I always call you Jesus. You always call me Sonny.

by Chris Jones

I always call you Jesus. You always call me Sonny.

Robert Duvall was my favorite actor. From Boo Radley to Tom Hagen, Duvall, along with Gene Hackman, could play any role. I’ve said many times that if Robert Duvall was cast as a beautiful twentysomething girl he would find a way to be utterly believable in the role. I loved him in everything I saw him in, particularly Tender Mercies.

But Euliss “Sonny” Dewey, aka the Apostle E.F., will always mean the most to me. In The Apostle, Duvall plays a deeply flawed (and deeply real) preacher.

Watching Sonny on that screen taught me how to pray to my God. Sonny doesn’t bow his head and speak reverently. He goes back and forth with Jesus like they’re having an argument. He yells at God when he needs to. He listens for answers. He has no problem saying everything he is afraid of to the Lord. Why? Because, as he says, “I always call You Jesus. You always call me Sonny.”

This is a man who KNEW his Father in Heaven loved him and exercised his privilege as a son of the Most High to talk to his Daddy.

That’s how every Christian should pray. Thank you for teaching me that, Mr. Duvall. Rest in peace.