I don’t watch much TV, but I took my kids bowling on Good Friday, and there are huge television screens all over our local bowling alley. Most of them were showing the Masters Golf Tournament, but one was playing an interview with the actor Jesse Metcalf.
I wasn’t paying much attention, because there was no volume, but at one point I saw the title of the movie he was talking about: On a Wing and a Prayer.
I was instantly intrigued. You don’t tend to see the word “prayer” in the titles of many mainstream movies.
I looked it up on my phone. It was an Easter movie! Based on a true story! Coming out on Amazon Prime that very day!
My kids are young, so my husband and I don’t get out to the movies much, but we do take advantage of our Amazon Prime subscription. I was excited to watch this new movie with my husband after the kids went to bed.
If you haven’t seen it, here’s the official movie description: “In this extraordinary true story of faith and survival, ON A WING AND A PRAYER follows passenger Doug White’s harrowing journey to safely land a plane and save his entire family from insurmountable danger, after their pilot dies unexpectedly mid-flight.”
Technically, the movie is a thriller—not a romance. And, yes, it’s pretty intense.
However, being a romance writer, I’m always on the lookout for love. And I found it in this movie in spades.
Lasting Love
Romance novels are fun because they tend to show the early stages of love, and young love is intense. Falling in love is like riding a rollercoaster—lots of ups and downs. 🎢 🎢
The butterflies in your tummy when you first meet that handsome stranger. The elaborate first date he plans to impress you. The uncertainty a couple has to overcome before they know they’re willing to commit.
Most romance novels end with a proposal or a wedding. Sometimes they end with a baby being born. Occasionally you’ll get a glimpse into the future with an epilogue or a special bonus scene.
Generally, though, you have to take it on faith that the hero and heroine are going to live out that happily-ever-after for the rest of their lives.
Married love stories are a little different.
Where young love is passionate and intense, mature, married love is more like what’s described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
And that’s what really stuck with me about On a Wing and a Prayer. When this long-married couple was up in the sky facing down death, they were patient with each other. They were kind to one another. They worked together and appreciated the contributions they each brought to the table.
That’s the kind of marriage I have and the kind I imagine the couples in my books will grow into.
If that’s the kind of marriage you’d like to see depicted onscreen and you can take a bit of nail-biting, I definitely recommend watching On a Wing and a Prayer. 💕
What’s the best depiction of married love you’ve seen/read lately?
Meghann Whistler is a wife, mom, and Christian romance novelist who loves writing sweet, happy stories that WON'T make your grandmother blush! When she's not writing, reading, or jamming out to Christian rock music, you can find her enjoying a relaxing evening with her rocket scientist husband (seriously—he's a real, live rocket scientist!) or playing with her three kids.
Hi Meghann! The best depiction of married love is: LOVE is a CHOICE as explained in I Corinthians 13 and in the traditional wedding vows. A choice to be committed through thick and thin till death do us part. Not always easy – there are misunderstandings / good and bad years. Hubby and I will celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary in June. We tease: He has been happily married 25 years and I have been happily married 25 years. Over the years, through the phases of life (parenting, careers, retirement) one learns what makes marriage work. Haven’t read many books with married couples, except maybe Hope Callaghan’s Cruise Ship Mystery series. Hallmark has a few multi generational movies with married couples. No title jumps to mind at the moment. Best wishes.
I have watched that movie too, and loved it. I am always looking for true life stories, and if there’s love involved, that’s even better!
I’d have to say Mistaken Hero by Jo Grafford. She brought characters in from previous books in the series, and then did bonus content to look into on the couple’s problems with infertility. I have to say, Karen Kingsbury has a couple of books that deal with longer married couples and the things they go through that are really good, too!
That movie sounds great, I will have to look out for it.
I always like it when book series go back to previous couples and you see them living out a happy marriage.
Thanks for the movie recommendation! I know I’ve read some good novels with mature married couples, but it’s too early in my day to think of them :-)
Wow, Renate! Congratulations on your Golden Anniversary! 💛💛💛
I’m glad you enjoyed it, too, Margaret! ❤️
Thanks, Trudy — I haven’t read Mistaken Hero, so I’ll have to check it out!
I love that, too, Ruthie — it’s fun to see what life is like for the characters after “their” book has ended!
Ha ha — I understand, Margaret!
I don’t watch television and can’t think of any books but my grandparents were married 70 years before she passed away March 2020 u don’t hear of much people now days that have been married that long before a divorce or a spouse dies. My grandpa is so ready to go to heaven to see my grandma he misses her so much. He will be 96 next month.
I haven’t watched television in a long time but it sounds like an amazing movie. The older I become the more I value kindness in those around me. Thanks and glad you had a great date night in!
Aw, 70 years!!! Amazing, Kendra. ❤️
My grandfather outlived my grandmother, too — it’s hard. Praying for your grandfather.
Thanks, Dianne! Kindness is soooooo important, especially these days, when it is sometimes in short supply. 💕
haven’t seen any lately
I have to say that I see that kind of love every day from my husband. He became disabled. My Mom was having a challenging time living alone. We decided as a family that we would move in. My husband would help where he could while I was at work. I would take care of shopping and errands. It worked out great for about 6-8 years. I then became disabled myself. I had to be in a straight leg brace for 15 months. By the Lord’s grace, I do have some mobility in my leg, but not much. My husband has become my full time caregiver. It takes a special kind of man with a lot of love to take care of his wife. He certainly has taken the wedding vows to heart and is living them. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
No worries!
Aw, I’m so glad you found him, Debra — it’s tough to live with mobility issues. ❤️
Will need to check out the movie.
I am not sure about recent reads with a married couple but do like to them.
Cool, Jenny!
I really enjoyed the movie as well, Meghann. I heard a podcast interview with Dennis Quaid last week. He was proud to be a part of that project and said the industry needs more films that promote traditional values, and he’s working to make more movies like it happen. :)