The Peanut Butter Falcon is a movie about two distinct but similar men that begins when Zak, a young man with Down syndrome, runs away from a nursing home. In the process, he runs into Tyler, a trouble-making criminal on the run. As the pair attempt to run away from their troubles, they form an unlikely friendship.
Zak confesses to Tyler that he’s run away because he’s chasing his dream of becoming a professional wrestler and attending the wrestling school a professional wrestler named The Salt Water Redneck. Tyler, ashamed and hurt by his past, doesn’t talk to Zak about his problems but takes it upon himself to help Zak reach his goal.
Although not stated, when we learn of both their pasts and see the absence of a father’s presence in their lives. We catch glimpses of Tyler’s memories with his now-deceased older brother and how he misses the relationship they had. We also learn how Zak finds himself in the nursing home because his family didn’t have the resources or ability to care for him.
Eventually, both find commonality in their quest, and Tyler begins to mentor Zac. Tyler also helps Zak transition to manhood by assigning him a name and shows him he’s destined to be great regardless of what others say. In the end, both men find meaning in their lives by fulfilling their purpose.
This movie reminds me of how, as men, we all seek affirmation and confirmation from a father. We will crave it wherever and with whoever can provide this for us. In reality, this can only be given by the Father through Jesus, who will guide us in fulfilling our purpose.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Read and meditate on Matthew 3:17.
Pray:
What would it mean for you to receive affirmation from your father? Pray and ask God to be raw and honest about this.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Determine how you will seek for God, through Jesus, to give you affirmation and direction. Also, how will you do this for your children?
Share / Show:
Share and show what you’ve learned with someone else.
