December 3, 2013

It All Started with a Mouse

On Thanksgiving, we took our girls to see Frozen.

What caught my attention most was what happened during the previews (because that's where the party starts). 

The theater was loud during the previews. Parents were talking and children were doing whatever they could to make noise. (Not that I'm complaining because it doesn't take the smartest person in the world to realize that a movie for kids won't be quiet.) 

However, right before the movie began there was a short cartoon that created total silence.

Everyone listened.

No one moved. 

The cartoon was black and white. We were at a 3D movie.

The drawings were old. Frozen was created with high-tech equipment.

There were noticeable differences in what we expected and what we were getting.

What we saw was not what everyone came for. But there was this brief nostalgic moment filled with a silent respect. Everyone felt it. Those three minutes before Frozen began were worth the $40 it cost us to see the movie.

Steam Boat Willie Christian GravyThe cartoon was Mickey Mouse.

If you know me, you know I love everything Disney. I have Mickey Mouse shirts, mugs, pictures, and stuffed animals. My office is covered with Disney because when I write, I find it's inspiring to be surrounded by the pure creativity that comes from that place.

At first it appeared to be an episode that they pulled from the 1940s. (Although, there was color and 3D elements added a few minutes in.)

The Mickey Mouse cartoon presented everyone with a sacred moment.

For a few minutes everyone's attention was centered on one thing. Everyone's problems melted away. 

Partly what made that moment was that everyone connects with Mickey Mouse. It doesn't matter if you are one or 101 years old.

Everyone in the theater was waiting for a movie to come on because of what Walt Disney did with Mickey Mouse 85 years ago. Walt said it best when he said, "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." That's pretty amazing to think about!

The whole experience reminded me of how there is power in a good story. Everyone knew how the Mickey Mouse cartoon was going to end. The plot didn't surprise anyone, but it was still powerful.

Perry Noble has pointed out that Walt Disney changed the world with a mouse, and the church has so much more in Jesus Christ.

Just think how the church can (and does) connect with people because of Jesus.

There's power in a good story, and the gospel is more powerful than just any good story. It's good news that has the power to change lives forever.

Just like any old cartoon with Mickey Mouse, there's no need in trying to make Jesus more interesting. He can't be made any more interesting. You don't have to surprise people with fresh stories about Jesus (only the Holy Spirit does that).

You need to fall in love with the storyline of Jesus all over again.

Sure you know them already.

More than likely, you can't be surprised with a new story.

But those stories are sacred and have and can continue to change your life.

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