WARRIOR IS A CHILD makes a power statement. Therefore, it prompted me to research two words, WARRIOR and CHILD, but from a biblical point of view. In the world view, it means a brave or experienced soldier or fighter.

But what does warrior mean from a biblical perspective? A warrior after God’s heart is loyal to his Commander. TITUS 2:-14

Now take the word CHILD.  From the world view, it means a young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority. 

But what does child mean from a biblical perspective? Children are gifts from God to families. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 

Now you can see why this song touched my heart.  Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him!

INSPIRATION

Twila Paris wrote this song with the subject matter of the frailty of the inner spirit when she was 22. She told CCM Magazine presents 100 Greatest Songs In Christian Music that it, “is hilarious on some level,” that she penned this spiritually mature song so young, “because I had very little understanding of what the song was actually about at that age.”

Twila penned this after being counseled by one of the elders in her home church about the stresses of her growing fame in the Christian music industry, during which he talked about the notion of vulnerability. She explained to CCM Magazine presents 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music: “He used the metaphor of the army. God’s army.

No matter if we’re a general in the army and have been serving God for years, and have all the experience and he has given us lots of responsibility – before Him, we’re still a child. So boy, I took that to heart and went thome, and with just the beginning experiences and the little bit of understanding I had, I wrote that song.”

THE LYRICS TELL A STORY > CHILDREN ARE WARRIORS

• Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
• But even winners can get wounded in the fight
• People say that I’m amazing
• I’m strong beyond my years
• But they don’t see inside of me
• I’m hiding all the tears

[Deu 20:4 KJV] 4 For the LORD your God [is] he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD

• They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
• They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
• I drop my sword and cry for just a while
• ‘Cause deep inside this armor
• The warrior is a child

[Psa 41:10 KJV] 10 But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

YOU RAISE ME UP

• Unafraid because his armor is the best
• But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
• People say that I’m amazing
• I never face retreat
• But they don’t see the enemies
• That lay me at his feet
• ‘Cause deep inside this armor (deep inside)
• The warrior is a child

[Mat 11:28 KJV] 28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

THE ARMOUR

WARRIORS WEAR ARMOR 

How can you wear armor?  This armor is so neat; it’s like having special powers that are invisible!  When you imagine yourself putting on the armor of God each day it will help you against the devil as well as the things you shouldn’t do.  However, the only way this armor will work is if Jesus lives inside you. 

 He directs me to the perfect combination of SONG and MOVIE every time. And every time, both bring me to tears. By now, you know how much I cry since becoming an AUTHOR for YOUWILLWANTTO.COM.  BUCKETS … I go through lots of tissues!!! 

NOW ON TO THE MOVIE 

Tulsa was inspired by true events from one of Scott Pryor’s clients when he worked as a trial lawyer. It was evident from watching the movie how much this case touched him because it’s truly a fun and heartwarming story of the evolution of a father and daughter relationship.

TULSA follows biker ‘Tommy Colston’ who is a hopeless addict. In this case, when ‘Tommy’ discovers he has a long-lost daughter named ‘Tulsa,” he reluctantly welcomes the 9-year-old into his home but tries to keep her out of his heart. To point out, the headstrong girl attempts to use her strong faith to save ‘Tommy’ from his addictions and the demons of his past. Therefore, when tragedy strikes, ‘Tommy’ is forced to face his demons and attempts to become the father of ‘Tulsa’s’ dreams.

TULSA OFFICIAL TRAILER

FATHER and DAUGHTER relationship. Once again, two words that have dual meanings. 

DUAL MEANINGS

FATHER: From the world view, it means “cause a pregnancy resulting in the birth of (a child).”

In short, what does FATHER mean from a biblical perspective?  Father is implored to bring their children up in the ways of the Lord, to discipline them and to encourage, comfort and instruct them.

Now take the word DAUGHTER. In the world view, it means “a girl or woman in relation to either or both of her parents.”

In short, what does DAUGHTER mean from a biblical perspective?  Being a daughter of Christ means that you have a forever father in Heaven. Someone who is dependable and strong, someone who will not leave you or forsake you.

The Bible is clear that children are to be looked upon as a blessing, not an inconvenience. They are a reward from God! Truly, children are a gift from God.

WORLD VIEW vs. BIBLE VIEW

DO YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE between the WORLD VIEW and the BIBLICAL VIEW of these four words in the post > WARRIOR, CHILD, FATHER, DAUGHTER?

To clarify, not only is this a movie about a FATHER and DAUGHER relationship, but it is also about a nine-year-old child who already LOVES THE LORD, reads her BIBLE and knows SCRIPTURE! 

A WARRIOR IS A CHILD. A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM!

FOSTER CARE

All in all, TULSA is another powerful movie that addresses children in Foster Care. In other words, Tulsa had no choice of her own; she are placed in a Foster home where the MOM had no LOVE for her foster children. No one to OFFER UNCONDITIONAL LOVE to her during this difficult time in her life.

For this “inspired by a true events,” movie, Tulsa was placed in a FOSTER home after her mother was killed in a car accident two years prior.   

NOT SO LOVING FOSTER MOTHER 

Because of her mothers death, Tulsa was placed in a Foster Home where a three-year old boy, Michael, lived. Because of her love for GOD, she became attached to Michael, whom she considered her brother.

During the opening scene, Tulsa and Michael are hiding in a closet because the FOSTER mom was seeking to harm Michael. As the FOSTER MOTHER is trying to find them, TULSA is reading her BIBLE to Michael. 

YOU LITTLE MONSTERS, DO YOU HEAR ME?

ARE YOU DEAF?

YOU’RE NOT LISTENING TO ME.

CAN’T YOU HEAR ME?

LISTEN TO ME, NOW STOP.

In fact, just as the Foster mom is about the open the closet door, a LOUD banging is heard … 

• POLICE, OPEN UP. 
• FOSTER MOM: Why are you here?
• POLICE: We are here to arrest you for ASSAULT and BATTERY to minors. 

Consequently, as she was taken away, she yells to Tulsa and Michael …

“I’m your last chance. Nobody wants you! Your own family didn’t even want you.”

In a word > PROMISE. Tulsa whispers to Michael: “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you are taken care of… I promise!”

A WARRIOR IS A CHILD. A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM!

LIFE CHANGES FOR TULSA

Under these circumstances, Tulsa is introduced to Jaylene, the CASE WORKER, in charge of finding her new foster home. Kerry, her boss, informed her that TULSA called the COPS when the foster mom went after the foster brother. They found a temporary placement for Michael, but none for Tulsa. She was instructed to find a placement for her that night! 

As Kerry and Jaylene view Tulsa through the window, she is seen READING HER BIBLE!

To point out, the first thing TULSA asked is “HOW IS MICHAEL?”

• JAYLENE: He is staying with relatives in Georgia, for now anyway. 
• TULSA: They should know he’s afraid of the dark and sometimes he wets the bed, but if you read to him, it’ll calm him down. 

Surprisingly, JAYLENE responds with a smile on her face: You two got pretty close, didn’t you?

DO YOU BELIEVE IN JESUS?

Given that response from JAYLENE< TULSA responds: I know Jesus will take care of him.  Do you believe in Jesus, Ms. Jaylene?

• JAYLENE: Yes, I do. You know you are pretty mature for a nine-year-old. It is my job to find you a safe place to stay.
• TULSA: Oh, you don’t have to. I’m going to stay with my father.
• JAYLENE: Your father? I don’t seem to have any information about your father. Do you know where he lives or his name? 
• TULSA: shakes her head NO
• JAYLENE: Have you ever met him before?
• TULSA: No, but I found his picture in my mama’s Bible.

While JAYLENE looks at the picture, her expression changes as she recognizes him.

• TULSA: That’s my mama and that’s my father. 
• JAYLENE: Is his name, Tommy?

NOW THERE ARE THREE

With this in mind, the plot starts to enlarge. Tulsa, the child who needs a new FOSTER home. Jaylene, the Caseworker, who is charged to find that new Foster Home. AND, Tommy, the FATHER.

TOMMY, I HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER

Considering the circumstances, TULSA becomes a LIGHT in the DARKNESS for Tommy, who she assumes is her father.  BUT not everything appears as it is.

A WARRIOR IS A CHILD. A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM!

To clarify, TOMMY COLSTON was unaware he had a daughter. Hence, his life as a Marine Veteran, owner of a car repair business, alcoholic and addicted to drugs did not make him a FATHER. To point out one additional trait, he was in a deep depression and about to attempt suicide when he receives a call that changes his life. 

• JAYLENE: Tommy
• TOMMY: Yeah
• JAYLENE: Hi, it’s Jaylene. I’m sorry I know it’s late, but we need to meet up. 
• TOMMY: Now is not a good time. 
• JAYLENE: I have your daughter.

TOMMY CHANGES HIS MIND

In response to hearing, “I HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER.” Tommy hangs up the phone! TULSA is already ministering to Tommy. The next day Tommy meets with Jaylene …

• TOMMY: You said I have a daughter?
• JAYLENE: I’m fine by the way, thank you for asking. And yes, like I told you, this little girl claims you’re her biological father. The only proof she has is this photo. She doesn’t even know your name. 
• TOMMY: Sandy? What happened to her?
• JAYLENE: A motorcycle accident two years ago. You didn’t know that?
• TOMMY: No! Wow! We had some crazy times.
• JAYLENE: Yeah! I know. 
• TOMMY: She wrote to me for a couple months after I deployed, but that was like 10 years ago.
• JAYLENE: Tulsa is nine.
• TOMMY: Tulsa?
• JAYLENE: She has no other family. Her most recent placement was a really bad situation. 
• TOMMY: So what do you want me to do?
• JAYLENE: I’m not saying you’re her father, but if you’re willing, we can do some tests to confirm that. As for right now, she just really wants to meet you. 

FATHER MEETS DAUGHTER at PARK

Without realizing it, Tommy was being ministered to by Tulsa. She was now on his mind and prompted a face-to-face meeting.

• JAYLENE: So, that’s Tulsa
• TOMMY: What’s she doing?
• JAYLENE: PRAYING.
• TOMMY: For what?
• JAYLENE: Probably for you. Tulsa, sweetie, this is Tommy Colston.
• TULSA runs to him and gives him a BIG HUG and says, MY FATHER!
• JAYLENE: Tommy wanted to meet you. 
• TOMMY: Yeah.
• TULSA: You look different than your picture, you’re scrappy! 
• JAYLENE: Tulsa sweetie, Tommy has agreed to do some tests to see if he is your father. 
• TULSA: He doesn’t have to, he is! It’s time for me to go home now. 
• TOMMY: Look kid, I wouldn’t be good for you right now, trust me. 
• TULSA: It sounds like we’ve got a lot of work to do. I’ll get my things. 
• TOMMY: What’s happening?
• JAYLENE: Let’s just take her to your place and show her.

TO BATTLE TO SAVE A SOUL

With these conversations in mind, if ever there was a movie of a CHILD leading the PARENT to know JESUS, this is it. In fact, God can use anyone, at any age, at any time to share the GOSPEL.

As a result of this first meeting, they arrive at Tommy’s garage with his apartment upstairs. With this in mind, the apartment would not be approved for a FOSTER FAMILY. But, that did not stop TULSA from loving it! As they entered the garage, Tulsa’s first words, “IT IS FILTY!” as was his apartment.

With a gleam in her eye, Tulsa looks around, she says, “OKAY, I’ll stay! You don’t have a place for me to stay, but it’s OK now, I found my father.” In other words, she found a home.

Further, to try to dissuade Tulsa, Tommy tells her he will fail all the meetings, tests, interviews, background checks, DNA checks (could take up to six to eight weeks or longer), place needs to be cleaned up for inspections, etc. In essence, none of these negatives made a difference to Tulsa. Truly, she found a home with her Father and nothing would keep her from living with him. She put her faith in GOD!

To conclude this discussion, TULSA wins the argument and starts her mission to SAVE her FATHER. 

• TULSA: We’ll be ready. Don’t worry, we will fix it.

A WARRIOR IS A CHILD. A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM!

TULSA, the WARRIOR, STARTS TO MINISTER TO TOMMY 

Important to realize about this FISTY NINE-YEAR-OLD is a CHILD OF GOD. She knew her JESUS on a personal level. And, she was determined to share her JESUS with her FATHER. For she knew nothing was impossible for her JESUS.

The journey starts with Tulsa and Tommy having their first one-on-one conversation. Tulsa walks out of the bedroom with her BIBLE in hand. Thus, she was ready for battle.

• TULSA: I’m all unpacked
• TOMMY: Great.
• TULSA: Were you in the ARMY?
• TOMMY: The MARINES!
• TULSA: What’s the difference?
• TOMMY: How much time do we have?
• TULSA: You know you should not smoke or drink! It will kill you.
• TOMMY: SO WILL CHILDREN!
• TULSA: Can I ask you some questions?
• TOMMY: Do I have a choice?

While they stare each other down, Tulsa proceeds to pull her chair to sit near him – eye to eye, and places her BIBLE on the table. Without hesitation, she asks him a variety of questions to get to know him. Thus, he answers with short statements while he is drinking his beer and smoking his cigarettes. After he answers her questions, he points to the BOOK on the table and asks, “What do you have there?” To put it another say, Tommy knew what to was since he saw her reading it at the Park.

Instantly, Tulsa pulls it away and clutches it in her arms. 

Without hesitation, she says, “It’s momma’s BIBLE. It has ALL the answers you’ll ever need are in this BOOK.” With this intention, she was BOLD when she responded!

A WARRIOR IS A CHILD. A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM!

TULSA, the WARRIOR, SHARING JESUS

To emphasize, A MUST BE REMEMBERED STATEMENT > It has ALL the answers you’ll ever need are in this BOOK. And, consider it comes from the mouth of a nine-year-old to a grown man is a powerful statement!  

• TOMMY proceeds to tell her, “YOUR MOM AND I HAD A LOT OF FUN TIMES,”
• TULSA responds, “She called those her wild days before she found JESUS.”
• TOMMY: I didn’t know he was missing!
• TULSA: Everybody needs Jesus. He’s needed here! 
• TOMMY: Yeah, well it’s getting a little too crowded in here if you ask me. 

AND THE REST OF THE STORY – CHILD TO FIGHTER TO HERO

Tulsa is a the WARROR IS A CHILD in this movie. Her faith in her JESUS was demonstrated not only to Tommy, but to his employees and hospital staff. Her life may have been short, but it COUNTED FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.  

Therefore, her FAITH was not only words, but actions that changed lives. She ministered to everyone, everywhere about her JESUS. 

[Jas 2:14-16 KJV] 14 What [doth it] profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit.

• People say that I’m amazing
• I never face retreat
• But they don’t see the enemies
• That lay me at his feet

‘Cause deep inside this armor (deep inside)
The warrior is a child

WARRIOR, FIGHTER, SOLDER, HERO, CHAMPION – The WARRIOR IS A CHILD.

To conclude, FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD. For this reason, we are to put into action GOD’s plan for our lives through our actions. Not to receive HIS LOVE, but because of HIS LOVE. 

“HOW LONG WILL I LIVE?” That is a question we all ponder. But it is more important to ask the question, “HOW CAN GOD USE ME TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS while I am ALIVE?”

Therefore, WARRIOR is a CHILD and TULSA are the perfect blend to showcase the POWER OF A CHILD WHO LOVES JESUS.  They can reach someone whom no one else can reach. With this in mind, I challenge all CHILDREN to accept JESUS as their LORD and SAVIOR and become a disciple. To put on their ARMOR and be proud to be called a CHILD OF GOD. To lift others up in prayer:

PRAYER is the last piece of armor.  This isn’t a particular piece of armor but kind of holds all our armor together.  By talking to God we can do amazing things.  Nothing is too big or impossible with prayer because God can do anything that He wants to.  That doesn’t mean that he will always answer the way we want him to, but he will answer the way He knows is best.

The WARRIOR, FIGHTER, SOLDER, HERO, CHAMPION – The WARRIOR IS A CHILD.

As can be seen in TULSA, GOD uses CHILDREN > they are HIS MESSENGERS! Therefore, if children can lead one to Christ, so can we!

 YouWillWantTo reaches the world for CHRIST!