Now streaming on Angel is a striking biblical documentary series titled The Sacred Thread, which delves into the rich tapestry of the Lord's Prayer. This seven-episode series, hosted by the insightful Brad Gray, takes viewers on an enlightening journey through the historical, cultural, geographical, and literary landscapes that shaped the moment when Jesus first spoke these powerful words, with contributions from esteemed scholars, including the renowned N.T. Wright, the series uncovers the profound meaning and intricate context behind one of Scripture's most beloved prayers.

Unlike typical dry, overly academic biblical documentaries, The Sacred Thread uses cinematic storytelling to keep the viewer engaged. Each episode is briskly paced, lasting around 30 minutes or less, with the exception of the finale, which extends to 38 minutes. Gray adeptly navigates the nuances of the Lord's Prayer, highlighting how modern interpretations can sometimes stray from its intended impact. It’s a journey that’s as much about rediscovery as it is about education, encouraging audiences to reevaluate familiar scripture through a fresh lens.

Just One More is now available for streaming on Angel. The film is an emotionally charged coming-of-age story that straddles the delicate line between redemption and despair. Directed by the duo of Kaleb Michael Cook and Kyler David Cook, this indie film showcases performances from Emma Filley, Christian McCartney, Lily Brody, and Lance E. Nichols.

The story revolves around Jess (played by Filley), a recovering addict wrestling with the ghosts of her past. Battling against her personal demons, Jess's life intersects with that of Charles (Nichols), a man facing his own mortality, fervently hoping to be of service to the world “just one more time.” This connection leads Jess to a pair of youthful companions, Xavier (McCartney) and Raya (Brody), as their intertwined lives unfold within the confines of both heartbreak and hope. As Jess embarks on this improbable journey, she grapples with the themes of forgiveness and healing, ultimately discovering the strength to reclaim her future from the clutches of addiction.

Angel is more than just a streaming service; it's a community fueled by over 2 million Angel Guild members, each driven by a shared purpose to showcase stories that illuminate the human experience. By joining the Angel Guild, you gain access to a platform that supports stories infused with hope and truth, while also having a say in the films and shows produced. Angel offers a tiered membership structure: Basic with Ads (starting at $12/month), Basic (from $18/month), and Premium (beginning at $20/month), which includes perks like 4K streaming and free movie tickets.

The faith-based documentary He Calls Me Daughter is now available for streaming on the Angel platform. Directed by Rick Altizer, this powerful film explores the concept of the "father wound," which refers to the emotional pain experienced by women impacted by abandonment, absence, or emotional abuse. Through a collection of touching stories from women of diverse backgrounds, He Calls Me Daughter examines how troubled relationships with fathers can affect various aspects of life, including identity, trust, and faith.

He Calls Me Daughter is the type of film that resonates deeply but is often overlooked by mainstream platforms. Angel is dedicated to sharing stories like this one, ensuring they reach the audience that needs them most. The platform focuses on deeply personal, healing-centered narratives rooted in faith.

By joining the Angel Guild, you can help support more stories that bring hope, healing, and truth to the screen. Angel offers three different monthly membership options: Basic with Ads (starting at $12/month), Basic (starting at $18/month), and Premium, which includes features like streaming in 4K, free movie tickets, and more (starting at $20/month).

Angel Guild members have the opportunity to vote on future movies and shows to be produced by Angel and can provide feedback to filmmakers. Join the Angel Guild today to support more stories that inspire hope, healing, and truth.

I reviewed the documentary last month (read my review here), so the following is a condensed, revised version of my thoughts on the film: He Calls Me Daughter, apart from typical faith-based documentaries, is a raw and unfiltered portrayal of women's experiences. With a runtime of approximately 80 minutes, it avoids preachy moralizing, allowing the women to share their haunting stories. The film argues that a healthy relationship with a father or father figure is essential for forming a genuine connection with God in adulthood. Conversely, damaged bonds can lead to trust issues and poor choices. As the women recount their struggles, themes of forgiveness and divine guidance emerge as vital for healing and growth.

Visually compelling, He Calls Me Daughter balances dark themes of trauma with hope and redemption. Initially, I wondered if I could relate—being a man without children—but I quickly recognized that we all carry our own childhood burdens. Despite the challenges of confronting the past, finding solace in faith and seeking support are crucial first steps.

This documentary serves as an invitation to face the complex relationships we navigate. Its authenticity resonates deeply, emphasizing the healing power of love, both divine and earthly. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an honest exploration of familial love and recovery. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess

In theaters exclusively on March 17th and 18th, the Christian-themed documentary He Calls Me Daughter, directed by Rick Altizer, goes deep into the emotional labyrinth of father-daughter relationships. This powerful film sheds light on the "father wound"—a term that encapsulates the pain felt by women shaped by abandonment, absence, or emotional abuse. Through a collection of poignant stories from women of varied backgrounds, He Calls Me Daughter examines how fractured relationships with fathers ripple through lives, affecting identity, trust, and even faith.

You can learn more about the documentary at hecallsmedaughter.org. Additionally, a Six-Week Discovery Curriculum by Bill & Tracey Robinson is available for personal study or for women's small group Bible studies. 

Ticket information can be found at the following link: www.fathomentertainment.com/releases/he-calls-me-daughter/.

What sets this documentary apart from typical faith-based films is its raw and unfiltered approach. Running at approximately 80 minutes, it steps back from preachy moralizing, allowing the women themselves to share their haunting experiences. Yes, it’s a narrative that could easily be branded as having "daddy issues," yet it's more profound than that. The film posits that a healthy relationship with a father or father figure is crucial for establishing a genuine connection with God in adulthood. Conversely, when that bond is broken, the consequences can plunge one into a vortex of trust issues and poor life choices. As the women recount their struggles, we learn that forgiveness and seeking divine guidance are essential to transcend past traumas and embark on a path toward healing and fulfillment.

Visually, He Calls Me Daughter is a well-crafted documentary that expertly balances the dark, often unspoken themes of trauma with hope and redemption. I entered the documentary thinking I might be an ill-suited reviewer—being a male without children—but I quickly realized that we all carry the weight of our own childhood traumas. Those shadows from the past can be relentless, the struggles challenging to escape. Yet, finding solace in faith, confiding in someone, and embracing a spiritual journey are often the first steps toward moving forward.

He Calls Me Daughter isn’t merely a film; it’s a call to action, an invitation to confront the often anguished relationships we navigate. Its authenticity resonates deeply, reminding viewers of the healing power of love—both divine and earthly. I wholeheartedly recommend this documentary to anyone seeking an unvarnished look at the complexities of familial love and the journey of recovery that follows. Don’t miss it. ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess

Today, I'm featuring The Rustler Hunter, a new release—at least I think it's new. I grabbed this book from BookSirens, but in my whirlwind, I forgot to check if it’s already out. Let's just call it a fresh take on the Western genre, or more specifically, a Christian Western—yes, those exist. It’s reminiscent of the classic Westerns we adore, but with a twist: scriptures woven into the narrative and an underlying theme of faith. Some readers might roll their eyes and shy away because, let’s face it, they aren’t looking for a sermon alongside their shootouts. Personally, I have no qualms; I once went through a phase where I gobbled up Christian historical romances like popcorn at the movies. No judgment here!

The story revolves around the enigmatic J.J. Westin, known far and wide as the infamous Rustler Hunter. He’s plunged into the gritty world of Arizona Territory's largest cattle ranch, intent on rooting out the rustlers draining it dry. But these aren’t your typical thieves; they’re trusted cowboys sneaking around from within the bunkhouse. Just when he thinks he’s got it all figured out, he crosses paths with Hayley Harper—the tough-as-nails cook with a secret identity. Hayley is not just a survivor; she’s a Pinkerton agent on the same case, all while being the daughter of the infamous outlaw Galen Harper. Talk about family ties!

As if things weren’t complicated enough, their undercover operation goes sideways, exposing a sinister web of corruption that spans across three territories. With enemies zeroing in and bullets whizzing by, this legendary manhunter and the outlaw’s daughter must navigate the treacherous badlands of 1898 Arizona, a landscape where trust is as rare as a blue moon and justice might just come at the end of a gun.