T'was the night before Christmas in a Southwest city, and for five lonely strangers spread across town, it's the most depressing time of year. Lefty, a divorced, jobless and homeless man, is on the verge of losing the privilege of seeing his young daughter if his situation doesn't change. Eva, an older woman estranged from her family, contemplates suicide. Mitch, a discouraged youth pastor, takes his reluctant teens for a night of caroling to shutins. And Mary, a young mother and her son, become stranded at a convenience store when their car breaks down, forcing them to spend the evening with Kirk, the bored but sympathetic owner. Throughout the movie these people randomly cross paths and exchange fates along the way.

You're thinking this sounds like a movie plot? It is. Recently, I was Stephen Baldwin's guest at the premiere of his new film Midnight Clear. It debuted at the 37th Annual U.S.A. Film Festival in Dallas, Texas. The U.S.A. Film Festival is one of the oldest, most respected festivals in the United States. Dallas Jenkins of Jenkins Entertainment directed the film and did an excellent job of melding superb acting with an incredible story line. There are countless life lessons to be learned from this film that keenly parallel both our personal and professional lives.

Trust and respect are values that can be applied every day of your life.

Knowing when to trust people is key; respect however, should be given to everyone. Trust is earned by doing what you tell people you're going to do. With regard to respect, you must give respect to get it in return. When you tell a client that you'll have a product or service ready on Thursday, make sure that you can deliver it on Thursday. If you're not sure if you can really fulfill that deadline, then don't promise it. Customers will respect your honesty. When you protect your word and make it count, you will gain your customer's trust and that's priceless.

Opening doors must be a part of your mission.

You'll never know where the next great opportunity lies unless you're willing to open each new door you encounter. Many people fail because of stagnation and their unwillingness to play on multiple levels. Be prepared to try new things and new ways of accomplishing your goals. Be willing to change up the way you presently do business. Make it a point to consistently review, revisit and revitalize projects. Put a new twist on the way you do daily things.

You'll meet people in the most unlikely places that can help you get to the next level.

Often it's when you least expect it that the most extraordinary things can happen. Being open, ready and prepared at all times is essential. As depicted in the movie, throughout our daily routines we encounter people that could impact your life and business in a way that you didn't plan on. Relationships are so vital. You can't be successful without them. Surround yourself with the best people you can find. Hire people who will inspire others and bring out the best in your company.

Have the fortitude to keep moving forward no matter what the consequences.

There are many times that you probably feel like throwing in the towel. Don't. Life is a series of ups and downs. We really learn more from the hard things in life if we determine to use them constructively and grow. There is a purpose in everything that happens to us, good or bad. Success comes in many shapes and forms. Be willing to adapt and stay focused on your bigger vision. There will be distractions along the way, but if you understand that everyone has them, it will help you not give into them. Be determined to win in the end.

It was refreshing to experience a movie that reflects the positive outcomes that life can bring. While Hollywood continues to produce movies that focus on murder and mayhem, Jenkins focused on hopeful opportunity to make this thriller.

Midnight Clear will be released in theatres later this year. Watch for it and other exciting events that Stephen Baldwin and Dallas Jenkins are produc- ing to positively impact America's youth