What would you do if you found out there was a crazed man and his wife with a bomb holding a whole school hostage? Would you be praying for a miracle?

(a scene from the movie)

What if the bomb went off and the only people killed where the perpetrators? Would you consider that a miracle? What if many of the children and teachers, though not killed, suffered severe burns? Would you still consider that a miracle?

In 1986 the small town of Cokeville, Wyoming experienced just such a dilemma with just that outcome. The Cokeville Miracle, a movie by T.C. Christensen, tells the true story of what occurred that day and afterward as the town begins to hear accounts from the children, miraculous accounts of angels who help them feel calm and peace and direct them to safer places in the room.

Watch the trailer below.

There were many emotions while I watched the film: the feelings of a parent wanting to protect my children and anger at people who do terrible things. But mostly, I felt uplifted and inspired. I was impressed by the teachers who were able to keep the children calm and even offered their own lives in an effort to let the children go free. I was heartened by the acts of faith taken to pray. I was awestruck at the answers to those prayers.

(a scene from the movie)

I don’t want to give away too much but if you’d like to read some of the accounts of those who were there read this article.  And then get the movie.

I asked my children what they liked about the film. They enjoyed knowing the story was real but mostly they commented, “I liked hearing about the angels. Angels are real! They are sent to help us.”

Part of the credits at the end of the movie point out that we don’t know why some things turn out well (like what happened at Cokeville) and others don’t have a good ending (think of Sandy Hook Elementary). Even in the time of Jesus not all were healed or made to see. When tragedy strikes, what do you look for and focus on?

The Cokeville Miracle can be purchased at Deseret Book or Amazon. I don’t recommend it for younger children or those who are really sensitive to tense situations. It is rated PG-13 because of the dramatic scenes involving the bomb.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of The Cokeville Miracle by Deseret Book. All opinions are my own.