Robin Hood

Aren't we people just fascinating? I love how we are all so different and unique. I know there is the ongoing debate of how and why we act the way we do... are we shaped most by our environment or our genetics? I don't really care to enter in to the debate. However, I do enjoy hearing people's stories and understanding how their pasts have lined up to make them into the person they are.

As a girl, I wasn't really into the whole princess thing, or the wedding thing, or even the mommy thing. I wasn't really into much "girl" stuff. I have always wondered why. Of course, it is probably part of my disposition. But, I think there were other things that influenced me.

Recently, Brent and I stayed up way too late watching the newest Robin Hood. It was one of those that is totally worth a worn out day the next day. As a child, I was brainwashed by the Disney version of Robin Hood. Don’t you remember the ten minute introduction with Friar Tuck whistling and the characters marching across the screen? I guess I didn’t have any other VHS tapes or something, because that is the only movie I remember watching.

Well, after watching the newest one, I dreamed about it all night. I was a character in the movie and I was fighting for the freedom of the people who couldn’t. I woke up that morning with that movie whirling through my mind. Later I realized that I always love the epic good vs. evil stories. And, I think, it just might be from my love for the cartoon Robin Hood that was in me from such a young age. There’s just something about that brave central character who risks everything to save people. And, how they triumph through all the trials and persevere. Is it a surprise that the first Bible verse I ever remember memorizing is James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds for the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Now, what 8^th grade girl loves a verse like that? One, who grew up on Robin Hood!

In writing this post, I wanted to be sure I was authentic. I really scoured my brain to decide which movies are my true favorites. Here are some: I Am Legend, Seven Pounds, One Night with the King, Amazing Grace, Braveheart, and Lord of the Rings. In each one, that brave character perseveres for the better of those around him/her.

It’s clear that deep inside, I do have a dream to be that person. I want to be that for my husband and my children. I’m learning that the only way to be the brave character is the let the words of this verse transform me; “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests but to the interests of others. In your relationships, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5) I also want to be that hero to my friends and the people God’s puts in my path everyday. I’m finding that the joy and peace that are found in putting them first, is truly incomparable to any selfish ambition I have ever sought.

I have one last thought to share with you about that brave central character. The One who is the creator of story is that character. He put it in our hearts to be drawn to good vs. evil. From the beginning, He knew that Good would live a life of sacrifice for His people and pay the ultimate cost for our freedom. Now, all we have to do is trust Him and let Him do the work in us, freeing us from the bondage. As William Wallace said, “FREEDOM!”

"My chains are gone; I've been set free, My God my Savior has ransomed me."