Although the newest and (supposedly) final chapter of the Toy Story saga has inspired this opening post, I hope to share much more than pop culture in the weeks and months to come. But...this film deserves a nod. Not only did I find myself a little emotional during the movie's third act, but also a little reflective. The creative/writing team behind this film did much more than invite us into a "goodbye" to our beloved characters...they caused us to reflect on our own lives throughout the years. Several times I've heard other viewers state, "I remember where I was in life when the first Toy Story was released."
Personally, I'll never forget viewing the first adventure of Andy's toys when I was a first year college student. Watching that first film with my Mom was a treasured moment since she would only be on this earth a couple more years past that point. The next chapter was released the year I married my high school sweetheart. And now...11 years and 3 kids later, I watched with my sons...a bittersweet tale of heroism, friendship, community and...letting go. That's the message I carried in my soul from the theater as my sons and I talked about the movie. It's all about letting go...
Although I know that there are layered themes in any given movie, I took away the truth that we all struggle with worshiping the "glory days." I am tempted (and often give in) to desperately clutch the way of life that is most familiar and most comfortable. Some days I feel that if I open my fist and let go...then my identity and my lifestyle are threatened. But that's just it...they are! Both my identity AND lifestyle must be changed in order to walk with Jesus in faith. My identity must be wrapped around the Messiah and my lifestyle must be adjusted to the Cross...not my comfort.
One reviewer of Toy Story 3 stated that the film, "isn’t some last-ditch cash grab ...this is a fitting and moving final chapter that takes the premise of the first movie to its logical conclusion." If we are following a God that takes great risks to reveal His great glory...then I must move to the logical conclusion...letting go and follow with radical abandon. After all, "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see" (Heb. 11:1).
Amazing isn't it? A movie about a bunch of plastic characters have taught me what it may look like to not only "let go," but to willingly embrace the risky future of following Jesus. For one rare moment, we as the church can take a cue from Hollywood. Thanks, Woody. Thanks, Buzz.
