If I was a greeting card, I’d be illustrated, and have one of those little built-in music tracks too. I honestly can’t remember a time I wasn’t captivated by words, pictures and music. Or by wanting to create them for others.
As early as age two (I’m told), I started telling stories: Reenacting scenes from favorite movies and TV shows on the sidewalk outside, and vocally recreating the music. One lady actually alerted the police–twice. I also told stories by drawing pictures from my favorite books on that same neighborhood sidewalk. Which resulted in Mrs. Crank permanently banishing me from “her side” of the street.
“You need to go into the arts,” My high school career counselor told me. “Which one?” I asked. “All of them,” she replied. “I can’t imagine you ever doing anything else. It’s what you’re made for.”
I eventually realized all this artiness had a connective tissue: storytelling. Even my songs and poetry told stories. But a while later I hit a crisis. “Why?” I asked. “What does it matter? They’re just stories.”
But then I met the Storyteller, the One who told, and is still telling, our universe into existence. And I finally began to understand what my storytelling was for. It was to reenact my Creator’s stories. And you know what? I never get tired of telling those stories, or doubt their value. Ever.
One such story is my movie Healing River, winner of over twenty major film festival awards. It’s currently continuing its breakout run at Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and other streaming sources (a few, like Roku and Tubi, are free but include commercial interruptions). If you haven’t seen it, may I suggest you give it a look? Healing River is one of the ways I continue to tell stories to my neighbors. Only my neighborhood now encompasses the whole world…
Even Mrs. Crank’s side of the street.
To watch Healing River now (or save it for later), click here!
Awesome! Definitely will watch. 😊❤️
Great. Enjoy, Ellie!
Will do! 😊
Watching now. Good actors! 😊
Awesome story line. Captured all the emotions of each character in a genuine way. Loved the humor. Loved the priest’s personality. Great ending. Truly a healing river! Nice job!! 😉❤️👍🏽
What else have you done?
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ellie. You can also find my comedy Notzilla on Amazon Prime and other streaming channels. It’s thoroughly silly, a completely different kind of movie.
Ok. Will check it out. I always wanted to write a script. 😉
Without words and the stories, they birth, would there be a reality we can see touch smell…? God spoke and… We, imagine, use words to design, construct (using elements from God’s creation) and use.
Exactly, Hosea.
Goosebumps!
I will absolutely watch!
Wonderful, Pamela. Enjoy!
It is inspiring that you persevered and discovered the thread linking your art forms. 🙏
Thank you, Di.
I can SO relate, Mitch! It’s encouraging to know that Jesus told stories all the time. When I read some generalized doctrine or platitude, my first thought is, “and what does that look like in real life?” Our ladies’ book club just picked another book to read and discuss together. Every time we’re ready fir a new one, my request is the same: “Could we please read something with a plot this time?” So far the words have gone in one ear, picked up speed, and gone out the other. 😒🙄
(Annie at seekingdivineperspective.com)
;>)
I watched it, loved it, and recommend it! 🙂
Bless you, Nancy!
I remember my Mrs. Crank, she was my 2nd grade teacher; no art stories to tell here.
I understand the need to tell a story, it is something that burns deep within us in one shape, form or another. It is what God made us to do.
Blessings
Exactly, Pete. Blessings back, my friend.
You’re great at story telling, I guess it’s a combine gift and craft, you’re certainly great it, it’s really needed.
Aw, bless you, my friend.
hello mitch i been praying
Both endearing and inspiring, this. 🫶🏻
Why, thank you, Isha.
I watched HR when a while ago. Excellent film! Now, I’m going to watch it again. 😊
Aw, bless you, Chandra.
I love this storytelling you do Mitch, and I love also knowing a little bit more about where it began. Everything begins in childhood – we already knew who we were, some of us though end up so far from the path it takes decades to return to what feels right. Thank you for being a way maker for me in my life. You don’t know what a difference you provide – a long time ago you said kind words about a poem of mine and shared it to your blog – it happened to be at a time when I almost stopped writing but then I felt seen for awhile and continued. A way point. A guide. Priceless.
I’m so glad I had the chance to encourage you, Kate.
I have added Healing River to my Tubi list. Unfortunately not available on Prime in Canada, but that happens a lot. Mrs. crank clearly didn’t know what she was missing!
;>) Enjoy, Randy!
I watched Healing River a couple weeks back now Mitch but life has been so busy lately I have fallen behind on my reading and comments. So here I am finally following up. First let me say it’s a bit surreal to be talking to someone who has made movies!
I quite enjoyed the film and found the storyline engaging. Initially I was not sold on the relationship between Ingrid and Alec, and I certainly didn’t expect her to go back to see him the second time or even the third. But her persistence won me over and while I could not relate, you gave us enough to understand. I have to admit the shooting took me for a bit of a loop (entirely intentional on your part) and again, all was revealed in the end.
I also found Promised to Keep on Tubi and I think I enjoyed that one a bit more but perhaps because the premise was a bit less ‘shocking’ I guess you could say. You are a handsome Dude Mitch. Your character Jonathan was one of the most positive people I have ever seen! I was not totally buying in but the portrayal was as convincing as the storyline was consistent. Tough life you have working with someone as lovely as Christine Jones. A bit of a twisting plot which all came together nicely in the end. And who doesn’t like a happy ending!
I am glad I took the time to watch them and oh, Not-zilla (took a moment to get that title) was just bit (ok a lot) of silliness, not always a bad thing either. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors Mitch.
Thanks, Randy. Wishing you the same, my friend.
Absolutely perfect 👌
Why, thank you, Sibongile.
Wow – You have your own blog, movie and books – impressive!
Thanks, Jared.
I do think that story-tellers are born. And the good point is, they make the world a better place! As do you…..
Aw, bless you, dear friend.
Congratulations on an amazing movie. What an accomplishment to write, direct and get this out into the world. Stories matter a lot. All your characters are going through a lot, and learning and growing on their journey.
I often say that adventues happen to those who can tell good stories. You, my friend, are an amazing story teller. I’m sure we’re only seeing a fraction of your adventures.
Why, thank you, Alison, and I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
My son found a website with free movies, I found it there, I still have to finish watching it.
Great. Hope you enjoy it, Iba.
Mitch – we’re so fortunate that you found your calling. Keep telling us stories❤️.
Aw, bless you, Carolyn. <3
Love the story! And the perspective that the world is your neighborhood. We should all see others as members of our “neighborhood.”
Thanks, Peggy!
Superstories . . . ✅️ ↔️ 👉
Stories are the breath of life.
Beautifully said, Mitch. I see storytelling as doing for the world what God did for us. It reminds me of a seminary professor I had. He always told stories and even answered students’ questions with stories. Once a student raised her hand and asked, “Dr. Weems, why do you always answer our questions with a story?”, he replied, “Well, let me tell you a story about that…”
;>)
I know it’s less about success and more about the Lord, but this is quite an accomplishment. Congratulations.
Thank you, Christina.