By Shari Rigby

In the Kendrick Brothers’ new movie OVERCOMER, I play Amy Harrison, wife and partner to Coach John Harrison (played by Alex Kendrick). Amy is a mom to two spirited young men and a mentor to Hannah, one of her high-school students and a cross-country runner coached by John.

I love how this film mimics real life. It’s relatable to audiences of all ages and allows you to see yourself on the screen. When I read the script, I was able to see myself in my character. We had so much in common: I am a mother of two boys, a wife and partner to my husband Matt (who loves to coach soccer), and a mentor to young women.

Oh, and I’m also an actress, writer, producer, and director. As you can see, my time is limited, but my calling is specific. As I tackle motherhood, marriage, and mentoring, my calling is to glorify Jesus. Period. No matter what my job title is.

This truth came to life for me during a scene between John and Amy when everything is crashing down around John. Amy is doing her best to hold his arms up so he doesn’t drown, but John and Amy find themselves in a heated argument. After storming off, Amy heads back out to find John sitting in the carport sulking.

She speaks truth with honor and respect for him as a man, their marriage, and their children. As they apologize to one another, their boys watch from the window, and are reassured that their parents are going to be all right. The boys see a healthy resolution.

This scene is so important. It speaks volumes to me as a wife: I have the power to speak truth and love to my husband, to be his helpmate and encourage him in his time of need. Amy’s character reminded me that the way I love and respect my husband overflows to my boys, and they also see how a husband is to love his wife.

Everyone is watching—a Godly approach trickles down and flows into all areas of life. As a mentor, one of my greatest joys is receiving a call from one of my sweet girls telling me she is engaged. She believes in marriage and family once again after years of hanging out with Matt, me, and our boys. Witnessing our family and seeing these examples has restored her hope in marriage, motherhood, and mentoring as well.

The overflow of a healthy marriage allows us to be a bright shining light, an example to all we encounter—our children, co-workers, family, friends, and the ones we mentor. In a world full of fatherless children, divorce, and abuse, we must take a Godly approach.

I am grateful the Kendrick Brothers focus on Godly principles that strengthen our relationship with our Heavenly Father and our relationships with others. I can’t wait for you to see OVERCOMER beginning August 23!

With uncertainty swirling, high school basketball coach John Harrison is fearful for the future of his family and his team. Forced to coach a sport he doesn’t even like, John is inspired by an unexpected friendship, and an unlikely athlete pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. With newfound resolve, Hannah and her coach face the biggest race of her life. OVERCOMER stars Alex Kendrick, Priscilla Shirer, Shari Rigby, Cameron Arnett, and newcomer Aryn Wright-Thompson. Find the latest list of theaters and get your tickets today for opening weekend: August 23–25.