We all had been patiently waiting for the new Disney princess movie, Moana, to come out. Now the film is known as the best animated feature, but did it reach our expectations? I can't speak for anyone else except myself, and my answer is no.
It didn't reach my expectations, it went way beyond that.
For a Disney film I expected some kind of prince charming to show up. He didn't. I was reading some articles on the creation of the film and the directors didn't want to focus on Moana finding a guy. Instead, they wanted to focus on Moana finding herself.
As much as I love a good love story, I enjoyed the focus of finding oneself. Something we can all relate too.
Being a Christian I was a little cynical watching a film about other gods, but I softened my heart and let God speak to me through the film.
Moana struggled between pleasing her parents and doing what they wanted instead of following a call that was put on her heart.
We are people pleasers. Maybe not always to our parents but to those around us. We want people to be happy with us, to like us, to be proud of us. But sometimes what God calls of us, isn't what others like.
My best friend is a great example of this.
God has called her to back to Australia, and told her to get a one way ticket. He hasn't told her why and a lot of the time He won't. However, He will tell you to trust Him. Her family doesn't understand, which leads them to a lot of fear for her. Fear shows that they care, but sometimes, that fear makes things harder in listening to that call on your heart.
Moana's dad was the same way. He wanted her to stay on the shore where he knew it was safe. He had experienced the terrible strength of the ocean and didn't want his daughter to experience it. He didn't want to lose her, he was scared. But Moana's call to step out onto the waters of the ocean was so much stronger than any fear her dad had for her and any fear she might have been experiencing.
Sometimes, the passion for the call on your heart has to be bigger than any fear people might have for you, or any fear you might have.
God has called you onto the water, just like when He asked Peter to step out of the boat. Those waters God has called you onto could be anything. A one way trip to Australia. Starting a worship night in your community. Children's Ministry. Teaching a sermon.
What is your calling?
Are you going to stay on the shore when God has called you much deeper?
Will you just stare at the edge of the water or are you going to walk forward and trust Him?
