Monday, August 11, 2008

Reflection

When you look in the mirror, who do you see?

As I type, I'm trying to see the keyboard through the tears in my eyes.

I'm watching "The Lion King" with my family. I've seen it a hundred times at least. I used to cry when Simba's father died, but that part doesn't make me cry anymore. The part that brought me to tears tonight was when Simba was looking at his reflection.

If you haven't seen this fabulous animated Disney picture, it's worth the rent. Here's the scene:

Simba is supposed to take his father's place as King after his father is killed by a wildebeast stampede. However, Simba thinks his father's death is all his fault and he is ashamed and scared so he runs away. He meets 2 friends who convince him he should run from his past, "Hakuna Matata" they tell him, which means "No worries". While this sounds good, the past catches up.

A wise monkey, named Rafiki, tells Simba that his father is still alive. He convinces Simba to follow him and he'll show him where he is. Simba is led to a lake. Rafiki tells Simba to look into the lake and he will see his father. Simba looks and only sees his own reflection to which he states, "That's not my father, that's only my reflection." And Rafiki replies, "Look harder. He lives in you." That's when I lost it. My family just looked at me like I was crazy. The tears started and I couldn't get them to stop.

How many times do I look at myself and only see me. But truly there is much more to me that what is seen on the outside. My Father is there. Look harder. He lives in me.

My feelings of unworthiness leave me in a state of hopelessness, just like Simba. My past actions tell me that I'm not capable of making a difference in my world today. My failures convinced me that I could never be a success and the world would be better if I just kept quiet. All lies.

The piece of me that enables me to rise up and meet each day with optimism and gives me the strength to keep going is He Who lives in me. My Father is there. Look harder. He lives in me.

The movie doesn't end there and neither does my life. (or yours) Simba's father appears in the sky and tells him, "Remember who you are." In other words, because of who you are and who lives inside of you, you do not have to run away. You are worthy. You are beautiful.

Rafiki the wise monkey then hits Simba on the head with his stick. Simba says, "Ouch! What did you do that for?" Rafiki replies, "It doesn't matter, it's in the past." To which Simba states, "Yea, but it still hurts." Yes, Simba, I can relate, it does hurt. But it doesn't mean we are to quit and consider ourselves done for.

Rafiki tells Simba that he can run from his past or he can learn from it. He goes to hit Simba one more time. Simba moves and doesn't get hit. Why? Because he learned from the past. Simba returns home to fight for his rightful place as King and saves his kingdom from evil.

Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see?

Look harder. Now what do you see?

Blessings,

Melissa

13 comments:

Julie Gillies said...

I LOVE this post, Melissa. I remember crying at the movie theatre when we saw The Lion King years ago. I've also cried reading books aloud to my kids, so I can totally relate to God speaking to me at unexpected times.

How true - my father does indeed live in me. And along with you, I am eternally grateful that He is greater than my past.

Cheri Bunch said...

Hi Melissa~
Could I post your blog address on my blog role?
Cheri

Cheri Bunch said...

This is amazing! I love the analogy! Thank you for sharing your heart in such a beautiful way!
Have an awesome day!
Cheri

Anonymous said...

Melissa,
Wow, great analogy! I have not seen this movie, but now I need to watch it. If we could just remember this on tough days when we just don't feel we can make it. Its HIS strength within us that allows us to continue.
Have a great week!
Sweet Blessings,
Margaret

Amy L Brooke said...

I love that part where the monkey hits him on the head. It is so very true. Too often we get caught up in the past. We can learn from it, but . . .

I'm not sure who I would say I see today in the mirror. It's one of those foggy mirror days. But thank you for helping me wipe my hand across that mist so I can see better.

Anonymous said...

Amazing.
My friend Cindy and I were just talking about who we see when we look in the mirror. Do we like what we see a lot, do we hate what we see (despise) or do we have milder variations in between, or one way or the other...
It was a great conversation. this ties right in...
No matter what we see, or think we see, we need to look again... see the Father in us, who loves us so much, who has made us so beautiful.. beauty from the inside out.

It is one, considering the stuff i am trying to deal with right now that I am really having a hard time with. I am finding it difficult to see my value and beauty inside, when I really dislike myself right now. I am working on it, I am focusing on God, I am trying to keep my eyes on Him, my head in the Word, anything to keep me on the right track right now. Its very hard, and I covet your prayers.
Thank you so much!
God Bless,
heather

Anonymous said...

Oh, I wanted to leave you a link that talked about value (if you haven't read it yet)

http://hkudla.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/my-one-dollars-worth-whats-in-a-name-7/

and I have a new post "a better country" that might tie in with this as well...

in case you are interested...
Heather

Michelle said...

I have been behind on all things computer lately. I checked in and read this and I SO needed it right now! He DOES live in me and I am gonna be OK. Thank you Melissa for sharing this.
Hugs,
Michelle

Dwanna said...

I have enjoyed reading this blog more than words can describe!! Your words are more encouraging than you know. I found a video on youtube that is simply amazing and I think that you will enjoy it too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me!!

God Bless You,
Dwanna

Joyful said...

Fabulous illustration Melissa. My mirror is kind of coated in a steamy mist today, but regardless of what I can and can't see, this truth is truth still.

Focusing deeper,
Joy

Sherritae said...

Thanks so much for the post. It spoke to my heart and the way I viewed myself. I was having a moment this morning with my image as usual and I started to hear those comments that others have said about me and started to apply them to myself the person. After reading your blog, I have a new look from the inside and I'm so happy that my googling paid off today. I was at work looking for a daily devotion and came across Proverbs 31 and have fallen in love with it. Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

We love this movie, too! We named our cat Simba after The Lion King. One line I also love from this movie (I think it's also when he sees his reflection) is when his Father says, "Simba, you are more than you have become" meaning that his Father saw Simba's potential when all Simba saw was his past. Love the whole movie!

Cortnee said...

melissa - you made me cry now!!!! Thank you so much for that amazing analogy. Crazy what we can get from a disney movie. Your right we can only move forward and not dwell in the past. When that happens we can become so great and see what God has for us.

thank you for showing that to me today.

God bless,

Cortnee