GREATER is an inspirational movie based on the life of Brandon Burlsworth. Brandon had one dream – to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Unfortunately, Brandon was a clumsy player who lacked the physical prowess to make the team. He was written off by coaches and teased by his fellow teammates. Undeterred, Brandon continued to show-up for practice. He woke up before anyone else and worked harder than anyone else, until his determination paid off. Not only was he given an opportunity to walk-on and play football – he became one of the greatest players on the field, and was drafted to the Indianapolis Colts.
The film opens in theaters this August 26 and Brandon’s story reminds me that any dream is possible.
The film made me think of my own personal goals and dreams, and those of my loved ones. GREATER reminded me that sometimes, the accomplishments that we have to work hardest for are the ones we most appreciate. Not everyone who works hard will achieve the dream they have in mind, but remembering that anything is possible makes it so we all keep trying.
I teach my kids that, whether we like it or not, failure is a necessary stepping stone to building our dreams. I teach them by showing them in the way I live. They see me getting out in our new host country, speaking the language, haltingly at first, then gaining confidence and skill. They saw me go from walking on a treadmill, to running a 5k, and running nearly every day. Big or small, our dreams have merit. If we fail 100 times along the way, we are just figuring out the best way to realize them, and along the way, we can marvelously touch the lives of countless numbers of people.
Toward the end of GREATER, Brandon says, “It’s the first time in my life that something has come so easy.” His coach responds, saying that the moment was easy but it was years of hard work that led to that moment. “You are living proof that when you do the right things, good stuff happens.”
GREATER is a touching true story. Don’t miss it.
Watch the Trailer:
Leave a comment on this post answering the question, What goals have you worked hard for, through setbacks, and what advice would you offer to someone who is struggling now? If I select your entry, you will win a $25 Walmart Gift Card!
The Deployment Diatribes 
I was taking classes in college to become a nurse when my husband got sick. I had to take care of him and put off my schooling until he got better. I was able to return and finish my classes and become a nurse. It was hard, but I persevered. My advice would be to ask for help when you are overwhelmed and so many things are going on. I wish I would have asked for help, but I stuck with it and helped my husband get better!
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my husband and I worked hard to be able to buy a house. my advice is to be intentional and determined when you have a goal
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Thanks for telling me about this.
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I am older then most and unfortunately have not been able to obtain a job.. Although right now I am volunteering at a non profit organization hoping to get hired full time.
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When I was in high school I started playing hockey. As a female, I took a lot of crap from the boys at my school who played too. I worked really hard and made it onto a NCAA Div 1 college team…while none of them did! That felt pretty good. For people who are struggling, I’d say stay positive, know what you want and surround yourself with people who support you!
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Believe in the power of prayer and that things will get better. If it’s something you feel you aren’t handling well, go to counseling. There’s no shame in that and it saved my life many years ago!
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No matter how high that mountain of doubt seems just keep on climbing never give up because patience and perseverance pays off. I went back to school after 8 years and graduated with my BSN/RN and it was so hard especially being a mom to a very young child but I never gave up and pushed all the way through. I love that I can now be an example for my children.
zanes_mommy08(at)yahoo(dot)com
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My struggle has always been with my health, and with a diet change, the struggles seem to continue. My suggestion would be to stick to what you know you can accomplish, don’t stress the little things.
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I like to make fabric accessories for disadvantaged kids, teens, seniors and women. I make fabric flower headbands and hair accessories, pillows (like heart pillows), have made tons of dresses and baby clothes for moms and babies in Haiti, fleece mittens and hats for the holiday drives, and more. I used to work 60-70 hours a week on salary, and didn’t have time to think straight. I’m not doing that now, so I have a little more time. I looked into creating a nonprofit for doing the fabric gifts, but it is a lot of work, and it wasn’t really necessary.
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