Sermon Central
-
Mr. Holland’s Opus": Leaving A Legacy, ... PRO
Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Jun 15, 2001 (message contributor)
["Mr. Holland’s Opus": Leaving a Legacy, Citation: Mr. Holland’s Opus, (Hollywood Pictures, 1995), rated PG, written by Patrick Sheane Duncan, directed by Stephen Herek; submitted by Greg Asimakoupoulos, Naperville, Illinois]
Mr. Holland’s Opus is a movie about a frustrated composer in Portland, Oregon, who takes a job as a high school band teacher in the 1960s.
Although diverted from his lifelong goal of achieving critical fame as a classical musician, Glenn Holland (played by Richard Dreyfuss) believes his school job is only temporary.
At first he maintains his determination to write an opus or a concerto by composing at his piano after putting in a full day with his students.
But, as family demands increase (including discovery that his infant son is deaf) and the pressures of his job multiply, Mr. Holland recognizes that his dream of leaving a lasting musical legacy is merely a dream.
At the end of the movie we find an aged Mr. Holland fighting in vain to keep his job.
The board has decided to reduce the operating budget by cutting the music and drama program.
No longer a reluctant band teacher, Mr. Holland believes in what he does and passionately defends the role of the arts in public education.
What began as a career detour became a 35-year mission, pouring his heart into the lives of young people.
Mr. Holland returns to his classroom to retrieve his belongings a few days after school has let out for summer vacation.
He has taught his final class.
With regret and sorrow, he fills a box with artifacts that represent the tools of his trade and memories of many meaningful classes.
His wife and son arrive to give him a hand.
As they leave the room and walk down the hall, Mr. Holland hears some noise in the auditorium.
Because school is out, he opens the door to see what the commotion is.
To his amazement he sees a capacity audience of former students and teaching colleagues and a banner that reads "Goodbye, Mr. Holland."
Those in attendance greet Mr. Holland with a standing ovation while a band (consisting of past and present members) plays songs they learned at his hand.
His wife, who was in on the surprise reception, approaches the podium and makes small talk until the master of ceremonies, the governor of Oregon, arrives.
The governor is none other than a student Mr. Holland helped to believe in herself his first year of teaching.
As she addresses the room of well-wishers, she speaks for the hundreds who fill the auditorium:
"Mr. Holland had a...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Spurgeon (1) Wrote, " I Think I May Say To Every ... PRO
Contributed by Michael Raisbeck on Jul 18, 2003
Spurgeon (1) wrote, " I think I may say to every person whom I am addressing,-If you are yourself saved, the work is but half done until you are employed to bring others to Christ. You are as yet but half formed in the image of your Lord. You have not attained to the full development of the ...read more
-
Where's The Faith? PRO
Contributed by Karl Eckhoff on Nov 13, 2003
Blow the trump and ring the bell; Dress it up and make it sell; Fill it with the rich and well; And count the heads. We’re doing well! But where’s the faith? Read the creed and get it right; Hold it fast with all your might; Close the door and bolt it tight; We’ve no need for ...read more
-
George Muller, Who Was Known For His Strong ... PRO
Contributed by Kevin Higgins on Jan 1, 2003
George Muller, who was known for his strong faith, confided, "The first 3 years after conversion, I neglected the Word of God. Since I began to search it diligently, the blessing has been wonderful. I have read ...read more
-
Do You Remember The Story Of Aron Ralston From ... PRO
Contributed by Timothy Archer on Feb 27, 2004
Do you remember the story of Aron Ralston from last year? Aron Ralston loves the outdoors, hiking and trekking in the mountains. Last May he was hiking alone when a boulder fell and pinned him by the arm. For five days he waited for rescue. Then, facing dehydration and death, he took an incredible ...read more
-
During Telemachus' Life The Gladiatorial Games ... PRO
Contributed by Karl Eckhoff on Nov 13, 2003
During Telemachus’ life the gladiatorial games were very popular. People were fascinated by the sight of blood and gore upon the arena floor. And that alone was enough to bring the criticism of bishops and priests from within the church. But worse than all of this was the fact that most of the ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Is Your House Built On A Solid Foundation?
Contributed by Troy Borst on Jun 29, 2011
Today we are going to look at the foundation of our families and our country. I hope you realize that both foundations must be anchored in God and in faith in Jesus Christ. It is only a foundation in Christ that will allow our families and our nation to
-
The Heroine Of God Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 30, 2014
Deborah was one of the great "she-roes" of God. What was it about her that made her a heroine in the book of Judges and what is it about her faith that got God's attention?
-
Plantados En La Casa De Jehova Series
Contributed by John Cuentas on Aug 13, 2011
Una hermosa reflexion acerca de la importancia de permanecer con la familia plantados en Dios para florecer.
-
The Flying Arrows
Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Jan 19, 2012
The devil is shooting arrows against the people of God in order to afflict them in one area or the other, but their is total liberty through the power of the Holy Ghost.
-
The Purpose Of Walls
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 23, 2015
God built His church to be ONE... but Satan builds walls to divide that church. How do we identify what the Devil does so that we can unify our church and challenge the power of the evil one?
