The Hill – Don’t Squander the Lord’s Blessings

Do you ever wonder why God puts desires into our hearts when it seems like everything on earth conspires against the fulfillment of those desires? Rickey Hill understands this very well. His story comes to life in the new film The Hill, based on the true story of Rickey’s rise to the major leagues.

Starring Dennis Quaid as Rickey’s preacher Dad, James, and directed by Jeff Celentano, this faith-based sports film uses the titular metaphor to express what Rickey had to overcome to pursue his heart’s desire

There didn’t seem to be too many hills in rural Texas when Rickey (Jesse Berry as young Rickey) was growing up in the 1960s, but he did have a branch and a whole lot of rocks and spent much of his time hitting those rocks far into the distance. Due to a degenerative spine disease, Rickey wore braces on his legs.

When James decided to call out some of his parishioners on their unacceptable behavior in church (smoking and chewing tobacco), they fired him, even though he barely made enough to feed the family. Ever the optimist, James encourages his children to always take responsibility for their actions. They pack their meager belongings and head out.

When they break down on the side of the road, Pastor James prays. God’s answer is a flat tire, torrential rain, and a lovely woman who offers the family a ride. Turns out she’s wealthy and her town needs a preacher for their local church. James agrees immediately but the church and parsonage are super run down.

When Rickey and older brother, Robert (Mason Gillett) happen on an informal baseball game, Rickey gets pegged as “Robot Boy” by the other kids because of his braces. But when he steps up to the plate and wallops the ball over the fence, he catches the coach’s eye. Coach Clemmons (Randy Houser) talks to James, who’s too afraid to let Rickey play. Clemmons tells James not to be “squandering the Lord’s blessing.”

Some years pass and Rickey (now played by Colin Ford) is playing baseball in high school, although his dad admits he’s never seen his son play. After an injury, Rickey’s told he has the spine of a 60-year-old man and surgery would be necessary for him to continue. The community believes in him so much that they take up a collection to cover the cost.

Tryouts for professional baseball come as Rickey’s still recovering but he pushes through and comes to the attention of legendary scout, Red Murff (Scott Glenn).

One of the most moving scenes of the films comes when James Hill makes a “confession” to his congregation regarding this attitude toward his son. He truly practiced what he preached about taking responsibility for one’s own actions.

Coach Clemmons’ advice not to “squander the Lord’s blessings” can give us pause to think of how the Lord has blessed us. If Rickey could climb the hill of adversity after adversity, with faith and trust in God, to reach his dream, we can, too. What are the figurative “leg braces” that holding us back?