Harvey is at war for his true identity. Casting down imaginations that exalt themself against the knowledge of God but he is not free from the plague of doubt. His prayer spills from his heart much in the style of King David. Embracing the duality of self; flesh/blood & spirit/soul. Harvey's natural man goes about his mundane space trying his best to be "Harvey". His spirit man is weighted, waiting and waring to be strengthened and revealed. Harvey by name is worthy of the battle but he will never know his worth until he knows the strength of his God.

The concept for this film comes from my personal study of scripture and my battle to know the truth of my identity. I filled pages of my journal, inquiring of God the answers of the many questions I couldn't seem to answer about me. The revelation came that I was fighting a war within me that was beyond me. An adversary, better versed in my worth. Echoing narratives in my soul distracting me from tapping into the reflection of God that me and pursuing my God-given purpose.
I stepped out of my comfort zone of creating a film from my usual female's perspective. Looking at how this narrative plays out in the life a young single adult male before he takes on the other title of life. Also, examining vulnerability as a male in a relationship with Christ. Collaborating with Actor Javan Howard brought an invaluable level of authenticity to the film.

The film "Battle Worthy" examines identity as a category of spiritual warfare. One of our biggest challenges is knowing who we are in this life, to ourselves as well as to God. Our identity is our value and worth and carries the strength of who or what we allow to define it. The concept is inspired by Ephesians 6:10-20 along with key references pulled from Psalms 91:1-6 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

The main character Harvey discovers that he must intentionally invite God to be his strength and place of rest. Allow God to define his identity and value as a man. The film highlights that though the battle is not seen in the natural we must strengthen our spirit through scripture, prayer, affirmation and applying the armour of God to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Visionary, Director & Editor: Danniella O’Neal
Actor (Harvey): Jevan Howard
Casting, Vocal Acting & Concept development: Danielle Jones
Director of Photography: Alison Philips
Music: Monomyth - The Things That Keep Us Here (CC-BY) by Scott Buckley, courtesy of www.scottbuckley.com.au

Talk show host 1:
Toxic masculinity is nothing new. Listen to me! It’s ingrained into our culture at this point. They get you pregnant, whine about child support and then poof they’re gone.

Talk show host 2:
Where are the good men? The real men? I mean the ones that aren’t “trash”, have a stable job, not living in their mamma's basement and are emotionally available.

Talk show host 1:
Girl please, they don’t exist …

Who I am, and who I am meant to be.
DNA running on different timelines waiting for me to know my value.
The truth, not the mislabeled version that they try to sell me.
Every day is a constant fight of the ‘als’… mental, physical, emotional, Financial, intellectual…forging an impression I guess is me.
In a Kingdom but feeling less than a king.
Your chosen housed in a dark and dying vessel.
Am I the likeness You imagined when You created man?
Am I the strength You commanded?
Am I enough? Holy enough? Good enough? Enough!
Father open my ears to hear Your voice.
In the power of Your might, I draw my strength.
A mirror working on the reflection of his King.
Transform me as you renew my mind.
May my revelation go beyond the depths of flesh and blood.
You are my refuge and my fortress.
I am worthy of the battle before me.

Ephesians 6: 11-13 (NIV)
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.