25 Leadership Quotes and Lessons From Overcomer The Movie

Sorry Spider-Man: Far From Home. This summer’s must-see movie is Overcomer!!!  In the latest movie from the Kendrick Brothers based out of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA, we are forced to ask the questions about our personal identity, who are you and whose are you?

The story follows John Harrison, a high school basketball coach played by Alex Kendrick, whose program is shut down when a local manufacturing plant closes forcing many families to relocate.  Coach Harrison is relegated to coaching Hannah Scott, played by newcomer Aryn Wright-Thompson, a single runner for the school’s cross country team.

Through an unusual series of events which only God could orchestrate, Coach Harrison becomes friends with a gentleman named Thomas Hill.  Along with the school’s headmaster Olivia Brooks played by Priscilla Shirer, Thomas becomes the spiritual heart of the movie.

The movie tackles the issue of personal identity but also addresses marriage, prayer, handling unexpected events, forgiveness and reconciliation.  The movie opens August 23rd but I was privileged enough to see an advanced showing.  Make plans now!!! Do not miss this movie!!!

Also – some SPOILERS are below.

For more from the Kendrick Brothers, click 44 Leadership Quotes And Lessons From War Room The Movie and 7 Leadership Quotes And Principles From Courageous – The Must See Movie Of The Year.

The following are 25 Leadership Quotes and Lessons From Overcomer The Movie:

1. Who are you and whose are you? – Based on the biblical premise from Ephesians 1 & 2 these are the two most important questions a person must answer.
2. A Lack Of Options Actually Spurns Creativity And Solutions – Olivia told Coach Harrison, “Sometimes your last option is your best option.”
3. Successful Leaders Must First Evaluate Reality – Coach Harrison said, “I have one runner and she has asthma.”
4. God Can Use Every Human Life Because Every Human Life Matters – Olivia reminded Coach Harrison, “One runner matters.”
5. Smart Leaders Understand The Value Of A Great Team – Coach Harrison said, “I gathered everyone together and told her thanks for coming out.”
6. Happily married parents give their children a strong sense of security.  In the midst of unexpected events like factories closing and potential job losses, the parents’ ability to to stick together and trust God carries their children through times of uncertainty.
7. Every Great Journey Starts With A Single Step – “She’s 34th.  Not bad for her first race.”
8. Thomas told Coach Harrison, “Your identity will be tied to whatever your heart is tied to.”
9. He added, “Something or someone will have first place in your heart.”
10. Many Leaders Need A Change Of Perspective – Thomas concluded, “When you find the One who created you it will change your whole perspective.”
11. A Man’s Natural Default Mode Is Passivity And Retreat – Thomas said, “I ran from everything that matters.”
12. God Disciplines Those He Loves – Hill added, “Because God loved me He let me be broken.”
13. We Have Nothing To Initially Offer Jesus But Our Hearts And Lives – Hill concluded, “I gave Him my heart because that’s all I have left.”
14. God Is Not Like Your Father – Hannah was told about God, “He’s not like your dad.  He’s a perfect Father.”
15. Repentance means a change of direction.
16. Those Who Have Been Forgiven Much Forgive Much – “If Jesus can forgive me for all the things I’ve done, I can forgive other people.”
17. Let your children catch you praying.  This gives them a sense everything is going to fine.
18. You should fight for your marriage with love, kindness and patience.  Do not fight each other.  My favorite scene in the movie was an argument between Coach Harrison and his wife played Amy by Shari Rigby.  Her ability to defuse her husband’s anger with grace, mercy and love was masterful.  The scooting the chair forward was precious.  Also, I want to say Shari should have been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress award in 2011″s October Baby.
19. Smart Leaders Recognize Defining Moments – “It’s just another race.”  “No it’s not.  It’s a huge race.”
20. An Athlete’s Most Important Muscle Is Their Mind – Thomas, a former cross country star himself, said, “You don’t win races with your legs.  You win in your head first.”
21. A Child’s Biggest Fan Should Be Her Father – Thomas told Hannah, “I’m your biggest fan.”
22. Successful Leaders Focus On What Is Ahead – Thomas coached Hannah during the race, “Focus on what’s ahead.  You can’t let the past slow you down.”
23. Everyone Gets Better With A Coach – Hannah operated at peak performance during the film’s climatic race.  This was a result of her extensive training and specialized coaching from Thomas.
24. Hannah said, “Thank you Lord for all you’ve done.  For six weeks I had the best dad in the world.”
25. “The Creator get to define His creation.”

Once again, Overcomer is an incredible movie.  Make plans to see it opening weekend.

My book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is available for purchase.  If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you!  By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you.  This book is not to be read alone.  Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence.  Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.