October Sky

Universal Pictures
PG

On a clear fall night in 1957, Homer Hickam, along with the good people of his small West Virginia town, look up to see the Russian satellite, Sputnik, streak across the October Sky. From that moment on, Homer is sure he will be part of the United States space program.

Homer's father, however, wants Homer to follow his footsteps into the town's coal mine. Although Homer's interest in launching rockets conflicts with his father's plan, Homer pursues his dream with the help of three friends and the encouragement of his teacher, Miss Riley.

"October Sky" is based on a true story, making it even a more of an inspiring tale. I couldn't help but think of people in my own life who were mentors to me and encouraged my dreams to go to The University of Michigan and to become a pastor, even though no one in my family had pursued a religious career before.

I was also impressed with Homer's friends, who encouraged him and helped him pursue his dream even if it wasn't their own dream. In the course of their shared experience, they become true friends willing to "lay down their lives for one another." The group even takes in a class geek to help with their rocket. The friends stick by one another, even when facing initial failure and ridicule.

As I watched "October Sky," I thought of biblical characters like Jacob, Joseph and Esther, who faced great adversity to fulfill their calling. These patriarchs and matriarch faced failures and set backs, at times making it appear as if God and the world had abandoned them. But they persisted, patiently trusting that God was leading them. Homer faced obstacle after obstacle: the failures of his early rockets, being falsely accused of starting a forest fire with a runaway rocket, having to work in the mine to support his family, and having his props stolen at the pivotal science fair. Despite it all, Homer held fast to his dream. He had to pursue his calling, his vocation.

Discussion questions

• Which of the characters did you relate to the most? Which characters did you like? Which characters did you not like? Why?
• Homer's friends, the "rocket boys," were at first skeptical of Homer's interest in rockets. However, they quickly came to encourage his dream. Do we tend to encourage or discourage the dreams of our friends and peers? Why?
• In the 1950s, Homer's dream was considered far-fetched. Space exploration was only a thing of comic books and a few movies. Do you know anyone who has a "far fetched" dream today? Maybe it is you! What is your dream, your vision for your future?
• Homer's dad is well respected by the miners. At one point, his father says to Homer, "I was born for this (working in the mines)." Do you believe that? Does God call us to certain occupations by giving us certain gifts and talents that we are "born with" and which lead to certain careers? Do you have friends who have certain talents and gifts, which make you say that they would be good teachers, mathematicians, social workers, lawyers, doctors, or whatever? What gifts have people identified in you?
• At the end of the movie, Homer and the rocket boys launch one final rocket in honor of the mentors in their lives. If you were firing a rocket in honor of the mentors in your life, who would those mentors be? Why? How could you be a mentor to your siblings or your friends?

This movie is about dreams and relationships, especially among friends and between young people and adults. To prepare for discussion, consider checking out Search Institute's developmental assets research. (www.search-institute.org). Research shows how important mentors are in the lives of all of us. Homer Hickam wouldn't have been able to pursue his dreams were it not for his mentors.

As with anything, feel free to adapt this guide to your own situation. Enjoy the film, enjoy the discussion and enjoy one another. And remember, the first word and the last word is always, “God Loves You.”

Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2005 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA Youth Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses, e-mail:  rod.boriack@elca.org.