The subject of adoption is a very near and dear topic to me. I have experience both as a person who has given a child up for adoption and one who has legally adopted a child. When I was approached about reviewing the Lifemark movie, it only felt right that I would take the opportunity to thoroughly review this movie and also share our experience with it as well.

Disclosure:

Many thanks to WTA Media for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

About Lifemark Movie

David’s comfortable world is turned upside down when his birthmother
unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she’s only
held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David embarks on a
journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past. From executive producers Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers—creators of War Room and Fire- proof—comes LIFEMARK, inspired by an incredible true story that celebrates the gift of life.

My Review of Lifemark Movie

I was eager to watch this movie. So, I watched it right away! I did have mixed feelings about watching the Lifemark movie.

While the story behind this movie is a solid story about adoption, the fact that they added a character who went and recorded everything about this adventure into film took away from the entire movie for me. As much as I share online, I feel some moments should be kept private and “not for the camera’s eye.” I think meeting your biological parents for the first time is one of those moments. As a result, that to me killed the entire storyline for me.

Adoption is hard to endure both for the child who is adopted and for the parents involved. Giving a child up is NOT an easy thing to do. When I signed my rights to my oldest daughter, I swear it killed me! I went into a substantial dark depression and felt like a part of my heart and soul was ripped out of me. However, when I made that decision, I wasn’t in a good solid place in my life. Plus, she had the opportunity at that time to be taken care of by her then stepmother and her biological father, who is a fantastic father when he’s home!

I went over seven years without speaking to her. I thought she would have disliked me too and not wanted anything to do with me due to my decision. What was supposed to be an open adoption turned into a VERY closed one. So we didn’t have any contact for an extended time. I never knew if I was going to see her again. I prayed for it daily!!! I prayed to have a chance to be in her life again.

God granted us that chance. She’s a big part of my life now, but I still don’t get to see her or her family due to the miles between us. However, we have a connection, and that is priceless to me.

I do feel that when someone decides to adopt a child, they need to be prepared for the day when that child asks to see or have a relationship with their biological parents. As much as I treasure and support adoptions and feel they are needed, many adoptive parents forget that a natural connection is formed between a child and their parents that can’t be erased. I know of an adoptive set of parents who refused to accept that part of their adoptive daughter’s mentality, and it caused way more harm than good for all involved.

I do believe the Lifemark movie did an outstanding job of making a point of showing how important it is for the adoptive family to be supportive of their child wanting to see their biological family.

I also had the chance to adopt my oldest son from his biological mother because she was also in a bad situation. She felt it was better for me to have him as my son for his best interests at the time. That was a surreal experience to adopt him.

I didn’t realize how much it mattered to me to become his mother until I got to sign the papers that I became his mother. I cried tears of joy! I did the best I could to raise him. But we always knew our relationship was different.

So, I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum regarding the adoption journey. While I didn’t give up a child at birth, I was prepared to do that with my oldest daughter because her father and I were already quite rocky.

In both cases, though, these kids wanted to have a relationship with their biological parents when they reached their teen years. Something natural and physical happens that they NEED to have that connection with their birth parents. Even if it’s only for a short period, they need to get all the answers about how and why they were put up for adoption.

I know I have a relationship with my oldest daughter now. My oldest son has one with his biological mother and other siblings now. It’s a beautiful thing for all involved.

The Lifemark movie does cover many of these topics throughout it. Yet, I don’t think they fully captured how uncomfortable it is for everyone involved. I have to say they TRIED to do it, but the whole camera guy took so much away from it for me.

LIFEMARK is a story of hope, overcoming the obstacles life throws at us, and reveling
in the art of faith, grace, and perseverance. This encouraging and inspirational film is based on a true story!

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Learn More about Lifemark Movie

You can learn more about the Lifemark movie by visiting their website. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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