MEETING THE HERO OF UNSUNG HERO

 I blame film critic Robert Brennan of the Angelus Magazine. He gave the film Unsung Hero such a witty review that even though I'm working flat out to finish my Padre Pio book, I took a night off to watch it. Not only that, but I carried the copy of the review in my satchel and re-read parts such to get a giggle during the day. That said, the film is not a laugh fest. It is a gritty and glorious portrayal of the Smallbone family working through financial adversity. I was confused, however, as to whether the Smallbones were Protestant or Catholic because they are part of a Protestant community in the film. I asked my Guardian Angel to help me find out. 

I was running errands around Manhattan Beach when I decided to get some afternoon tea in a cafe, and I was led to go to a place that I don't normally go to, and I couldn't help but recognize someone who were busily working on a script. I took out my copy of Angelus, looked at the picture of Joel Smallbone who plays his own father in the film, and then plucked up the courage to ask the fellow, "Are you this man?" I pointed at the picture in the review and he readily agreed that yes, he was Joel Smallbone. I was stunned. He said he'd look into the review I was holding. 

We got to talking, and I asked if he was in fact Catholic. He said yes, but that he is also very much of the CS Lewis school of thought and likes seeking out first editions of Mere Christianity, a book beloved by his wife. I told him about my own book and he wished me the very best. After we had promised to pray for each other, I let them be, and thanked my faithful companion - my  angel for arranging this "chance" meeting, but that said, I don't think things ever really happen by chance.