Dead Poets Society Message Illustration

Staring Robin Williams and featuring young stars Ethan Hawk and Josh Charles, Dead Poets Society was released in the movie theaters in 1989. It is a fiction story set in 1959 of an English teacher, John Keating (Robin Williams), who inspired his students through poetry.  Dead Poets Society was both critically and commercially successful.

In the movie John Keating works hard to help the students find their voice as young teenagers. Unfortunately, towards the end of the movie, Keating is fired when a student commits suicide. It was not his fault but the school placed blame on him and forced the students to sign documents stating the Keating was the reason behind the suicide.

The last scene of the movie, which is the illustration I use for messages, happens when Keating collects his belongs. As he is doing this, the students discover their voice and stand for what they believe is unfair.

We all have a voice. Sometimes we may lack the courage to speak up, but we should stand for what we believe is true and right. These boys did and we can too. What I try to encourage students and leaders is that we should not fear standing up for what we believe and using our voice. In particular, do not be afraid to stand up for what you believe about Jesus. In 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Set an example, stand up for what you believe and use your voice. It can make a powerful statement to others.

What do you think? How you used this movie clip before? If so, how did you use it? Share your favorite below or on social media using #ymsidekick when you share.

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