Do you believe in magic, fairy tales and fairy
godmothers? One of the most amazing gifts that Walt Disney gave us was to
create the ability for those that are in desperate situations to have hope that
tomorrow can be a better! I was so blessed as a kid growing up to have
incredible parents who were there for me all of the time. They taught me how to
face the good in life and also the unfortunate things in life. I was taught to
have hope in life by watching their examples especially as both of them faced
terminal illnesses. It was difficult for me to believe at times that tomorrow
would be better as my mom died from cancer and my dad faded away with Dementia
over a period of 4 years.
Is it possible to have courage in the midst of real hardship and be
kind to those who are abusing you? I know that many today do have horrible
stepparents who continually put them down and treat them like dirt. The media
is so quick to put before us the anti-heroes of the day. The power of pictures
and videos that show us evil close up unfortunately leave an imprint on our
minds. I can’t fathom what it was like yesterday to have some lunatic go on a
shooting rampage and kill someone’s boyfriend? Can you imagine going to a
museum only to be in the middle of a terrorist attack?
The story of Cinderella brought to the forefront the impact that
courage and kindness can have on an individual when there doesn’t seem to be
any hope. How is it possible to be beaten down everyday and still choose to get
up with a smile and a song on your heart? Clearly the impact of a mom on a
young daughter can be everlasting. I have watched my amazing wife over the last
42 years be this type of person who can have a smile and a song come out in the
midst of tragedy and hardship.
I know that for many dreaming about a better life that would seem
like magic is almost impossible. If you have grown up with hardship and abuse
it can seem like you are in a prison with no hope. Yet, choosing to be someone
that embraces courage and kindness will ultimately impact your tormentors and
be your stepping stone to hope. The most difficult aspect of dealing with real
evil is not allowing that evil that has hurt you to become a root of bitterness
that controls you. We live in a world where revenge and getting even is the
clear goal.
The most amazing part of the latest movie of Cinderella is the last
scene where the prince is taking his princess away from her prison. The ugly
stepmother is on the grand staircase in disgust at her stepdaughter when Ella
looks back at her and instead of laughing or swearing at her simply says, “I
FORGIVE YOU!” Yes there is both hope for someone imprisoned like Ella but more
the possibility that the evil and ugliness of the world doesn’t have to keep
you down. Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools we have to change the
world. It would have been so easy for Ella to live a lifetime with hatred
towards the stepmom and stepsisters.
Hope is discovered by your choice to be courageous in the midst of
hardship as you show kindness to those that don’t deserve it! Yes, I believe in
the power fairy tales to help me dream about a better tomorrow! Go see the
latest Cinderella movie!
No comments:
Post a Comment