5 Lessons from “Frozen” I didn’t See Coming…

I’d been avoiding Frozen like the plague. A few bad Disney experiences, including watching my son hyperventilate when Nemo got taken, and well, “kids” movies aren’t always for kids.

But that’s not the only reason. The “Pharisee” (keep-out -all-things-not-blatantly-“God”) in me still creeps up. Thankfully God is bigger than any wall I’ll ever build around myself…

So after a long refusal, I finally accepted a nudging invitation to watch the film. AND I’M SO GLAD I DID!

I came, I saw, I conquered  cried…!

What a great reminder that God will not be confined to “Church” walls or “Christian” conversations. He’s far Greater, more Loving and too much Fun for that! He serenaded me once in Hema, and gave ‘High Fives’ with lightening one evening. (I share this because I want to encourage you that God is not only  Present and Real, but  way cooler than you could ever imagine!) *If you have your own God-glimpse stories, I want to hear too! We can encourage eachother in these times.)

When you’re looking for God everywhere, you’ll find God everywhere. And if you’re willing to listen with an open, teachable heart, get ready for an Outpouring…!

Here are 5 Lessons from the movie Frozen I didn’t see coming.. (heads-up: Major Movie Spoilers!)

1. Don’t hide (from) who you are. Elsa spends her days locked away trying to hide her gift. Because the gift is affected by her feelings she is instructed: “Conceal, don’t feel.” But–in my movie mind– God made something special when He made her, and the same is true for You! Every gift, ability and quirk you have is loved by God and necessary for this world. Maybe you try to hide (from) it because it doesn’t “fit” in your circle of friends or even in your “church.”
   

   But God doesn’t make Mistakes!

   You were meant to be You at all costs. Many will not understand or think you came in the wrong package (how you dress, how you talk, your gender, age, or ethnicity, etc.)  but don’t lose hope! God “Gets” you so Don’t be afraid to Shine!  The Rainbow Needs All Her Colors!

   
   

2. Don’t shut out loved ones. Elsa locked herself up to hide her gift in an attempt to keep it under control, but she shut out her loving sister in the process. When her gift was exposed she isolated (ice-olated, haha) herself in the mountains. She found freedom, but it was false. She was needed in the valley and missing a life of friendship and love with her sister and her people.
   
   We will be so hurt and so misunderstood in this world, but sealing ourselves off is not the long-term solution.
   
   Getting away can be good: we can gain new perspective and have room to be healed deeply by a God Who goes deep. But ultimately we were not meant for solitude. Sorry Jasmine, try again. Don’t forget (or take for granted) those who genuinely, unconditionally love you-even if there is only one or two. They may suddenly become great sources of strength or encouragement, or your bonds can grow deeper! If you feel you have none, know Without a Doubt that the Maker of Heaven is totally, unashamedly Head over Heals in love with you–with marks to prove it– and by your side, Forever.
   
   
3. Fear is a force that eagerly desires to Control you. Don’t let it! Elsa’s fear of hurting others paralyzed her. It seemed better to keep everyone out than risk hurting anyone. We can fear our abilities, our identity, the unknown… I’m afraid they won’t understand, I’ll miss the mark, I’ll do more damage than good…etc., etc.  The Lie comes: Conceal-dont feel...Fear Paralyzes. But Love Frees. Love allows you to try and mess up and Love picks you up again. Whatever “mistake” may come will only serve for greater good. How could it not when God is the Ultimate Fixer?”There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)

4. Love fixes Everything (again warning-Serious movie spoiler!).
   There were great flashes of love in the film, but Anna’s love for her sister shone brightest. She was willing to give up her own life to save her sister. It was a beautiful display of true, sacrificial love, a great God-glimpse!
   Through Anna’s sacrifice, Elsa learns that Love is the key to her freedom from fear. Love is also the completion of her gift.So it is with us… we can have every gift in the world, but if we do not have love, well, what’s the point?

   “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing…” (1 Corinthians 13)

5. Just Roll with it. Take a lesson from a troll! Don’t stress out or sink into depression when things go awry. Don’t beat yourself up with the precious breath God gave you. You may feel hard-pressed, but Diamonds are made under such conditions. Remember: Hope is not dependent on circumstances. Hold on and stay true to yourself: no one else can do that for you.

I’m so glad I accepted God’s invite to watch this film. Something I staunchly rejected became a blessing to my heart and a family favorite!

If God nudges you about something, even if it seems weird or makes no sense, consider stepping out. God might be trying to give you a beautiful gift…