A Concerto Is a Conversation (2020), directed by Ben Proudfoot
Documentary filmmaker Ben Proudfoot wanted to make a short film about his friend, composer Kris Bowers, as Kris prepared to premiere his violin concerto in Los Angeles. Along the way, Ben got to know Kris’s grandfather, Horace—and the film changed directions. Horace came out of plantation life in the American South and hitchhiked his way across the USA, eventually settling in sunny California. Once there, he worked his way into ownership of a laundromat, faithfully serving his community and providing for his growing family. What was the fruit of this steadfastness? The stability, peace, and love that allowed his grandson Kris to pursue his dream of becoming a musician. Now Kris is an Academy Award–winning film score composer with an international presence in the music and filmmaking industries—and his grandfather couldn’t be prouder.
In this filmed conversation between the two generations, we see the warmth and love in the eyes of each man as they tell their stories to each other. Kris acknowledges the influence his grandfather had on his life and career, saying, “If I didn’t have that [support], I probably wouldn’t have been as confident pursuing music.” And Horace, in response to Kris’s question about what motivates him in life now, says, “I just keep trying to do the best I can, and enjoy seeing my children and grandchildren being successful. That’s glory in itself. I hope I had a little something to do with it.” It’s a beautiful moment of two people genuinely interested in and grateful for each other.
I cry healing tears every time I watch this film, and I marvel at how much story can fit into just thirteen minutes. Watching Kris and Horace interact makes me think about God’s generational promises in the Bible. Proverbs 13:22 assures us that “a good person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,” and then 2 Timothy 1:5 gives us an example of that in action, with Timothy’s grandmother and mother passing a sincere faith on to Timothy. Horace’s inheritance to Kris is another picture of that promise. Whatever your family’s story is, take a moment to thank God for his gift of faith through multiple generations, and also express gratitude to him for staying with us through family situations that are not as faithful.
Questions:
- What’s another example you know of a grandparent–grandchild connection that shows God’s faithfulness across generations?
- If you’ve felt that your own family hasn’t given you this kind of heritage of faith, take some time to talk with God about that. How have you seen God’s leading even in that situation?
- What can you begin doing this week to build up intergenerational transmission of the gospel, whether in your family, your neighborhood, or another context?
- With the sounds of Horace and Kris Bowers enjoying “How Great Thou Art” fresh in your ears, conclude this devotional time by singing or praying through the hymn:
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder
consider all the works thy hands hath made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior-God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
that on the cross my burden gladly bearing
he bled and died to take away my sin;
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
and there proclaim: “My God, how great thou art!”
For more devotionals in this series, click here.
About the Contributors
Neil R. Coulter
Neil R. Coulter completed degrees in music performance and ethnomusicology from Wheaton College and Kent State University. He and his family lived in Papua New Guinea for twelve years, where Neil served as an ethnomusicology and arts consultant for Wycliffe Bible Translators. In 2015, he helped design and launch the PhD in World Arts at Dallas International University. He teaches doctoral courses in theory and ethnography at DIU’s Center for Excellence in World Arts. At DTS, he teaches about art, literature, film, and theology, and he is senior writer and editor of DTS Magazine. Neil is married to Joyce, and they have three sons.
Contributors
