Average Joe

ByD'Ann Mateer
6 Comments

We talk a lot about story on this blog because we are novelists. But some of the best stories play out in real life. And we all love those, too, don’t we? 

The movie Average Joe arrives in theaters on October 11. My husband and I have been privileged to be part of this real story that happened to real people. Let me share a bit about it, then I’ll share the trailer. 

Going on ten years ago now, the non-profit law firm my husband helps lead took the case of a high school football coach fired for taking a knee on the fifty-yard line and saying a silent prayer alone after games. Seven years later, the case was argued at the US Supreme Court. When the decision came down, the majority of justices agreed that his action did not violate any laws and was, in fact, protected as both religious liberty and free speech under the US Constitution. The decision overturned a “test” used to limit religious free speech that had been used for over 50 years.

Of course, that’s the short synopsis. The longer story involves a family whose lives were upended for seven years as Joe Kennedy chose to continue the fight for his right to pray. And it was a rough seven years. 

Even though Jeff was gone from the firm for the middle five of the seven years, I’m so glad we were able to be there at both the beginning and the end. God truly did amazing things—in people, through people, for people. Because in the end, every lawsuit involves people. For lawyers, it’s just another day at the office. But for the plaintiff or defendant, it is a grueling ordeal that spills over into so many other aspects of their lives. Even more so when the lawsuit is very public and involves a divisive issue. 

I’m so thankful Joe and Denise endured, for the ruling on his behalf opened the door for others to be able to act on their beliefs as they see fit.

So if you want a bit of encouragement of what God can do—what He has done—check out the movie Average Joe at theaters near you starting October 11. 

What are your favorite “based on a true story” movies? 

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Inspired by novelist Eugenia Price, D’Ann’s dream of writing historical fiction with an element of faith began in middle school, though her serious drive toward publication took a bit longer. D’Ann is the author of four historical novels and one novella, as well as a contemporary short stories in a compilation volume. D’Ann and her husband of 30 years can be found in Austin, TX when they aren’t touring historic sites or visiting their grown children.

6 Comments

  1. What an encouraging story, D’Ann, and how interesting that your husband had a front row seat to much of what hapened.

    I love movies that are based on true stories. Just this last weekend I rewatched Hacksaw Ridge, the true story of a man who wanted to serve his country during WWII as a medic but refused to bear arms. He was belittled, called a coward, beaten, and even endured an attempted court martial only to hold fast and become the first conscientious objector to ever receive the Medal of Honor for his amazing bravery in saving an estimated 75 injured men all on his own. His faith and his prayer, “Lord, please help me get one more” saw him through one of the bloodiest battles of the war and won the respect of every man he served alongside. It’s not an easy watch, but such an incredible story of faith and perseverance.

    1. Yes, that’s a great movie. So many “unsung heroes” out there in so many different areas of life. It makes me happy when their stories are told.

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