Question Everything Disney Does

The opening of the Disney theme parks is coming up quickly. Walt Disney World will soon be a hub of activity with the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom opening first, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios later in the week. Fans out west at Disneyland (and I guess California Adventure) are not so fortunate. Certainly COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) has changed things! Including the moving forward of those highly debated plans for the character infused transformation of Epcot. 

The murder of George Floyd has revealed once again the racial reconciliation (and major changes) that needs to happen in our country. Disney has responded by announcing the change of Splash Mountain to an attraction based on Princess and the Frog, a noteworthy and very good, but not quite excellent, animated film. Fans on both sides of this decision are in an uproar. Some are celebrating the removal of a story they feel represents racist America at its worst, while others ask "Are animals racist?" When it comes to anything with Song of the South, seems there's no winning. As for me, as long as most of the Audio-Animatronic characters are saved and the revision is still excellent, I'll be happy. Still, there's no replacing Zip A Dee Doo Dah even if the music of the newer movie is really good.

All this points to a general lack of trust in current leadership, be it Bob Chapek, President Trump, to the World Health Organization. Everyone is suspect. And that is a good thing! We are a money and power hungry world- and our leaders often reflect those values. Therefore, we will disagree with each other when motives are suspect.

Unfortunately, it seems in our country and even around the world that it is no longer appropriate to discuss an issue. Instead the order of the day is to yell, scream, and slander, shouting names and labeling people instead of having civil discussion. Once credible news sources have now given way to inflaming disruption versus helping people to think logically. Why? Because it fuels clicks and viewers. Certainly our current and previous  president fall into this trap of creating further division. And we the people are all the worse because of it!

Are you getting tired of people telling you what to think? Wouldn't you prefer to be given the facts and instead taught how to think? Two very different things! The only real trustworthy source is God himself... and He is not Black or White. Nor is He Red or Blue. Check this out. These words inspired by God Himself were written over two thousand years ago, but they are just as fresh and just as needed today:

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5)

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All these words from the great apostle Paul in the New Testament of the Bible remind us to keep our focus on a God that never changes. One whose motives towards us are always for our good. A God whose holy standards are for our benefit and for the benefit of others. In Him alone, we can place our trust. 

The world is shifting proving itself to be falling apart. Will we respond in fear or faith? Will we represent Him or our political beliefs? Will we show loyalty to our color or to the God who created each of us in multiple shades of beautiful? The choice is yours to make. Question everything- especially what's in your own heart.

(Concept art copyright The Walt Disney Company.)