So, I super love the movie Moana. Not only is it a really well done movie, but it also deeply resonates with me. I love water, particularly the ocean. I feel like the journey Moana goes on I feel is very applicable to the things that we have to go through in our own personal journeys in life. I could rant about this for awhile, but I'll just pick one particular thing in particular - warning, if you haven't seen Moana yet and you hate knowing things about plots before watching a movie, this post will likely spoil some things for you. But, I mean, it's a Disney movie, so it's pretty predictable. Read on at your risk.
Before I talk more about Moana, I want to talk about this dude named Moses. I'm sure that you've heard of him before. Freed the children of Israel from the Pharoah, then wandered around in the wilderness for 40 years. He broke some norms to get things done and he had to overcome some fears and weaknesses to answer God's call. My favorite story is when he speaks with God face to face. This experience showed him who he truly was and what his destiny was. Right after this experience, Satan comes and tempts him. Moses' response? "Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten." And then he told Satan to beat it. And then as Satan persisted, trying to tempt him and shake his faith two more times, he continued telling Satan to get the heck out of there because Satan was nothing.
The reason why I love this story so much is because Moses found his strength in remembering who he was and what his heritage was. A Son of God! That meant he could freaking do anything, especially when called upon by God. Moses faced Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea, smote a rock so that water would come forth, spoke and led despite his weakness of speech, and freaking faced off with Satan and came off conqueror! Why? Because Moses remembered who he was.
Ok, so let's bring this back to Moana. My FAVORITE scene of the entire movie is this one (This is where the spoilers start):
Moana is faced with her Satan. She has been left alone and she is trying to answer the call given to her, but she is feeling lost. She has all but given up, but then she is visited by a spirit, who reminds her of who she is. As Moana remembers who she is, where she came from, and where her call comes from, she realizes that she can do what is required of her. Why? Because she is Moana! That is reason enough. Her strength and ability comes from who she is, where she has been, and where she is from. It is the same for us.
I identify greatly with Moana, because I have felt a call from within me. I have no freaking idea how to do it. I have no idea where it's going to lead me. I don't really know where to go, how to get there, and what I need to do. This week, particularly, I've been feeling lost and confused. Discouraged, alone, and like I couldn't quite answer the call that I had been given.
But, guess what, guys. I am Beth Ann Root. And that means something! Not only am I a Root (which, we're all pretty freaking incredible) but I am a daughter of God. With His help, I have already accomplished great things. I might not have navigated a canoe across the ocean and battled monsters, but I have traveled hundreds of miles for the purpose of helping others. I have fought against temptations, inner demons, and jerk-faces who tried to bring me down.
I might not know exactly where I'm going or where this journey will lead me, but I know how to get there - by following the Spirit. I am a wayfinder, because as I journey across my own ocean and treacherous waters, I have my own stars that I am following. At times, it might seem like I am alone, but I will never be alone - just as Moana learned she could keep her loved one in her heart.
So, today, I boldly say: I am Beth! Watch me answer my call.
Now, you go and do the same. :)
