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10
9
"Don't Say I Didn't Warn You"
by Anita Renfroe is a must-read for every
woman. The comical stories will brighten
your mood and bring light to your life.
I was exhausted when I read the final
page from giggling through chapter
after chapter.
Renfroe has a unique way of bringing her
trademark sense of humor to every scene.
She says she's just a mom and a wife, but is
also very obviously a gifted author and
comedienne.
She launched from her kitchen into the
public spotlight following her YouTube
singing sensation of "momisms" sung to
the tune of the William Tell Overture.
She posted the video at the
encouragement of her
children­obviously they recognized her
talent­and quickly the video went viral.
No one was more surprised at the huge
success than Renfroe.
The book is an estrogen-packed,
down-to-earth, inside look at life in an
average home tangled with kids, carbs
and hormones. You will laugh out loud
and enjoy rereading her stories. I believe
every woman who picks up this hilarious
book will connect with Renfroe
immediately. She has a warm way of
saying what we all think and bringing
levity and introspection simultaneously.
Topics featured in the book:
·
Holiday and Holi-Don'ts.
·
To Regift or Not Regift.
·
Money can't buy love but it can buy
chocolate.
·
Retail therapy and the need for the
perfect purse.
·
Fear of fat...and love of sweets.
·
Facing age head-on and embracing
your best self.
Reading her words is much like coffee
time with a girlfriend. I had the
privilege of interviewing Renfroe
last fall for KRDU 1130AM. What a
delightful conversation we had!
The very first question she asked me:
"What kind of shoes are you wearing?"
She believes you can tell a lot about a
woman by her shoes. She knew what type
of purse I carried by the style of shoes I
donned. You can listen to the podcast
at: www.krdu1130.com
To learn more about Anita Renfroe
visit her at: Anitarenfroe.com
You may also connect with
Anita on Facebook.
Reviewed by Kim Bagato
11
10
www.saltfresnomagazine.org
Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary.
Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and
Denny Wayman is pastor of the Free Methodist Church.
For more reviews: www.cinemainfocus.com
1.
The decision by the Tuohy family to invite Michael Oher
into their home took a tremendous level of trust and
courage. In this situation it worked. What do you think
were the necessary ingredients for this to work?
2.
The protective nature of Oher's personality was
channeled into his skill as a ball player. Where do you think
he developed this nature?
3.
As a Christian family, the Tuohy's would have undoubt-
edly gone to worship together. Why do you think the film
left that out?
Discussion for those who have seen the film:
·
Mountain View Community Church
www.mountainview.org
·
New Covenant Community Church
www.newcov.com
·
New Harvest Church
www.nhclife.org
·
READFRESNO
www.readfresno.org
·
Reading and Beyond
www.readingandbeyond.org
·
The Well Community Church
www.thewellcommunity.org
Example organizations that focus on long-term relationships:
Restoration and Development
·
Big Brothers Big Sisters
www.bigs.org
·
The Bridge
www.thebridgefresno.org
·
CARE Fresno
www.carefresno.org
·
Central Community Church
www.centralcc.net
·
Every Neighborhood Partnership
www.everyneighborhood.org
·
Fresno Street Saints
www.fresnostreetsaints.org
·
Marriage Mentoring Ministries
www.growyourmarriage.com
T
he multilayered description of Michael Oher's
journey from a life of poverty to that of a
professional athlete is quality cinema. Written by
Michael Lewis and adapted for the screen by John
Lee Hancock, this true story exemplifies how lives
can be transformed by
love when people put
their Christian faith
into action.
Oher (Quinton Aaron)
was one of twelve
children born to a drug
addicted mother, Denise
(Adriane Lenox). When
the state took him away
from her as a young boy,
Oher ran from various
foster homes.
Befriended by other
students and their
parents, Oher was
charitably enrolled in a
Christian high school
even though he did not
have the grades or
academic aptitude to
succeed. It is there that
he comes into contact
with a wonderful
Christian family who
took a risk and put their
faith into action.
First befriended at
school by the much
younger S.J. Tuohy (Jae
Head) who becomes his
mentor, Oher is then
noticed by S.J.'s mother,
Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock). Realizing that he is in
need of housing and care, Leigh Anne invites Oher
into their home and eventually into their family.
Supported by her husband Sean (Tim McGraw)
and her daughter Collins (Lily Collins), Leigh Anne
respectfully, and with unwavering courage and
determination, helps Oher succeed in his final years
of high school and also helps him become an
exceptional ball player.
Although this is the
biography of a
professional football
player, it is not really
about football. It is
about caring enough to
become involved in one
another's lives. The film
states this directly at the
conclusion when it
shows pictures of young
men whose lives were
cut short due to their
lack of supportive
guidance in both their
education and their
athletic lives.
Thankfully, the Tuohy
family reached out to
Oher.
But, as the film power-
fully portrays, this is not
easy to do and it takes a
tremendous amount of
courage on everyone's
part.
That we can often be
blindsided by the
difficulties of life is the
reason we need each
other.
This central message is woven powerfully
throughout this remarkable film.
We highly recommend it to all.
Share your stories
of other
organizations
that focus on
restoration,
development
and long-term
relationships by
emailing us at:
by Anita Renfroe
The YouTube sensation and Good Morning America contributor offers
her funny, outrageous take on all things female
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