Recently during our church service at the First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula, the pastor began his sermon with this message. He said, “I normally don’t promote movies, but I am making an exception on this day.” You see, the name of the movie was “Courageous.” He then showed a short movie clip to the congregation. Dr. Cranford felt so strongly about this movie that he changed a Sunday night service and provided a bus and child care so anyone that wanted to go see the movie had the opportunity to do so. My wife and I were unable to attend on that night but made plans to attend the viewing on a later date.

Just last week, I was informed during a meeting with my supervisor that Sheriff Wayne Jones had also gone to see the movie, and he was so impressed with the movie he also was encouraging all his officers to go see this movie.

My wife and I went on Thursday night and saw the movie. Well, I always thought that “The Ten Commandments” was the greatest movie ever made. I must say, “Courageous” is right up there with “The Ten Commandments.” After seeing this movie, I also feel that every law enforcement officer, community leader and elected official should see this movie. Every church pastor should make this movie available to the congregation. It’s that good!

“Courageous,” from the creators of “Fireproof,” is a story of four police officers with one calling — to protect and serve. They are law enforcement officers that are confident and focused. But they face the challenge of fatherhood, which none of them are truly prepared to tackle. Tragedy hits home for one of these officers, and they are forced to face fears, hopes, their faith and most of all their fathering. This movie raises the question: Can urgency help these four dads draw closer to God and to their children?

Every time you pick up the newspaper or turn on the news, you see reports of robbery, murders or violent crimes usually involving teenagers or young adults. I feel very strong about this movie and believe the creators hit the nerve of society today, with the climbing crime rate, the children without parents or supervision and the lack of respect of others.

Please go and see this movie, and you to will be touched by the story. Be sure and bring the tissues, as you will need them. After you go and see the movie and want to see the Louisiana Treasures Law Enforcement Memorial, bring your ticket stub for free admission to the museum. I hope you enjoy it so much, you go out and tell all your friends.

Louisiana Treasures Museum is located on Louisiana Highway 22 West of Ponchatoula. For more information and hours of operation, call Wayne Norwood at 225-294-8352.

Wayne Norwood is a lieutenant with the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Department and owner and operator of the Louisiana Treasures Museum.