Friday, August 28, 2009

Reel People: Quinton Aaron is Michael Oher

The movie is the The Blind Side, written and directed by John Lee Hancock, based on the book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by the non-fiction author Michael Lewis.

Michael Oher

Michael Oher was born May 28, 1986 in Memphis, Tennessee.

The cards were stacked against him from birth. Michael's dad wasn't involved in Oher's upbringing at all and was shot and thrown off a bridge when Michael was junior-high aged. His mother was was also distant, far more involved in her crack cocaine addiction than her sons life.

Michael attended first and second great each twice, and then another school bumped him up to fourth grade without having gone through third grade at all. Most years Oher missed upwards of 50 days during the school year, but the Memphis schools chose to pass-him anyways, because of the hassle and classroom distraction that would be caused by keeping a student back a grade. Michael was enrolled in 11 different schools during his first nine academic years. This includes the 18 month gap, primarily around the age of 10, that Michael didn't go to school at all.

Mike was essentially an orphan. He would crash were he could and was particularly connected with a 400-pound man in the Memphis ghetto named Tony Henderson, or Big Tony. Big Tony had a son, Steven Payne. Tony's dying mom's final wish was for Tony to enroll his son, Steven, in a Christian school.

Big Tony decided if he was taking Steven, he would try to enroll Mike (also known as Big Mike) into the school, Briarcrest Christian School.

Oher was certainly not "Briarcrest material," with a poor academic record (9th percentile on testing and .6 GPA), nor did he have the Christian upbringing and passion that the school was based upon.

Hugh Freeze, the schools football coach tried to help the school view Oher as an exception to be considered. Even with the blessing of the Briarcrest's president, Oher was not admitted by the Principal Steve Simpson, and instead Oher was given the opportunity to try to succeed one semester in a home study program, and if he performed well for a semester, he would be accepted into the school.

Over the course of a couple months Big Tony called Principal Simpson and relayed the struggles Oher was having. Overcome by guilt/compassion, Simpson felt the right decision was to enroll Oher in the school, particularly since his home study program offer had actually hurt Oher by pulling him out of the public school system.

The early weeks were horrible, many described it as though Oher had been in a closet for 16 years. He had no social skills, he couldn't talk, and had no academic interaction at all, and many teachers were concerned with what purpose or impact they were having with Big Mike in the center of their classroom.

Sean Touhy, was a point guard at the University of Mississippi in the early-80s and is the all time assist leader for the Southeastern Conference. He was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1982 but never played a game with them. In 2002 when he met Big Mike, he was a wealthy (but deeply in debt) business man who owned 60 Taco Bells, a private jet, was a radio broadcaster for the Memphis Grizzlys, was involved in his large church (Grace Evangelical Church), and was married to his high school sweetheart, Leigh Ann Touhy.

Sean and Leigh Ann also have a daughter, Collins, who was a sophomore at Briarcrest the year Big Mike started.

Sean Touhy enjoyed hanging out at the Briarcrest gym and one day had an encounter with Mike, who always wore the same clothes and didn't even money for lunch. Sean Touhy had compassion for Big Mike and set up an account for Mike to be able to buy lunch at the school cafeteria.

It was months later, over Thanksgiving break, that Sean and Leigh Anne were driving and saw Mike coming off a bus in the same cut of jeans and t-shirt. Leigh Anne, a interior decorator from Memphis, had great compassion on Mike and began crying when he said he was going to the gym to get warm.

The next day Leigh Anne left her interior decorating firm and picked up Mike from school to go buy him clothes.

On the football field they were also finding out that this 344 pound sophomore could run, and although he attended practice, he could never play because of academic probation. Not only that, but he had only limited experience playing football, had no foundation of the game, and was very timid and passive. But Coach Freeze was excited about Mike's potential, and continued to work with him. Mike also played basketball and participated in track and field (discus and shot put).

Michael stayed the night with as many as five Briarcrest families, but usually stayed in the trailer of a friend Quinterio Franklin. One night when Leigh Anne Touhy drove Mike to Quinterio's trailer, she saw it, and his air mattress and insisted in that moment that Michael move in with her and her family.

Mike became the third child of Leigh Anne and Sean (with children Collins and Sean Jr., 8 at the time). It was a few weeks on the couch and then Leigh Anne bought a dresser and bed, and Mike was a part of the family, and Sean Jr.'s best friend.

Leigh Anne and Sean would then go on to legally adopt Oher into their family.

With some tutoring and attention from the Touhy's, Michael Oher became an exceptional left tackle on the football field and soon found his name on scouting reports for college. His academic record was also greatly improved, allowing him to play football, and suddenly recruiters became interested in this left tackle.

This was new territory for the Briarcrest Athletic department and Sean Touhy's experience proved instrumental in making sure the scouting was handled in a way to optimize Michael's opportunity.

ESPN's Tom Lemming ranked him as the #1 offensive line prospect in 2004.

With offers from University of Tennessee, North Carolina State, Louisiana State, University of Alabama, Oher chose to go to University of Mississippi (Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy's Alma Mater). This was met with speculation because of the Touhy's relationship with Oher, and it was made worse as his coach Hugh Freeze became Ole Miss' assistant athletic director less than a month after Oher signed his letter of intent.

Oher played at Ole Miss, with much success and accolades, and in January 2008 decided to enter the draft, but changed his mind, deciding to finish his senior year.

In 2009 Oher was drafted in the first round, pick number 23 to the Baltimore Ravens, retaining his jersey number of 74 from Ole Miss. On April 26, 2009 he signed a 5 year $13 million dollar contract with the Ravens playing offensive tackle.

The Blind Side

The Blind Side stars Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher, alongside Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw playing Leigh Anne and Sean Touhy. Kathy Bates plays Oher's tutor. Jae Head plays Sean Jr., and Lily Collins plays Collins Touhy.

ESPN reports that many coachs, including Phillip Fulmer, Ed Orgeron, Tommy Tuberville, Nick Saban, Houston Nutt, and Lou Holtz are all to make appearances in the film as well.

The film isn't necessarily groomed as an Award-season film, and while Quinton Aaron probably won't walk away from the film with gold statues for his role, I would expect his performance as this Real (Reel) Person will impact lives and lead people to tears as this touching and powerful story of human compassion (and the importance of the left tackle) unfolds.

67 comments:

Danny King said...

I really enjoyed the novel, and am surprised to hear it's being made into a film, but I am very excited. I was a little disappointed in last year's The Express, hopefully this movie will be a less-corny version of football before the NFL.

Loren Eaton said...

The New York Times had a great article about Michael Oher

RC said...

@ Loren - that article you site was actually a huge help to me in crafting this post - Michael Lewis wrote it, and it contains a lot of the information Lewis used in writing the book as well.

@ Danny - you have to watch the preview for this film - the preview alone makes me want to cry.

Anonymous said...

The trailer for the movie did bring me to tears. I cannot wait to see this!

Jacob said...

I'm with Kim, looks like a great movie can't wait to see it. I saw a partial ESPN documentary on him before the draft last year.

Anonymous said...

I don't think Bullock was the right choice for Leigh Anne.....Reese Witherspoon would have been a better choice.

Anonymous said...

I thought Reese should do it too, but Sandra Bullock nailed Leigh Anne. This is a true story about a truly wonderful family. The trailer is just the beginning.. Tears and Cheers.. The movie will be great....And the message is even better....And by the way Michael Oher is one smart man child..HE'S starting and blocking the heck out of NFL Pro Bowlers and just like the movie trailer says, he's protecting his Quarterback just like his family...

Flanelle said...

RC, you really need to clean up your 'crafted' post. The spelling and grammar errors overwhelm.

Anonymous said...

FANELLA, GET A LIFE

Unknown said...

Blaring grammatical errors are like rocks bouncing off a windshield while trying to navigate the highway. It's not something you can easily ignore or strive to 'get a life' over. 'Site' an article? What, is the article drawn out in the soil somewhere with a stick? 'Cite', sweetie.
Can't be bothered w/ the rest. Yawn. Need to rename this 'site' "Comma,Nation"
dictionary.com always useful

RC said...

@ Eliza - Harsh - I looked all over for where I used the word "site" in error and it was in my comment back to Loren. Yikes, the schoolmarms have come out on this post.

Eliza if you would care to edit the rest of my posts, send me an e-mail & let you get out your red pen.

comcats said...

OH "Good Griefe"

Anonymous said...

I read the book and I've seen the trailer and neither moved me to tears. While I can appreciate what the family did for this kid, the book reinforces what goes on entirely too often in this country.

Oher couldn't read or write and going in to Ole Miss he wasn't much better. The family found a loophole and had this kid tutored until he could call himself a high school grad and get in to college.

If you're as big, strong, and fast as this kid was, big time colleges will figure out how to get you in and keep you eligible. Anyone remember Dexter Manley? He finished his NFL career and then confessed that he basically was illiterate.

This is more of a how to beat the system story than it is a feel good story. If Oher was five feet nine inches tall and weighed a hundred and fifty pounds do you really think he'd have gotten a scholarship to Briarcrest and been adopted by a rich white family? There are kids like Oher all over Memphis only they are smaller, weaker, and slower.

Save me from all of this tear shedding nonsense.

Unknown said...

Just saw this movie tonight as a sneak preview; it was awesome. Very well written and just when you are moved to tears, someone has a good one liner to make you laugh. It's a must see

Chuck said...

Anonymous,

Why don't you kick a few kittens while you're at it. Sheesh, what a sourpuss.

Anonymous said...

Saw the movie last night, it was wonderful. Its really an amazing story that this man that came from virtually nothing, and at 23 years old has a book and movie about him and has $13 million contract with the Ravens as well!! Its nice to see that some people in this world still have some compassion, and saw this boy who just needed a break in life. Go see the movie, you wont regret it.

Anonymous said...

I saw the movie this afternoon with my husband & really enjoyed it. The movie was sold out, even with the New Moon movie playing in the same theater.

Anonymous said...

Saw this movie today. Theatre was crowded even for the afternoon and with other high profile movies being shown. It is a touching story that will appeal to all. Sandra Bullock does a very good job as does Tim McGraw. Certainly a good date movie for guys.

Anonymous said...

To Anonymous- you are the typical spoilt "cynical" type, who has never had to worry about just basic existence, or have to struggle for anything in your life. How grand that you live in such a well cushioned middle class experience. That you seem to resent what the Touhy's did for Michael Ohr- shame on you. It was a touching Book and Movie. If you think I'm some soft Nambi-Pambi- I'm a former Green Beret with 4 Purple Hearts, and other Hardware. You DISGUST me. You couldn't last 2 days in Michael Ohr's old world. So shut the Hell up!!!

Anonymous said...

Tear Shedding Nonsense, you must be jealous that noone ever offered you the opportunities that Michael Oher was given. I personally believe that at least some of those people who took an interest in Oher did so for more than football - in particular the Touhys. But even if it was all for the sake of a ballgame - so what? They SAVED HIS LIFE. Where would Oher be right now, had noone bothered? Homeless certainly, but more likely dead.

Yes, there are many other kids in similar circumstances that Oher faced, and not just in Memphis. To me, that only means that many other people need to step up to the plate to help them as well. I was inspired to do just that. Question is, are YOU going to do that, Mr./Ms. Nonsense? Somehow I think you are too centered on your own bitterness to even think of someone besides yourself. To quote Leanne Touhy, "Shame on you."

LaJuana, California said...

I haven't read the book but I did see the picture and I think it was totally awesome what was done for Oher. I totally agree Mr./Mrs. Nonsense you do seem to be a bit bitter with the opportunities that came Michaels way and yes there are alot of kids out there that could use a helpful hand so get off your high horse, get out there and help someone! Unlike you I am not afraid to give my name idiot!

brian said...

With all the crap that is going on in the world why would anyone jump this wonderfully crafted movie ??? Maybe those who slam a great story with a positive outcome should , as Socrates said " the unexamined life is not worth living" ... sour grapes come from a sour mind ....AAAA+++ for this movie !!!

Anonymous said...

BJT I went to see the movie, then checked Michael Oher out in more detail. The movie was very on track with reality. The actors were great...epecially Quinton Aaron. Great family entertainment as well, even if you not a football fan.

Goatdaddy said...

What a bunch of braindead idiots you people are. To the person named Brian that actually accused someone of "jumping" this "feel good story", you're a moron, getting "jumped", mugged and or raped is what happens to people in Memphis.

This movie is a propaganda piece, plain and simple. There are holes everywhere in this story and I'm not buying the one about how he just ended up at Briarchrest because of someone else's mother's dying wish. What happened to that kid, guess he wasn't big enough to play ball. Another poster mentioned at the very least this story is about how to cheat the system and I agree, but its about more than that. Anyone else catch Ms Tuohy's admission that her father was an evil white racist. White people forget your heritage, your ancestors were evil racist, and forget you children, give them up for race mixing. In one hundred years maybe there will be no blue or green eyes left on the planet to weep for these feel good stories.

Brian said...

hey Richard .... it's fine to be an angry asshole ... you have a right to that .... all your angry friends probably feel the same as you, think the same as you and that is pretty pathetic .... but better days are a comin' for you Richy .... some day you'll be dead and happy ....or not !

Richie Rich said...

Whoa, whoa..time-out!

Let's not forget this is the story of a real human being, race and sports aside and the fact that this family made a huge difference in the life of a young man w/o a future. And look at him now: $13M in his first contract at age 23..!?
His family must be very proud of him! And yes, it's a great heart-warming movie, and Sandra Bullocks looks hotter than ever! =)

Anonymous said...

Hey Richard-
It appears you are upset that you were portrayed in the movie, and didn't get proper credit.

Your role as the racist referee is duly noted.

Anonymous said...

Just viewed the movie, "Blind Side". I have not been moved by a movie in years the way I was by this one. Other "real life" movies have fallen much short of being inspiring, and much more than hollywood glitsch. Though I have not read all of the comments about this story, I have noticed one area that most commenters have seemed to miss. Many have stereotyped all wealty people as being greedy, self-absorbed and superficial. This can not be said of Sean and Leigh Anne Touhy. Their compassion and caring literally saved Michael's life. They are to be praised greatly for going beneath their "station in life" to reach out to a lost soul. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, when you did this to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" The Touhy's are great examples for all of us whether we are very wealth, or not.

Quinn Nelson said...

The movie was terrifc. Whites have no idea what a black man goes through from birth onward in this country. The Blind Side is a film that everyone needs to see. America has quite a way to go--this movie illustrates the socioeconomic gap between Blacks and Whites and shows a realistic view of what Black men in particular face in America. I fell in love with Sandra Bullock in this movie. After I finish medical school, I am gonna marry a hottie like her....

Quinn Nelson said...

Moreover, to all the comments here that refer to the effect that Ms. Touhy had on Aaron's life, what about the effect HE HAD ON THEIR LIFE? Remember, this country waws built on a foundation of slavery and dehumanization. The socioeconomic gap between Blacks and Whites derives directly from slavery. Now all we need is the black kid to end up in medical school or the next President--now then we really would have some progrees.
Quinn

Anonymous said...

I just saw the movie and absolutely loved it! I don't really see it as a poor black kid being helped by a rich white family but rather someone taking the time to help a child in need. What a great family!

Unknown said...

My husband and I saw the movie last night and it was very touching. Despite what some people say, all blacks are'nt sorry and lazy; and all whites are'nt heartless and racist. This movie was great. Thank God the world still have real christian people in it that actually have compassion for the less fortunate.

Anonymous said...

I saw this movie yesterday and liked it a lot. A person can know nothing about football and enjoy the movie, like me.

I thought everyone did a great job on the movie. It has been so long since I saw Tim McGraw without a hat that I didn't recognize him.

Anonymous said...

I truly feel sorry for those who view this movie with any racism in mind. This family simply did what we as Christians ought to do. Had Michael been white, a female or any other race ,the Touheys would have done the same thing because of the type of people they are.Mrs. Touhey did not know Michael could play football when she first saw him, her heart simply went out to a kid in need. Whenever anyone in this society tries to do good ,it is a shame that it is always criticized. The bible says that to whom much is given,much is expected. That is what this family did. My prayer has always been,God, please allow me to have a little bit more because I want to be able to give more. I am African American and God bless this husband,wife and their son and daughter for looking beyond Michael's color and situation and seeing his needs. I pray one day to be able to do the same and it will not matter to me what color or creed, just to be able to make such a difference in some child's life who in turn showed his love and appreciation.
Mrs.Davis from New Jersey

apeakay said...

My wife and I saw the movie last night, and I, too, was moved to investigate Mr Oher further. I am disgusted by what I read, above. (1) Why can't people just enjoy a movie for what it's worth, and not tear it apart, and (2) Why are there so many angry people out there?, and (3) Are a majority of white people racist? My wife and I feel the same way I perceive the Tuohys felt about Mr Oher, and wished we could find someone, in a similar situation as his, to care about. You see, the underlying fact is that a lack of education is going to kill the USA as we know it. It's not about money, although it helps, but rather knowledge. Racism is a product of ignorance. Thank you for my moment on the stage.

Anonymous said...

The movie is very very good. It condenses Truth while depicting what really happened. A child who was down on his luck by no fault of his own got two big breaks in life that many others in his condition do not. One was the result of his size, the other was that he crossed the path of a family with an unusual degree of compassion.
Had he not been athletically gifted Michale Oher would have had no advocate for admission to the school the Tuey's attended. Without this break he never meets Sean Tuey Sr or Jr and the wife never learns that the boy had only one set of clothes.
Leigh Anne is one of those people who cannot watch others suffer when she can do something to stop it. She had the power to clothe "the naked" and proceeded to do so, just as her religion taught her to do.
In the real world, it was later on, after she personally knew Micheal, that the Tuey's opened their home to him. The movie compresses events (so that she takes an absurd leap of faith. It milks her husbands resignation to his wife's enthusiasm and the natural anxieties that ensue for some laughs.
The middle part of the movie is about the Tuey's investment in Micheal and his growth as a person, culminating with his scholarship to Ole Miss as a football player. It then has an outside observer asking why this happened. "Was it solely booster activity designed to direct a great athlete to Mississippi." That is a fair question which the actors do their best to answer in the REEL world.
In the Real World, the Tuey's took an interest in Micheal Oher at a point in which it was impossible for him to play High School Football. His ineligibility meant that the School had no motive to waive its fees for him. That all happened for two reasons. 1)Despite his great size, Michael Oher. was nonthreatening to them and therefore there were no cultural or psychological blocks to their sympathy for his situation. 2)With their compassion aroused, the school and the Tueys did the right thing; they acted up to the ideals.
When watching the movie, the audience gets inside the head of the characters. We know that this is situation is safe, that this lost soul is gentle rather than resentful. As such we could not help but be moved by the sight of a boy/man shivering in the November rain.
From that point, the movie intersperses the incredulity of the Tuey's acquaintances even as it shows Michael returning kindness with love. For me, the biggest heroine is the teenage daughter, Collins Tuey. She faced down peer pressure to befriend her unusual foster brother. We all like to think that we have that kind of courage, but few of us do.

Anonymous said...

"To Whom Much is Given Much is Expected." Taken from Mrs. Davis in a previous post.

I enjoyed the movie and feel that of all the posts on this website, Mrs. Davis' post said it best.

It is a remarkable and honorable repayment to society to take upon the troubles of another whom you have no debt to. To those who seek to find the negatives, they abound. Challenge yourself to find someone who could use your help. We all have more than Michael Oher had. Let's pay it back this year.

I know I am going to try harder to do so.

Jeff

Anonymous said...

The movie was a Hollywood portrayal of "rich white selfless people" who without an agenda hepled a poor black student.But like all Hollywood fabrications, the truth is not apparent or important. The Film was most definitely financed somewhat by the Tuohys, like the book written by their friend Michael Lewis who was coached by Sean Tuohys dad. They seem like meglo-maniacs that like to hide their own agendas behind their very largess causes. THEIR OWN CHURCH! THEIR OWN PLANE! THEIR OWN BLACK BOY! They are making millions from their church and now are "pimping" this story. Michael seems to know the truth, but even an exploitation by white racists ( they protest too much), was a better life than the cards that were dealt to him. The Tuohys insatiable need for control, money,power,sports fame, drives all their so called charities. Hopefully someday Michael can see the forest through the phony trees, and not have to continuously live in servitude toward these attention mongering money makers, and accept them as very flawed humans.

Chemo Girl said...

I just saw this movie last night and was very moved by the story. It's very sad that so often one act of kindness is misconstrued as selfishness. People are so willing to look for the dark side of every action rather than believe that anyone else could be selfless enough to help another person in need. Will we EVER get beyond race in our country?! This was a story about PEOPLE helping PEOPLE! What does it matter that they were different races. Truly, love does not see color
it see's only humanity. If more people looked for the best in others this story would would not be a "story" it would be just the norm, as it should be! I thought the acting was great and I'm sure that some liberties were taken with the story for the book as well as the movie. Get over it. ps: please ignore any grammar or spelling error I am only human.

HazelTom said...

I enjoyed the movie. I've never had much time for born-again Christians, football or racism but it is always interesting to see how a movie condenses big themes and real lives into a couple of hours.
I've enjoyed reading a bit more about Michael's real life but haven't seen anywhere what he majored in at Old Miss.

bonnie said...

This was a great movie, period. The ACTING, WRITING, DIRECTING were all superb. This is a movie I'll recommend to male or female, young or old and know I'll be thanked by those who heed my recommendation.

logcabiny said...

His degree is in Criminal Justice per Wikipedia

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a great movie! This is the first movie I've enjoyed this year! He'll make a great roll model for young boys! I had tears in my eyes! Great casting!

Anonymous said...

Saw the movie tonight...a great "feel-good" movie. Go see it.
Glad Michael has turned what most of us can not comprehend, into an American dream...Good for you Michael!

Leanne said...

This was an awesome movie, I would pay $10 a seat to go see it again!

Anonymous said...

I've seen this movie three times already. I plan to buy it when it comes out on video. I too went on-line to investigate Michael Oher and was moved to sadness to read about his struggles. I grew up in a bad area of Chicago, IL. I saw drug deals first hand. I saw gang activity and even witnessed a few murders, after the fact (seeing the dead bodies in the street).I am a mother of three children and I couldn't imagine making the choices Michael Oher's parents made that put him in that situation. Even though I grew up in a bad area I didn't become a product of that situation. Nor will I allow my children to become a product of that situation. Just like Michael I closed my eyes that's how I got out. But for far too many it takes a little more. And that's why this movie is so important. I very rarely comment on other's comments...today I will make an exception. Yes Hollywood adds the glitz and glamour and takes liberties with true stories...but here it doesn't matter. If the movie opens just one mind to try to do better isn't it worth it. Like the vast majority of the comments I was moved to tears after seeing the moving. The one picture that came to mind most often was when Quinto Aaron, playing Michael Oher, walked in the cold rain that November day, wearing nothing but shorts and a short sleeved shirt. It bothered me because no child should have to suffer for thier parent's decisions. Also my thirteen year old son looks so much like him. And I know I wouldn't allow that to happen to my son...let alone a child in need. I don't have much. Like a lot of people the economy cost me my job...but I have been in a position to help those less fortunate than myself. You don't have to be rich, like someone commented before. Kids grow out of things...adults tire of things...there's always a way to help. As for the very jaded and cynical comments...the replys I read were right on point. I will just add, people like that only comment to get things started, to push buttons. Too bad they can't use thier powers for good and not evil. I grew up in a neighborhood with a lot of people like that. Like someone commented earlier your time will come. I choose to word it this way: EVERY DOG HAS IT'S DAY!

Deb said...

@Anonymous- "Pimping" a story? Really? This family took in a boy from much different circumstances than their own and gave him a life few of us could ever dream of. I believe that regardless of any other motives you seem to believe this family had, they did an amazing, heartwarming thing that makes me believe there are still good people in the world. This young man is not perfect, and I am pretty sure neither is the family that took him in. But based on where he is today, and where he might have ended up, I'd say all in all things worked out well. It's a shame they couldn't have adopted all the children from the projects in Memphis. Though, I am sure, you would have something negative and cynical to say about that. After all, they couldn't possibly just do it because they were decent, loving, GIVING human beings.

Unknown said...

I saw 'Blind Side' this afternoon and was very moved. What a story! The actors did a very credible and outstanding job in their roles. Kudos to Sandra Bullock!

Anonymous said...

I LOVED this movie. I can not remember the last time I saw a movie where I laughed out loud and cried all with in a couple of minutes. The acting was great and just an all around feel good movie.
As a mother I cheered for Leigh Ann she fought for "her" kid and stood up to every one for him. See this movie--

Anonymous said...

It has been said that in the last days good shall be called evil and evil shall be called good.

The Touhy's have done a good thing and yet it's being called evil by some.

Every version of the bible words for us to be fruitful and multiply and to do good with it.

It is a common misconception that Jesus and his family were poor but to the contrary he and his family were quite rich (from his mothers side).

The bible even says that "though he was rich he became poor so that we through his poverty might become rich" (2nd Corinthians 8:9).

If God had wanted us to be poor do you think he would send His Divine Love (clothed with flesh) to Save Us? To sow abundance?

I think that the Touhy's are simply saying yes to that abundance promised and following through with action (having already been prepared with wealth and connections) to be fruitful and multiply on many levels.

That wealth would be a curse if they had refused to help especially considering that Michael and his plight was right in their face to see up close and personal. But now they are reaping God's own abundance, His blessings because they decided to be obedient to offering Love.

When accusing thoughts attempts to rise up in you who would accuse, it would be better to put your mental foot on it's neck and not let that thought become speech. Better to sweep them out of your being before they choke your soul.

The worst part of the movie for me was seeing the NCAA investigator skillfully sow doubt and discord into into a persons heart and soul, but Michael rose to the occasion and finally cast it out.

I hope that anyone having such thoughts to just cast them out.

Anonymous said...

i live in the uk, i've never heard of Michael Oher, i watched the movie simpley bacause i had seen it advertised, there are many out there that are delt a bad hand in life, there are those that are fortunate and don't have to worry about housing, money, ect.....we could all take a leaf out of sean and leigh anns book and do just one thing to help someone who is less fortunate than our selves, the world has become a very selfish place, and we are all guilty of turning our backs and closing our eyes to what we dont want to see..........to sean and leigh ann.....my hat goes off to you and your children......you took a chance and did something so many others would not have done..........to michael i hope that one day you reach out and show someone the same love and compassion that was given to you...you have an amazing family

Unknown said...

Leigh Anne and Sean,
In a world of complete turbulence and chaos, God Bless you. Michael, I do not know if any of you will read or know about this comment, but all of you are a testament to my faith in "there is plenty of" good in our world! You deserve all the good that you receive!
God Bless.
Karen McTyeire

Anonymous said...

I have seen the Blinds Side movie twice. I am very moved. Family of Sean and Leigh Ann, Collins and Sean Jr. are gifted with humanity, compassion and love. I wish the the best. Very impressive story and Michael is on his way to stardom. Exceptional people, amusing story. Truly magical outcome. I wish every one involved happy life. Leigh Ann is great, Sean Jr is charming. Big Sean is darling. Collins the most beautifull young woman. Love you all and I am praying for Michael to be safe and happy. I wish i could see the Ravens's game. Now on i am Baltimors fun.
Lots of hug and kisses

RHONDA IN MACON said...

THE MOVIE WAS GREAT. I DID NOT REALIZE IT WAS BASED ON TRUE STORY. VERY TOUCHING. I'M A HUGH SANDRA BULLOCK FAN AND SHE WAS A GREAT AS EVER.

Unknown said...

Imagine this: The Touhy's did everything for selfish gain as an anonymous writer exclaimed. They rescued a poor black kid; fed him, clothed him, sheltered him, educated him, cared for him, adopted him, added him to their will only with the hope he would make the cut on the high school football field and go on to attend their Alma Mata and kick butt there as well just to make them look good. Well hell, if everyone was just as selfish as the Touhys' the world would be a better place…

Brenda said...

I saw the movie yesterday and was very moved at the Touhy family's generosity. Their generosity was even more of an emotional gift than a financial one. Michael was a good example of a child who had not learned in school due to his basic human needs not being met at home. Michael had, however, developed many admirable characteristics in spite of his unfortunate home life. His wonderful spirit enabled the Touhy famiy to bond with him and provide for his needs on many levels. I hope this movie awakens many people to the fact that there are often many things that we all can do for the children like Michael who need extra help to overcome tragic circumstances.

Brenda

Anonymous said...

I just watched this wonderful film, read all the comments, whatever your views are on this family, for what ever reason they did what they did, they simply made better a life of another human being whether he was white or black. Close your eyes and imagine this; Inviting someone into your home with your two small children, who you don't really know as he isn't your own family, Do you feel uneasy? could you do it? I don't think most of us could or would. I applaud what this family did for this man giving him a chance to live and not suffer and maybe die, Like lewis said previous, if this is what selfish people do, well the world needs more of them. Think people, they gave love to this man and received love in return. God bless Michael and this his new family.

Anonymous said...

Just saw Blindside yesterday afternoon. Thought we could just walk right in. Au contraire! The four of us waited at the back of a very long line, and then the theater had to create another long line next to ours for the rest of the folks who showed up after we did. We were told that, so far that day, each showing of Blindside had been sold out. Amazing! Maybe folks are enjoying a good movie that exhibits honor, principle and what it is like to walk-the-walk. All 4 of us loved it, appreciated a film without foul language, sex, smut, and antisocial behavior, and are recommending it to everyone we know.

Anonymous said...

First off, I know nothing about sports, don't even like them. Some how I still ended up seeing this movie, usually wouldn't watch a football movie, I really enjoyed it. Second, what does race or the amount of money you have matter, obviously some have missed the point. I work on an Ambulance ful time, all of us face adversity and bad times, some worse than others, we all need each others help at some point in time. The Touhy's stepped up in a young man's life just when he needed them most, or maybe they needed him, either way, they helped each other and that is all that matters. There are people who face these same living conditions and the lack of a caring family, in every town or city irregardless of size all across our nation, as well as the rest of the world. One day we will all realize the same thing this family did, hopefully it won't be too late for our country, or the world. Jeff from a small Texas town

Anonymous said...

To all the skeptics--have you read the interviews with Sandra Bullock?
She says the Tuohys are the real deal- "I've finally met someone who practices but doesn't preach." "So I finally met people that walk the walk.It made me happy. Really happy." You can read the complete interview at gulfnews.com.
I bet she's not being paid to say these things. haha
Maybe, just maybe, she's saying them because all these folks are genuine--Michael and the Touhys.

Chaplain Robert Crutchfield said...

My wife and i just watched this movie last night. We literally didn't want it to end !

Anonymous said...

A great movie and depicts that such compassion and caring still exists in the modern world. Hats off to the family who helped in drafting Michael Ohers life.

Anonymous said...

This is a great inspirational movie and story. It is a modern answer to the old question, who is my neighbor? I believe that when societal barriers to acting with humanity are bridged, the reconciliation that results releases a divine power that combines joy, peace and love. I don't think any one religion owns this. Two other women who I know of who also act like Mrs. Twohy are Marsha, a quintessential Jewish mother who combines assertiveness with charitable concern, and, the late Mother Teresa. I hope to do a little better -- started today with a donation for Haiti.

Anonymous said...

Saw the movie yesterday. I'm Aussie and know nothing about American football but this story has universal appeal. It moved me to tears and then laughter. What a wonderful world it would be if we all could be as kind and as accepting as the Touhys. Regardless of the fact that maybe Leigh Anne's dad was a white supremist. How she has grown and in return all the people who come in contact with them and their story. Thank you America for this life affirming story in this time of so much bitterness and war.

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this movie, even with certain real parts condensed or Hollywoodized. Overall it was very uplifting and enjoyable. How unfortunate that even with something as basically good as this was, others are too angry, opinionated and heartless to enjoy it. Perhaps there is nothing uplifting in their own lives, but it's never too late. Try smiling once a day, without hate or judgment. If you have nothing to be thankful for, then finding something should be your goal in life. Posting pointless hatred over a movie you didn't like... it's kind of silly.

Heather said...

Great book, especially the trouble the author takes to be sure even a non-football-fan can "get" what was so phenomenal about LT and Michael Oher -- how the whole thing is just like evolution. The movie does less of that due to time limitations, but it's still excellent and powerful. And funny, in spots. Excellent acting, except for the actual cameo coaches who were sometimes OK and sometimes wooden :-)

Anonymous said...

I watched this movie twice today, all I can say is that I enjoyed it.

Do unto others as you would have done towards you!