When watching Woman Thou Art Loosed, some will not connect to that particular aspect of the story; but trust me when I say, there are lots of other things going on, as well. Still, others might not connect at all like the friend who went with me. That's understandable, for at best Woman is a made-for-television movie. But, it's an important made-for-television movie. The beauty of it being on the big screen -- complete with all its amateurish editing errors and shaky camera - - is that you will be inclined to watch it since you paid for it, as opposed to flipping to another channel while seated in the comfort of your home. For that reason, I'm glad TD Jakes' message made it to the theaters.

Now I must confess; I have yet to read a Jakes book and saw him preaching for the first time on the screen. Still, I'll say "Bravo!" for this effort. Michelle (Kimberly) finds herself on death row after committing murder. Jakes, upon Michelle's request, visits her and they reflect on all the traumatic occurrences that helped to shape her life. As they sort through Michelle's memories, the duo finds clarity in the belief and the knowledge that one can rise above the emotional mire that threatens to suffocate so many of us.

Kimberly Elise (Set It Off, Manchurian Candidate, John Q) was exceptional. Those eyes of hers express so much - hope, fear, love, anger, and despair. She was also flanked by other strong performances thanks to Debi Morgan, Michael Boatman (Spin City) and Clifton Powell. Not as convincing and the weakest acting link in my opinion was Loretta Devine, as Michelle's pathetic, delusional mother, Cassey. Maybe she has just been typecast; at least that's what my friends suggest.

This story is a very sad one, with components of it familiar to many. But it is also a tale of extraordinary faith. And in the end, isn't that exactly what gets us through, to, and beyond each and every day?