Be a Fountain, Not a Drain — More Life Lessons from The Forge
Photo credit: Kendrick brothers — The forge
I’ve had recent encounters that nudged me to revisit a line from the powerful faith-based movie The Forge:
“Be a fountain, not a drain.”
This quote hit hard with me again. It’s simple, yet profound and thought-provoking.
When we look around us and observe emotionally exhausting activities and people, the call to be a fountain — someone who gives life, hope, and encouragement — is more urgent than ever.
What Does It Mean to Be a Drain?
Have you ever been around someone and felt emotionally or spiritually depleted afterward?
Instead of feeling energized or uplifted, you feel sucked dry.
That’s what it means to be a drain. Being around some people (friends, relatives or partners) can be draining where they constantly complain about everything and highlight your weaknesses or failures.
Whereas being around some other people you get some positive aura and you wonder why you get drained by some others.
But it’s not just people — situations can also drain life from us: unforgiveness, toxic relationships, past trauma, or financial stress.
These experiences quietly and consistently drain our hope, strength, and joy.
God Calls Us to Give Life, Not Take It
Jesus came so that we might have life — and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
He calls us to be vessels of His love and grace, pouring out peace, joy, and strength into the lives of others.
Being a fountain means being a source of refreshment and encouragement in a world that’s constantly drying people out.
Isaiah’s Story: The Power of Forgiveness
In The Forge, the character Isaiah Wright is challenged by his mentor Moore to forgive his absentee father.
Isaiah’s father abandoned him and his mother, leaving them to struggle with no support or presence. That act of abandonment left a scar — and unforgiveness festered.
But Moore knew that holding onto that pain would only drain Isaiah of the strength he needed to move forward in life.
Unforgiveness is one of the biggest drains in life.
It keeps us locked in the past, chained to pain, and resistant to growth. Forgiveness, though incredibly hard, frees us. It allows life and peace to flow again.
And that’s what Isaiah experienced when he finally let go.
Moore had earlier given him this quote:
“Everyone you meet in this world is either a fountain or a drain.”
Meaning we have a choice to be someone who fills a space with positive energy, or someone who drains that positivity through our words and actions.
Identifying the Drains in Your Life
Drains can be anything:
- People who constantly pull you down emotionally or spiritually
- Situations like chronic stress, debt, illness, or toxic work environments
- Habits like comparison, procrastination, or fear
But the key is not just identifying the drains — it’s choosing not to become one.
Be the Fountain
Even when surrounded by difficulty, you can still be the one who gives — a word of encouragement, a smile, a prayer, a helping hand.
You can be the one who uplifts instead of tears down, who brings peace instead of chaos.
The Bible reminds us:
“Out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38)
This isn’t just a poetic line — it’s a call. If you’re a believer, you carry living water within you. You’re called to let it flow.
So, whether you’re at home, at work, or online, choose to be a fountain:
- Speak life
- Spread hope
- Pour joy
- Offer grace
And when life threatens to drain you, return to the Source — God — who refills and restores.
The society is full of drains, but it desperately needs more fountains.
People who refresh others. Who inspire faith. Who embody love and forgiveness.
Ask yourself today:
Am I being a fountain, or am I being a drain?
Let’s rise above bitterness, negativity, and fear — and become the vessels God intended us to be.
See previous posts on this movie here:
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