Hope Grows" is released on May 15th.