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Matt Parra on times when the majority is wrong

At basic training, all of Desmond Doss’ fellow soldiers felt like he was a peculiar pest, to the point that they did not want him by their side. It was because he believed in something different, and was willing to stand up for those beliefs.

Desmond would eventually go on to prove them all wrong, in spectacular fashion at the Battle of Okinawa. It was his odd and peculiar beliefs and convictions that motivated Doss to put himself in danger to protect the men in his unit.

It goes to show that the majority is not always right. What seems peculiar, strange or odd might actually be something incredible – something that could change your life for the better.

Cristian Copaceanu on how we can truly forgive

Did you know that Japanese soldiers were among the 75 people Desmond Doss saved during his night on Hacksaw Ridge? These men were his enemies – and had probably put him in grave danger just hours before. Yet Desmond put this behind him and carried these men to safety, where they could be treated by medics.

It can be hard to comprehend how Doss could show such compassion and forgiveness. And yet, with a little help, we can possess the same attitude – one where we easily forgive our enemies and forget how they’ve wronged us.

Cristian believes we can all show forgiveness just like Doss. In this conversation with Nic, he outlines just how we can develop this rare but valuable skill.

For more insight, take a look at our online Study Guides, inspired by the life of Desmond Doss.

 

Matt Parra on living a life that matters

If you want to live a life that matters – one that people will remember – then it pays to take a closer look at how Desmond Doss approached life.

Doss had no idea that his actions during World War 2 would inspire people. He never planned to be a hero, and he certainly never sought out recognition – even after his amazing accomplishments. Desmond simply did what he thought was the right thing to do.

Matt Parra explains why we should take the same approach. By simply aiming to do the right thing at the right time, we can make a difference to those around us. Especially if we’re supported by faith.

People might not write a book about you or shoot a Hollywood film that tells your story, but you will lead a meaningful life. And that’ll make you a hero in the eyes of those around you.

 

This is one of the concepts we explore further in our study guides.

There’s twelve in total that you can take at your own pace, covering a wide range of topics from motivation through to faith.  Take a look now.

 

Cristian Copaceanu on God’s role during terrible times

In the movie Hacksaw Ridge, we watch as Desmond Doss puts himself in danger to help his fellow man. He does some incredible things, all against the horrifying backdrop of World War II.

While it’s inspiring to discover Doss’ story, it’s valid to ask – where God was during these awful years?

We could ask the same question for every terrible thing we go through – illness, family problems, and more. Where is God during our most difficult moments?

And this question raises even more. If God is all-powerful, couldn’t he simply solve the problems we face – the small and the large? And if he does intervene, does that mean we don’t really have the power to make our own decisions, whatever the consequences?

Christian and Nic touch on these difficult questions in this short interview. For more insight, take a look at our online Study Guides, inspired by the hero of Hacksaw Ridge.

 

Matt Parra on loving those who hurt us

Loving people who are good to you comes easy. But how can you show love to someone who mistreats, hurts and maligns you? Matt Parra holds Desmond Doss up as a strong example of someone who has the courage and conviction to repeatedly show love – regardless of how he’s treated in return.

Mel Gibson’s shares his views on Desmond Doss: Part 1

“He’s a very heroic character – our great stories are about people like this.” Hollywood icon Mel Gibson discusses why he finds Desmond Doss so inspirational.

Producer Bill Mechanic at the Hacksaw Ridge premiere: Part 1

“It’s a better story for today than it was for 1946.” Bill discusses why the events at Hacksaw Ridge remain so relevant and moving.

Mel Gibson’s shares his views on Desmond Doss: Part 2

“He would stick his life on the line, again and again and again.” What happened at Hacksaw Ridge continues to impress.

Producer Bill Mechanic at the Hacksaw Ridge premiere: Part 2

“He was prepared to die for what he believed in.” This Hollywood veteran shares why Doss’ life inspires him.

Hacksaw Ridge actors Jacob Warner and Firass Dirani

Australian actors Jacob Warner and Firass Dirani discuss their roles in Mel Gibson’s new epic while at the Australian launch.