“42” The Jackie Robinson Story

This month’s review is on the movie “42” The Jackie Robinson Story.  “42” premiered on April 12, 2013 in theaters nationwide and came to DVD for sale and rent on July 23, 2013.  “42” is the story of famed baseball legend, Jackie Robinson, being signed as the first African American player to the major leagues in 1947 to the Brooklyn Dodgers.  Major league baseball executive, Branch Rickey’s, offer and Robinson’s acceptance to play for the American National League team did not come easy.  Robinson, as an African American, was bullied, physically and verbally abused and in some cases literally run out of town because of the color of his skin.  Jackie Robinson’s natural inclination was to fight back, to retaliate for the maltreatment. But he was encouraged not to strike back; to stand strong in the face of the ignorance and adversity being hurled at him for a greater good.  After seeing “42” I have a whole new perception on strength and courage. It now looks more to me like Jesus said it should in Matthew 5:39. ‘But

I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek turn to them the other cheek also.’”

During the viewing of “42” I watched as Jackie Robinson, a Christian, painfully and with great difficulty “turned the other cheek” exhibiting a tremendous picture of strength and courage.  Watching Chadwick Boseman portray him on that screen inspired me to let go of the ugly pride that kept me beholden to my old tough girl reputation. Mr. Boseman’s performance of a great legend gave me the desire to want better, be better and do better.  He inspired me to do as Jesus did when He willingly allowed the cruel people to beat Him, spit on Him, ridicule and humiliate Him.  Jackie Robinson could have fought back and beat down those racist ball players who intentionally tried to hurt him physically, spiritually and emotionally, but he kept reminding himself of all that was at stake if he let them win.  He had a mission to open doors for other African American baseball players to come behind him.  Jesus too, in all of His power and might, could have stopped the torture He endured on His way to and up on the cross.  But He too was on a mission and He also knew all that was at stake as He went on to open the doors of heaven for all those who believe. 

I have never faced the ignorance, injustice, oppression, or hatred that Jackie Robinson or Jesus had to endure.  Most of my battles and squabbles have been over something as silly as my not liking the way someone said something to me or at best over someone trying to hurt someone else I loved.  But as I see with both Jackie and Jesus, my witness could have been and can still be a whole lot more powerful if I just let it go and allow God to fight my battles to ensure the ultimate triumph.  Brooklyn Dodger executive, Branch Rickey, portrayed by Harrison Ford, said in the movie, “I want a player with the courage not to fight.”   I think Jesus wants followers who not only have the courage to not fight their own battles, but enough trust to know that He will fight them for you if you just let them go.   

Exodus 14:14, “The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”

Psalm 35:1, “A psalm of David. O LORD, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me.”

Deuteronomy 3:22, “Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you.”

My name is Janice Jones.  I was born July 6, 1966 in Detroit, Michigan.  I lived in the great state of Michigan until August, 2007, when I moved to Phoenix, Arizona.  I am the mother of two sons, Jerrick & Derrick Parker, and grandmother to Jevon Jerrick Parker.