“Overcomer,” opening in theatres this Friday, August 23^rd, tells the story of finding a stable source of personal identity in the midst of life’s shifts in relationships, family, work, and sports.

The film comes from the creators of the popular “War Room” (2015). “Overcomer” features Alex Kendrick (“Courageous”), Priscilla Shirer (“I Can Only Imagine”), Shari Rigby (“October Baby”), Cameron Arnett (“Meet the Browns,” “Stand Your Ground”) and newcomer Aryn Wright-Thompson.

Producer Stephen Kendrick notes, “As people are walking out of the theater, we hope that they begin to ask questions about where their identity is found, because too often we find it in our circumstances, in our titles, in what other people are saying about us, in our jobs, in our positions or awards. Those things can be taken away.”

It’s heartwarming, realistic, genuine, thrilling, inspiring, and on target.

World rocking; dashing dreams

High school basketball coach John Harrison (Kendrick) is about to have his world rocked. Hopes of a championship season are dashed when his small town’s major employer announces it’s closing down, seriously depleting his pool of athletes who must relocate with their families. John’s wife, Amy (Rigby), also a teacher at the same school, sees the emotional toll this takes on John and their marriage.

The school principal Olivia Brooks (Shirer) taps John to coach the cross country team. Its lone member, Hannah Scott (Wright-Thompson), is a young girl with a disappointing past, a confused future, and health issues to boot.

Keep on running

Alex Kendrick reflects on the film’s athletic motif: “Cross country is a very difficult sport. From the time you start, you do not stop or pause until you cross the finish line. And in many regards, that’s like our life; that’s our journey of faith.”

“Overcomer” opens August 23 (USA) / Canada /  International Release Dates

Rated PG (USA) “for some thematic elements.”

Rusty Wright is an author and lecturer who has spoken on six continents. www.RustyWright.com