I recently watched the movie October Sky. Based on the memoir Rocket Boys by Homer Hickham, the movie tells: "The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes."I was encouraged by this movie in ways I hadn't expected. Homer wasn't afraid to follow his dreams, despite severe opposition from his father and other towns folks. I kept asking myself as I watched, "Would I have had the guts to follow my dreams when faced with that kind of opposition?" Probably not. And unlike Homer, I have a supportive family.
The movie challenged me to strive for more and give my writing all of my dedication. If a teen boy like Homer can do it, so can I. But I need to want to succeed as a writer as much as Homer wanted to succeed with his rockets. And the cool thing is, wanting something badly is half the battle. Homer was horrible at math, but he studied and learned and eventually understood it. Deep in the mines he was pouring over his textbooks during lunch breaks. He got little sleep. He was dedicated to his dream.
How dedicated to your dreams are you? God puts dreams in our hearts for a reason. He has some way of fulfilling them if we will commit them to Him and follow that still small voice leading us. Don't be afraid to do something toward your dreams today. Even if it seems incredibly small. You won't be able to take big steps until you take the small ones.
7 comments:
Actually, Mr. Hickam became a best-selling writer as well as a rocket scientist. His book Rocket Boy, #1 on the NY Times list, on which the movie is very loosely based, is the most picked community read in the country. His "Josh Thurlow" series of novels set in WWII is also very popular in the historical fiction genre. He has tips for writers on his website at www.homerhickam.com.
Which only makes his story even more inspiring. Thanks, anonymous, for the comment and link to Mr. Hickam's website. I guessed the movie was loosely based on his real-life story, but regardless ... it was inspiring.
I remember seeing this movie several years ago and was greatly moved by it. Growing up in a coal mining area of the country I could sure identify with Homer and the conflict he had with his father.
Enjoyed visiting your blog.
Blessings
You have an inspiring blog, to say the least. I'll make a point to get that movie. Also, thanks--you put it into perspective for me. I so easily give up on my writing, I guess I should recommit to it. I shall.
I'm so glad to have helped inspire you, gatekeeper. As a writing mentor always ends his e-mails, "Keep writing!" Simple yet poignant words for me every time I read them. If we give up, then we will affect no one. And the point of writing for me is to somehow offer hope to those who need it.
Hi CJ! Homer Hickham is a MySpace friend. Have you been to his MySpace site? He's a cool rocket-man!
No, I haven't, but I will. Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't realize he had one. :)
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