The funny part about all of my thoughts in this "series" of posts is my discovery that started after watching Kung Fu Panda II in theaters with the family. Oddly enough, God really spoke to me through it. Check out this teaser trailer clip....
I totally adore the heart Po has. He constantly speaks of justice, never giving up, persevering, fighting for the truth, and never being defeated. He is nothing compared to the “fantastic five” (five experienced warriors). He doesn't have ten decades of intense training to be all tough...in fact he is barely tough at all...I know this sounds weird and all, considering it's Jack Black, and an animated panda, but He does have a quality I admire. That clip is kind of silly - however the first bit just happens to be the core meaning of my thinking here….
“my fist hungers for justice!”{Then stomach growls}.
This is what I wish! Our fists hungry for justice! Desiring the glory and asking for it!
After being revealed to the many lessons within this movie, I decided to watch the first one all the way through. Nothing BUT inspiration has developed from it! Hahaha, my goodness, who would have thought of such a thing! Really though, I am not just making it up, nor joking around. The movie provides an ironic inspiration. Check out one more clip! (it's a long one, but you can skip the credits!)
This final scene shows all that Po has learned about his strength. Po is birthed into being just a “nobody”, and then grows up without the feeling of having a purpose. Yet, when it is declared that he is the "dragon warrior", with that, he is given a purpose. Many characters in the movie doubt the calling of his life, and do not see the potential that is within him. However, through the tension of training Po is steadfast!
Through an unplanned moment, the kung fu master discovers that Po’s strength = hunger! I mean, logically, he is a panda – so he eats! The greatest training Po went through was fighting for a pile of dumplings. His passion and consistency to be great at kung fu, PLUS his hunger – reveals his true power. Through his hunger for food, he discovered strength he didn’t know he could have! And the other characters couldn’t believe their eyes! Po defeated the "unbeatable" Ty-long, by simply picturing the scroll to be a dumpling, and going after it with his hunger. Ultimately, what was thought to be Po's weakness is actually is strength. He doesn't fall - he bounces! He uses his cool-awesomeness to do the unthinkable secret move (wooshoo finger)! So intense!
This is WAY cool! If you haven’t seen the movie before, go rent it, watch it, reflect it, and repeat! That scene also reveals the truth about the scroll, the power comes from within the warrior. Also, the moment when his father says "that's my Son!". Such a proud moment for the two of them! Maybe I’m just weird, but it has a lot of meaning -and it isn’t loaded with too much adult humor like many other animations - which is a plus!!)
Maybe it isn’t obvious? Let me explain: we all hold a position in the Kingdom of God. A place to belong. Where do we find that belonging?? In our desires! From the hunger we can put into play our passions, and character traits. It isn’t just our skill that makes us great, it is simply our desire to do great for the glory of the Lord. The desire for more of God leads us to respond to Him. For when we are submissive to God, and invest in love, He teaches us how to reflect His Son, and go about the great commission.
One of the crucial things that truly shaped the beginning of my faith was the understanding that all humans hold a desire for God. The Lord created us for the relational aspect. He is the Maker after all! He intended that we would have a place for Him, I fully believe this. No matter what psychological structure exist, every person holds a place for the relationship with our Creator. Even though there is a good number of "gods" out in our world, and even with the many things that humans use to try to fill that space with something else - the desire of satisfaction is present! It can truly only be quenched by God alone! The desire of belonging can ONLY be found in Jesus Christ.
Now, realizing this place of longing, is just the beginning.......the rest of the way is found by simply allowing the hunger to take hold of us. The desire grows continuously, like any other healthy relationship!
A hunger to know God
A thirst for the Spirit to relate to our souls
And a search of our home in Jesus
– This is the wanting of our heart, the ultimate desire for our Lover. This carries us away to a complete life with Him saying "you are mine; you belong with Me."
I cannot even describe the song that has totally pumped me up, just take Show Me Your Glory all in for yourself! (the link is 11 minuets – but be sure to take time to really soak it in, SO good!)
