Some of you will have seen the newest "Rocky" film, I think it is the sixth such. In that film, which I confess I have not seen, Rocky embarks upon a journey that closely parallels (according to Stallone) the journey of Stallone's own life. It is a journey that has led to an explicit profession of faith in Jesus Christ. The following is what Stallone had to say in the latest edition of Christian Living Magazine. There are several versions of this interview on-line for you to read (for example, http://www.infuzemag.com/peeks/archives/2006/12/rocky_balboas_s.html); it obviously was not an exclusive interview. What follows are excerpts:
Stallone: "This film is very biographical, especially in the beginning scenes. With this movie, I felt as though I needed to say something through the character about how I was wayward and lost, and how I could get on my feet again....As a young person, you feel that the world revolves around you and that you have all the vim, vigor and energy to take on the world. But after you're knocked down a few times, you see that you need guidance, light and spiritual help. I now realize how heavily I rely upon Jesus, the Word of God and His support."
Christian leaders: "You say you found things out the hard way...that you were wayward and lost. What was your journey like? Can you share a bit about your experience in Hollywood?"
Stallone: "Sure. In 1980, my marriage was not good. I was seduced by temptations and morally weakening. When you make it bigin Hollywood, it's like you have keys to the candy store. Your morals get corrupted, and you start believing your own hype. You surround yourself with people who will tell you what you want to hear. I would end up writing a new 'Rocky' because I needed the moral compass that character would give me. But then, I'd give in to the lackadaisical, irresponsible life stars live. Finally, I hit rock bottom, and my career went stagnant. It was at that low point that I knew I had to get back to the basics of faith in God and Christ."
Christian leaders: "I understand that your wife played a role in that healing process?"
Stallone: "Yes. I have a wonderful wife and three great kids, all of whom I'd die for in a second. Through my wife's influence, everything came into place. I asked God for help, and He gave it to me. I didn't find answers through 'yes friends,' lawyers or agents, but through God....I believe that as long as you have Christ in your heart, there's no such thing as losing."
Thoughts?
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