The Lost Child of Philomena Lee

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." — Mahatma Gandhi.

We are in the season where we see some deeply powerful and emotional films. Some have big pushes from studios and major directors — like "American Hustle" or "The Wolf of Wall Street" — or they have a big, family-friendly hook — "Like Saving Mr. Banks." "Philomena" doesn't have any of those things, yet it is a powerful and fascinating stories that everyone, but especially Christians, should make a point to see.

"Philomena" was nominated for a Golden Globe award, and could be a contender at the Academy Awards as well. But it's not a film that's likely to get a lot of hype and publicity. It's a simple story of an Irish woman looking for her son and the reporter that helped her on the search. It is a small, independent film that isn't getting a big ad push.

I went to see it largely because of its nomination and cast — with Judi Dench and Steve Coogan in the lead roles. But I wasn't prepared for the beautiful themes, story, and faith that was expressed in this film. Truly, this is a film with a fascinating story to tell.

Those familiar with the book — "The Lost Child of Philomena Lee" — will know what to expect. But what moved me was the honest look at faith, loss, and hardship. And there was also a beautiful sense of joy that came through Philomena I didn't expect.

It was a reminder to me that often throughout history those who purport to represent God in this world fall short of what that should look like. It would be easy to bash the Catholic church based on this story, but that's not what the film does and that isn't what Philomena would want. In fact, she says as much often.

Those who claimed to represent Christ did some injust things to her. It would have been easy to understand her losing faith or becoming bitter. In fact, that was the case with her companion, Martin Sixsmith. But it didn't happen to Philomena, and that was beautiful.

This isn't a movie with a lot of big moments or large plot. But the key scene comes near the end. Sixsmith is angry at the lies told to Philomena, and he's determined to hold people responsible. But that isn't what Philomena wants. She doesn't want to be a slave to anger. Instead, she tells those who wronged her that she forgives them. It is a quick, quiet moment — but it is incredibly powerful.

Sixsmith can't believe what happened. Incredulous, he looks at her asks, "Is that it?" His reaction is probably similar to what many might think in that situation. It was a simple, quiet act of forgiveness. But it is a difficult and powerful moment.

Seeing her friend's reaction, she fires right back. "What do you mean is that it, that was hard." And it was. It was hard to let go of that anger. It was hard to let go of that hurt. But it was a beautiful example of faith in hard times. Holding on to anger and pain wouldn't gain her anything. Philomena knew that, and knew that she had to let go.

If only we could all have the faith of Philomena.