SEABISCUIT

Universal Studios
PG-13  

Seabiscuit
"You don't throw away a whole life just 'cuz its banged up a little" sums up the themes in this fantastic movie, based on a non-fiction book. Seabiscuit is an average horse with a bad past that shocked the nation by having the heart to win. Toby Macguire plays Red, the rider who is too large to ride on a horse that was too small to win. Red's rough past matches the horse's in many ways. Two people saw potential in these two, and when they succeeded, they also found meaning for themselves. The movie is set during the Great Depression, so the stories of these two that rise out of the dust inspire a whole nation.

This movie is a great starting point for talking about how God uses little, flawed people to do great things. Seabiscuit is compared to David with his rock against Goliath, but you can also compare many other biblical characters to Red and Seabiscuit, who no one thought could succeed.

The basics for using in a group
Start by watching Seabiscuit, and then compare them to some key Bible characters. Conclude by reminding youth that God regularly--maybe always--has small people do great things.

Some biblical references to use:

Moses
Exodus 3 and 4: Moses argues with God, giving all sorts of reasons why he can't lead Israel to freedom.

Jeremiah
Jeremiah 1:4-10: Jeremiah argues he can't be a leader because he's just a boy and he doesn't know how to speak.

David
1 Samuel 17: David goes to battle with the giant Goliath, who wonders if he is being mocked when such a small boy shows up to take him on.

Mary
Luke 1:39-56: Mary calls herself the lowliest of servants, who will give birth to the Son of God.

Jesus
John 1:46: People question Jesus because of where he came from. Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

Paul
Acts 9:1-19: Ananias is asked to heal Saul, but he questions the wisdom of God because Saul persecutes Christians. God has chosen Saul as an instrument to bring the good news to the Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel.

Discussion questions

1. Some questions you can ask a group:
2. Describe what happened in the movie.
3. Why do you think everyone wanted Seabiscuit to win?
4. Do you know of stories of people who have done things that no one thought they could do? (Tell the stories.)
5. Look at some stories in the Bible (see above). What are the reasons why people don't think that these people can succeed? (They can't talk, they're too young, they're from the wrong place, they are women, they are just a servant, they've committed too many sins, they're too small, they're too evil, etc.)
6. Name some things you think you could never do or accomplish. Why do you think these things aren't possible of likely to happen?
7. From where or whom do you get most of your encouragement and hope?
8. If things turned really bad for you, to whom would you turn for help? (Talk about community and congregational resources available in times of crisis or problems. Discuss ways in which you can be of help and support to one another.)
9. What are some of the ways in which God cares for us in times of need?

End by talking about how God uses small, seemingly insignificant people to do great things, because those are the people who realize how much they need help from God. Remind everyone that we all have weaknesses or flaws that we can see or that others see, but that God is looking at the other side and seeing something else.

If you don't show your group this movie, at least go see it yourself. It's a good reminder of our job of helping people see their potential despite their past or their weaknesses. It portrays the amazing things that happen when people are in relationships or communities that center around grace. Oh--and it's a good reminder for you, too--God uses you despite your past and weaknesses.

Activity suggestions

• Is there someone in your congregation or community that lived through the Great Depression or Dust Bowl? Invite them to talk about their experiences, memories, struggles, hopes, and what (or who) got them through it. What lessons can be learned for living now and in the future?
  
• Use the Brief Order For Confession and Forgiveness on page 77 of the Lutheran Book of Worship. Or, create your own liturgy or ritual of confession and forgiveness.

Close in prayer

Thank God for:

• friends who have loved us and forgiven us.
• God's promises that give us hope.
• people who have cared for us.
• the people, gifts, and resources that God has blessed and entrusted us with.

Pray for:

• generous words and actions towards others. 
• the courage and understanding needed to invite others into our circles of friends and family.
• humility.

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.”