I was a teen in the 1980’s. Deep into the emerging youth group culture of the bible belt – specifically in Oklahoma City.  We knew we loved the Lord. We knew we loved to worship. But we were not satisfied with the worship that the adults participated in during during those Southern Baptist Sunday Morning Gatherings.

Christian artists were setting a scene to change what the nation thought about Worship Music. Worship Services. We went to Putnam City Baptist Church and attended many gatherings around Oklahoma. I got to sit next to Michael W Smith in a small gathering on folding chairs as he introduced the song Friends to us. Watched Sandi Patti open for Billy Graham and chatted with her on the ramp while she waited. We listened to Petra and many others  – music for our bedrooms only – too wild for our conservative parents. What these parents may not have understood – was that they were sending us to Youth Conferences. Super Summer. Falls Creek Camp. Youth Nights. We were being sparked by the Holy Spirit to really engage in Christ. Really express ourselves through worship. Engage. Participate. Not just group sing alongs.

I was also able to sit in a small auditorium and listen to the struggle of a young man named Matthew West. He had a string of accidents that would have led him away from singing – but for the passion he had for sharing his stories – he kept on. I think it was due to the path paved by Rich Mullins that allowed Matthew West, Greg Long, and others to use the Christian Concert platform and turn it into a Worship Service. Sharing your heart. Telling the story of Christ’s love. Personal stories.

I love it in the movie how much they just wanted Rich to create songs that were fun and upbeat. Fun radio worthy ditties. But we were youth. Living real life, and needed real worship music to reflect that.

As I watched this movie – I remember it being played out in real life. We get to see more of the behind the scenes parts, the why – the what if – and the struggle. Now, in my 40’s, I see quite a few men, and women, struggling with authenticity still. How do we live an authentic life – where we are – and still get to be “Christian”. What if our behavior – our issues – our struggles  – are unbecoming? Do we still get to reach out – and just want Christ’s Love through it all? Do we stuff our own issues in a suitcase and only pull the out while we are alone?

If you struggle with the balancing act of performance for your Church Friends, and real life at home – I think you might like this movie. If you have struggles from childhood that haunt you today – I think you’ll like this movie. If you are like me, a teen from the 80’s – you’ll LOVE this movie.

Hubby watched it, without knowing about Rich Mullins. He was drawn into the movie – really drawn in. It took him some time after the movie to digest the whole of it. He did ask to stay up later and put on a comedy to help him sleep. This isn’t quite a feel good movie. But it is honest. and Raw. I hope you enjoy it.

Visit http://ragamuffinthemovie.com/buy/   – buy one DVD for themselves and give one away to a Ragamuffin in their lives.

About the Film:

RAGAMUFFIN is based on the life of Rich Mullins, a musical prodigy who rose to Christian music fame and fortune only to walk away and live on a Navajo reservation. An artistic genius, raised on a tree farm in Indiana by a callous father, Rich wrestled all of his life with the brokenness and crippling insecurity born of his childhood. A lover of Jesus and a rebel in the church,

Rich refused to let his struggles with his own darkness tear him away from a God he was determined to love.

As he struggled with success in Nashville and depression in Wichita,

Rich desired most of all to live a life of honest and reckless faith amidst a culture of religion and conformity.

About Rich Mullins:

Singer and songwriter Richard Wayne “Rich” Mullins was best known for his worship song “Awesome God” which has been embraced as modern classics by many Christians. His music has been covered by many artists, including Caedmon’s Call, Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Michael W. Smith, Third Day, John Tesh, and Hillsong United. Mullins’ musical career formally began with Zion Ministries in the late 1970s, where he wrote music and performed with a band called Zion.  Mullins first solo hit, “Awesome God,” appeared on his third album and brought his music to a wider audience. Rich Mullins was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) on April 29, 2014.

Film Testimonials:

“Rich was a gifted songwriter with an amazing heart for people. This film reminded me that what really made Rich special was how undistracted he was with the things of this world. His was a heart yearning for God.” – Michael W. Smith Singer, Songwriter

“This film captures the life of one of the most important people in the history of modern evangelicalism, a ragamuffin that our children and our grandchildren need to know about.” – Shane Claiborne Author, Activist

• Release Date: 7/8/14
• Run-Time: 137 minutes
• Writer/ Director: David Schultz
• Dove Seal: Faith-Based with Caution
• Suggested Retail Price: $19.99
• Distributor: Capitol Christian Distribution

Learn more and engage:

• http://RagamuffinTheMovie.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/richmullinsfilm
• https://twitter.com/RichMullinsFilm

**Soundtrack also available July 22nd featuring Jars Of Clay, Derek Webb, Sidewalk Prophets, Audrey Assad, Leigh Nash and more! Plus 2 NEW, original, never-before heard songs from Rich Mullins recorded in the early 70’s!**

COMMENT TO ENTER: – Comment Here – or on my Facebook Page – for an entry to win a Ragamuffin DVD!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:
“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):
Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.
Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.
I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.
If you have won the same prize on another blog,
you are not eligible to win it again.
Winner is subject to eligibility verification.