The other day I watched The Lion King with one of my granddaughters. It was a memorable experience, because although she is only six she is a very perceptive child and she challenged some of Disney’s drama that did not fit into her understanding. It was an eye opening experience to hear her questions and be able to address them so she would not leave believing error instead of truth! One of the things she wanted to know was how could Mafouseh be able to live in Simba – how’s that for a six year old!
Although I recognize that we have to filter even supposedly family friendly films like Disney movies, I do like many of the messages in the Lion King and as we watched it together I was able to put a spin on what I thought was important. (I also couldn’t help but think how important it is parents to watch television with your children, instead of allowing television to teach your children what they want them to know.) One of the strong messages in the Lion King of course is the birth, life, death cyle that we all know to be a reality. We are born, we live, we die. What happens between birth and death is our life – what do we give from the life that we have? This is a question that I have asked many times of myself.
Everyone does not have the opportunity to get a glimpse of how their life is impacting others. During this time of my recuperation I have had a tremendous opportunity to see that everything that I have gone through has been worth it all! I have been privileged to witness my oldest daughter Neesha, assuming the responsibility of maintaining this website and doing so with love and excellence. She has been transparent, she has poured out her heart – she has done it, as I have tried to do it – thank you Neesha – I love you for that. But Neesha was not the only one who stood up – so many of my spiritual daughters and my own sister Tisha contributed – I can’t thank you enough – your words of life infused life into me and contributed to my speedy recovery!
I received another bonus during this time of my limitation. My granddaughter Kristen (Neesha’s oldest daughter) came to care for her grandmother. Kristen is my oldest granddaughter and I have had a great deal of access to her ( we live around the corner from each other) – but what a joy to have her stay with me, care for me, be my hands and feet, to love on me, as I have tried to always love my children and grandchildren – how could I not be healed! It’s no wonder that less than four weeks from my total knee replacement surgery that I am ready to run with the vision – literallly!
If Disney never does anything else right – it captured a truth in a moving and powerful way in the Lion King that the world needs to remember – we are born, we live, we die – but during that life, if we seek the face of God to help us, He will give us His character and His fight – and if we remember that we are from the Lion of the Tribe of Judah – and ruling and reigning with the King is our birthright – we will extend that legacy to the next generation and the next – and the next…
Much love to all of you,
Maria
Great message! Welcome back Maria!
Laurie
Hello Sister Maria:
As I was reading your article, tears began to stream down my face. We are born, we live and we die. What hit my heart was how we live the in between. How do we serve God,? How do we touch His people? How do we love and how do we really live? I place great emphasis on LIVE! Thank you for your article it was touching. It sounds like you are ready to LIVE. God Bless and keep you.
Sandra Camper
Welcome back, my sister, so happy God has answered our prayers for your recovery . We have missed you. So glad to read your words of wisdom and truth today. I love you.
My lovely friend Maria,
Your words of wisdom surely do speak volumes to my heart!~ I love you so much!!! (and thank you for your very precious daughter Shanna… I love her so much too!!!).
Once again God uses confirmation, as he spoke to me Sunday.. to LIVE …. and that I will. By and in Him and Him alone will I LIVE with furvancy and grace!
Maria,
Welcome back and please give a special thanks to all those who kept feeding us in your time of recovery. God bless all of you. Thank you for today’s word. Sometimes the Circle of Life feels like a treadmill, but when we focus on Christ, “every round goes higher and higher” as the wise ones used to say. We praise God for your life and ministry!
Maria,
I was so touched to realize that you were the author of the life changing messages that I read often. Even though I am sure Neesha told me when the introduced me to the website, it was not apparent until I read, “The Circle of Life.”
Of course I know about the circle and I have been reminded personally. Out of love and a sense of responsibility, I’ve had to care for my grandmother and my mother as they made their transition. I want you to know that it gave me as feeling of being appreciated. It was healing and cleansing for me. I love and miss them dearly.
Now back to the reason of this comment. When I saw Neesha’s name (not many people have that name), then Kristen’s name, I knew exactly who you were. I emailed Neesha and asked is her mom was the author and she responded simply …”Yes.”
I feel blessed just to know you and your family. Keep the praise going!