It is the holiday season – a season of reflection and family gatherings, and the season when family-themed movies premiere. One such movie is the long-anticipated A Journal for Jordan, based on the book by New York Times best-selling author Dana Canedy. As the world lives during a pandemic, people are drawn to movies that celebrate love, family, and faith – even amid pain and loss. A Journal for Jordan stars Michael B. Jordan, Chanté Adams, and Jalon Christian. It follows the love story of New York Times best-selling author Dana Canedy and her fiancé, First Sergeant Charles Monroe King. The film shares reflective moments of love and devotion between the two characters and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family.
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, the Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ and founder of the Unashamed Media Group, recently hosted a virtual conversation with Denzel Washington, Academy Award-winning actor and director of the film; author Dana Canedy, and screenwriter, Virgil Williams. During this engaging dialogue, each shared how their experiences throughout the development and completion of the film offered many moments where they experienced a profound spiritual presence and witnessed small miracles and the spirit of love throughout their time together. “This virtual event was an opportunity for the community to witness the creativity and faithfulness of three stellar artists. We believe the Holy Spirit inhabits all aspects of human creativity – not just gospel music and church service, but acting, literature, business, parenting, music, film, culinary arts, sculpting, painting, philanthropy, etc. Denzel Washington, Dana Canedy, and Virgil Williams are “Exhibit A” of spirit-inspired purpose and calling,” added Dr. Moss.
In their reflections, Denzel Washington and Dana Canedy shared that many small miracles took place during the production of this film and how her fiancé Charles’ spirit guided them during these moments. “Charles was the happiest he had ever been at the end of his life; he not only died a hero’s death and left me to raise this incredible son of ours but also to tell our story. So this (story) isn’t really about me. It is the Hands of God,” Canedy shared.
One “miracle” story Washington shared took place during the filming of one of the final scenes at Arlington National Cemetery. As Washington and the director of photography searched for a spot to place Charles’ headstone, he asked Charles, “Where do you want us to be?” Washington said that as he walked looking for a space to place the tombstone for the scene, he noticed a group of deer in the distance. So he asked, “Charles, is this where you want us to be?” Noting that the deer were not afraid of him and did not move, Washington added it was at this location that he placed the tombstone. Canedy remembered a call from Washington sharing the story of the deer at Arlington Cemetery. Upon hearing his story, she recalled the last time she took her son, Jordan, to visit his dad in his final resting place in Cleveland, Ohio. “As we got closer to the cemetery, three deer were sitting under a tree.” Washington replied, “It was just small miracle, after small miracle; a prayerful experience.”
Virgil Williams spoke of his relationships with Canedy and Washington as the conversation continued. He shared that “(He) credits Dana with opening her heart and welcoming his family; she is family… this movie is a testament to her courage to show us her whole self and to trust. When I looked at Dana, I looked her in the eye – I trusted her. And, of course, I trust Mr. Washington – implicitly; I wouldn’t be out here doing what I do if it wasn’t for him. He is the only man I’ve ever met who lifted me and elevated my craft.”
When asked about the presence of spirituality throughout production, Washington shared that the film’s completion has been a 13-year process, yet all the parts came together at the right time; all the spirits were in line. He also noted that every day of production was opened with prayer. “It is no coincidence that we are all God-fearing people and that we were all on that road together. In this film, there has been miracle after miracle – and I expect another one on Christmas Day,” Washington added.
Dr. Moss asked, “What is your prayer for Journal for Jordan?” Washington replied, “Pray for A Journal for Jordan…that it touches people and makes them think, and that it’s o.k. to believe and have faith; it’s o.k. to pray.” The film has all of those lessons. It’s also funny, sweet, and sad, and sometimes difficult, but it sounds like life, doesn’t it?”
A Journal for Jordan opens in theaters on Christmas Eve.
Donna Hammond is a contributing writer and seminarian. Follow her on Facebook, DeeLoisSpeaks, and on Twitt
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