I recently sat with my children while they watched “The
Wizard of Oz” for the first time. We ended up all wrapped up in a chair
together, small legs and arms all entwined, as they weren’t quite sure what to
make of The Wicked Witch of the West. We started a practice of sticking out our
tongues and blowing her a raspberry every time she arrived on screen.
While we were listening to the merry tunes and watching the
traveling companions make their way down the yellow brick road, I reflected on
what was really limiting Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. It was Lion that
got me started.
Towards the climactic end, fearful, scaredy cat Lion led the
pack of friends up the mountain to rescue Dorothy. Despite his fear, he was
brave. He just didn’t recognize it. His self-consciousness wouldn’t let him
admit that he was already courageous even in the face of danger. I said out
loud to my children, “See, you can be scared and brave at the same time.”
As I watched Lion lead the way, I thought through how
Dorothy and each of her friends had been unaware of the gifts they already
possessed. Even without a brain, so he thought, Scarecrow knew which way to go
to get to Oz. It was the first way he directed Dorothy to go. He also saved the
day when he realized that with the swing of Tin Man’s ax he could help his
company escape from the Wicked Witch’s soldiers. He had those smarts all along.
He just didn’t trust himself because surely a lowly Scarecrow could not think
of such simple greatness.
From the moment we met Tin Man, he exuded kindness. The tone
of his voice and kindness towards Dorothy and Scarecrow was evident, and
throughout their adventures he continued to provide them positive encouragement
time and time again. His empathy brought tears to his eyes. If that’s not
heart, I don’t know what is.
Sweet Dorothy…the way home was with her all along. She only
had to believe. She had to realize that she was running away from love. She had
been surrounded by family and friends who caught her when she fell, stood up to
wickedness even though at the time they felt powerless, waited patiently for
her return and joyously celebrated as she opened her eyes.
I hope and pray that
you find the positive inspiration you need to discover the unique and wonderful
you and that you recognize how deeply you are loved.
- Are you on a search? Who/what are the positive or negative voices of reason in your life? Are you listening to them?
- What gifts and talents are you not recognizing or accepting in yourself?
- What is holding you back from accepting and using your gifts and talents?
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