Freedom Writers

This movie is a powerful tale of courage and trust in the unknown. It shows that Love is the healer. Fresh out of teachers’ college, Erin is full of idealistic enthusiasm and firmly believes that she can make a difference in the lives of her students. She is sent to a school in inner city Los Angeles which is ruled by gangs, where every day her students fight for survival.

 

Erin quickly realizes that she is not equipped for these students, but she does see something in them that no one else in the school does: a call for love. She realizes that she has no clue how to teach them, but she is open and teachable. She prays to be shown the way and the Spirit works through her in miraculous ways. She receives strong prompts and follows them without question. As she steps into her certainty, the students respond by wanting to learn.

 

Repeatedly Erin faces intense doubt thoughts from the students, the entire faculty as well as her husband. Despite this, she is called to be of service in an involuntary way and the more her students trust and open up to her, the more inspired she is to serve them completely.

 

As old limiting self-concepts are let go, everything that does not serve her deep calling falls away, including her marriage. The more she gives herself fully to her function with her students, the happier she gets. Over a period of two years, her non-compromising approach to devotion and the faith she displays in her students completely transforms their lives as well as hers. As they learn to serve as mighty companions to each other, a holy relationship ensues. Together, they take the leap from littleness to magnitude, and they see that only a life of purpose will ultimately satisfy; to give is to receive.