Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story
I have been eagerly anticipating the release of Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story. The DVD arrived in the mail Saturday, and I have watched it twice already. This amazingly well-produced video focuses on Stonewall Jackson the man. Arising from humble beginnings and demonstrating undying perseverance throughout life, General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson provides us an example of courage, sacrifice, determination, and duty in the midst of extreme hardship.
Producer and Director Ken Carpenter explains in a bonus interview on the DVD that Stonewall is a heroic character who overcame tremendous challenges to accomplish great things. Although Mr. Carpenter recognizes the controversy inherent in a production about a Confederate general, he chooses to focus on what we can learn from Stonewall's life. For example, Stonewall had great compassion and concern for the education and eternal welfare of enslaved and free blacks. He helped dignify and advance them by starting a Sunday school class to evangelize and educate them.
You will be surprised by what you learn about Stonewall Jackson from this production. Prepare to discard the stereotypes and prejudices that biased, politically correct forces have fed you. For example, did you know that Stonewall Jackson was a devoted union man and did not originally desire to secede? In fact, the state of Virginia initially voted not to secede. Not until Lincoln called for 75,000 troops to invade the South did Virginians vote a second time and overwhelmingly resolve to leave the union. As a brilliant strategist and Confederate general, Stonewall believed he was fighting for his homeland, his people, and his way of life that northerners were trying to invade and destroy.
Dr. George Grant provides some of the most insightful commentary throughout the documentary. He observes that Stonewall was an ordinary person who did extraordinary things. The irony and paradox of his life make his story very appealing: Stonewall rose to the occasion from a difficult background and did very surprising things. You cannot pin down the Southern gentleman who was a champion of enslaved men and women. A feared force on the battlefield, Stonewall was also the gentle proclaimer of good news. More than anything, he yearned to be a faithful and loving husband and father and have the family he did not possess early in life, having been orphaned as a young child. Dr. Grant points out that Stonewall was a complete man who understood the value of family and home life, sacrifice, and courage. He understood how to rise from ordinary and often difficult circumstances to make a difference in the world. Moreover, he was a unique man in history who truly understood his calling and believed his calling was not limited by his experiences.
The documentary provides balanced insight and commentary from an array of historians and scholars. I especially appreciated learning about the men and women who profoundly influenced Stonewall in his Christian faith and church life, military endeavors, life as a devoted husband, and testimony of faithfulness in the midst of difficulty. Additionally, the production quality is first-rate and well worth your investment for the aesthetic elements, technical competence, and excellent content. Richard G. Williams Jr.'s book, Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend, serves as the inspiration behind the production. As that title suggests and as I have discussed in this review, you should be prepared to learn from the surprising and delightful story of a godly, courageous, determined Christian general and gentleman.
I believe the primary lesson we learn from Stonewall is the necessity of simple, quiet trust in the Lord as we faithfully perform our duties. As Bill Potter observes at the end of the production, Jackson's beliefs and convictions were like a "Stonewall," and he earned this sobriquet through attention and devotion on the battlefield and in life.
Consider purchasing Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story, available now from Franklin Springs Family Media.
posted by C.S. Hayden @ 3:00 PM
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