Unsung Hero

Recently, my husband Russell and I watched the film ‘Unsung Hero’ Unsung Hero (2024) - IMDb, the true story of the Australian family, the Smallbone’s. The story portrays, amongst other characters, David Smallbone, the father of seven children who by his own admission got over ambitious in his music promotion business and lost every material possession. Things became even more difficult by the recession in Australia at that time.   What would you do next? David Smallbone persuaded his wife to take their six children (with a baby on the way) to Nashville, Tennessee on the promise of work.  The work fell through and the Smallbone’s found themselves in the USA without a job, car or furniture.

Thankfully, many positives emerge, and the story is ultimately one of victory, hope in the goodness of others, and in the God who answers prayers, far beyond our limited plans.  Though the movie has many characters, Russell & I particularly noticed David’s struggles.  His struggle for his identity as a father and a man, finding a sense of worth, not knowing how to deal with his feelings and how to manage the probable depression he was experiencing.  In one scene movie portrayed him as smashing a phone in front of the children. Considering our current laws in Victoria, Australia it is quite possible on investigation that the Police may be required to take out a Family Violence Protection Order. In an interview with David’s daughter Rebecca, David was far more contained than his movie character, however the movie scene provides a heightened illustration of where matters can escalate to when feelings are not addressed.

An important takeaway from the film for us, was that our Post Separation parenting Webinar and Course, and our Parenting Webinar (and soon to be released recordings) seek to address these parenting issues in a compassionate and caring way.  Our hope and prayer are that these resources may positively impact both fathers and mothers as they seek to address difficult emotions in the midst of life’s struggles.  Post separation parent support — Best Life Counselling  Parenting — Best Life Counselling

For me, the true Unsung Heroes of the movie were the parents who faced their limitations with humility, enduring love, and support which had a profound impact on their children's lives, and the millions of lives still being impacted today through their children’s music.

Check out Rebecca St James, and For King & Country