I remember back in 2008 when the movie Fireproof by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick came out and how it really made the Christian audience think. Christians experience divorce, just as non-Christians do and it really highlighted problems that many marriages encounter and where a broken relationship could end up. I think it truly shocked some believers and made what’s daily life for many couples real to those who prefer to keep their eyes closed.
“The Truth" Philippians 2:2 “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
The devil tries everything to get between a marriage and the important thing to remember – which is portrayed in this movie – is that no marriage is too messed up, too irreversible or too broken for God to heal.
Background of the Movie
According to Kirk Cameron, who plays the lead role of the husband in the film, “Fireproof was never marketed as a Christian movie. This is a movie about marriage. The fact is, though, the gospel is presented, is done well, and it’s a central part of the storyline.”
Fireproof was so successful that it generated a lot of national coverage. Media outlets that reported about the movie include CNN and TODAY. In an interview with CNN, Alex Kendrick mentioned that his church, which produced the movie, used the money they made to purchase 82 acres of land for a recreation center in the local community. During the interview with the Today Show, it was brought to light that Kirk Cameron honors his marriage by not accepting roles that require him to kiss another woman. The hosts Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford were razzing him about this and he responded, “It’s nice to have things that help you to filter through all the garbage and it kind of leaves the cream on the top, which is what I go for.”
Before the movie was released to theaters, Fireproof the book had been released and presold over 500,000 copies before people truly knew what it was.
Before Fireproof was released, the Kendrick brothers had already started a successful career with Flywheel in 2003 and Facing the Giants in 2006. Their last major film to come out was Courageous in 2011, which focused on the important role a father plays in the lives of their children.
10 Powerful Quotes from the Movie Fireproof
Here are 10 powerful quotes from the movie in the order they were said so you can relieve the movie if you have seen it. I highly recommend watching again (or for the first time!) and to place exactly where these quotes were said.
In case you need a reminder, Caleb Holt is the husband (played by Kirk Cameron), Catherine Holt is the wife (played by Erin Bethea), Michael Simmons is a fellow fireman, Anne Stone is a co-worker of Catherine’s, John Holt is Caleb’s father and Cheryl Holt is Caleb’s mother.
Michael Simmons: “Fireproof doesn’t mean the fire will never come. It means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it.”
Michael Simmons: “The sad part about it is, when most people promise for better or for worse, they really only mean for the better.”
John Holt: “I’d say he’s [God] been at work all around you. You just haven’t realized it. You haven’t exactly given him an open invitation.”
Michael Simmons: “Caleb, when two people get married; it’s for better or for worse, for richer or for poor, in sickness and in health.”
John Holt: “When I realized who I was, and who He was, I realized my need for him. I needed His forgiveness and salvation.”
Caleb Holt: “I know what you’re doing. And I have no intention of stepping aside as you try to steal my wife’s heart. I’ve made some mistakes, but I still love her. So just know that I am going after her too. And since I’m married to her, I’d say I’ve got a head start.”
Anna Stone: “… if this doctor is trying to woo you while you’re still married, what makes you think he won’t do that with someone else?”
Catherine Holt: “Is it too late to ask you to grow old with me?”
Cheryl Holt: “Whatever you put your time, energy and money into, it will become more important to you. It’s hard to care for something you’re not investing in.”
Caleb Holt: “When a man is trying to win the heart of a woman, he studies her. He learns her likes, dislikes, habits and hobbies. But after he wins her heart and marries her, he often stops learning about her.”
“The Truth" I Corinthians 13: 4–8 “Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.”
Final Thoughts
Alex Kendrick did an amazing job directing this film in captivating a wide audience and discussing hard issues that need to be talked about. Marriage is holy and sacred in God’s eyes and I can see how God has used the Kendrick brothers and everyone involved to open to doors to communication. Have you seen this movie? I would love to hear how it impacted you or someone you know.
Click on the following link to see where Fireproof ranked amongst other Christian films in the box office. Highest Grossing Christian Movies: Top 13 of All Time
Resources- ESV Holy Bible, Youtube, Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore via Compfight cc
