Sean Michael Afable on 'Hardflip': 'Keep Your Focus on Christ'
"Hardflip" hit theaters on Friday, and Sean Michael Afable, one of the movie's leads, spoke with The Christian Post about his role in the film as well as the work he is doing within his own church. "I want to give back and mentor anyone I can and just be there for them," he explained.
"Hardflip" tells the story of a young man, played by Randy Wayne, who struggles to find acceptance and make his way in the world after a traumatic event. Sean Michael Afable plays Wayne's best friend, Joey. It was Wayne who brought Afable into the film in the first place, after the two worked together in the hit "To Save a Life."
That film came during a tumultuous time in Afable's life; his parents had just divorced before he began filming.
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"When we look at life," he said, "sometimes we look at what it should be, and God wants certain things for our lives. Even in the midst of heartache and pain, things that were meant for evil, God uses for good."
"In my life, God strengthened my faith and brought people into my life to strengthen me. I've been a Christian my whole life; God showed me who He is in the midst of that heartache. Now, I want to give back and mentor anyone I can and just be there for them. Walking alongside one another is one of the most important things you can do for people," he said.
Afable works with leaders of his church to host events for teens that allow them to build healthy, Christian relationships. It's important, Afable said, to treat these young folks "as human beings too, and let them have their own thoughts. I try to tell them 'I've been there' and try to understand as much as I can. I may not have been in their exact same situations but don't diminish what they're going through."
While Afable is perfectly comfortable on-screen, he is hoping to expand his talent and is doing some writing as well.
"I'm super interested in writing … being creative is a part of who I am," he said.
If there's one message that Afable wants to share with audiences, it is to "know who you are and who is your foundation. If God is your foundation, you are solid. If God is not your foundation, you will flounder … anything you do … If your foundation is not set on Christ, you will flounder. Keep your focus on Christ and you can do anything!"
"Hardflip" is in theaters now.
