Here are today’s dispatches from the crossroads of faith, media and culture.

1. Touchback is personal statement of faith for producer/star Brian Presley. The football-themed family about how challenges can become blessings opens in a nationwide limited release on Friday, April 13th.

Synopsis:  Touchback tells the story of Scott Murphy (Brian Presley), a former high school football star who sustained an injury that ended his promising career and eventually relegated him to the life of a struggling farmer and family man. Faced with a series of severe setbacks, Murphy has begun to rethink his life. But as he reaches a point of deep despair, he’s mystically transported back to his glory days. Given a second shot at destiny, he seeks counsel from Coach Hand (Kurt Russell) and a classmate named Macy (Melanie Lynskey), whom he had never noticed before. In the end, Murphy comes once again to a critical choice – a crossroads where he will have to choose what ultimately matters most in life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OonsN7nuPQ8

Presley, who was once named Athlete of the Year by The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, says he, in a remarkably personal way, identifies with his character in Touchback, as well as the film’s overall theme that “God’s going to throw us trials in life, and it’s just like in sports. It’s not about getting knocked down…the sign of a true champion is how you get back up and face it.”

And, BTW, the film’s Friday the 13th premiere date doesn’t intimidate him.  You’ll see why as he recounts his personal story here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWsiO_FiP9k

Encourage one another and build each other up – 1 Thessalonians 5:11