Inside Out

My sweet husband delighted in the little girl in me and took me to see Inside Out yesterday afternoon. I was so excited. It was such a cute little movie and I just have to give my take on it.

//SPOILER ALERT//

The story is about a sweet girl named Riley whose life has been filled with mostly good, mostly joyful memories. But Riley faces some emotional challenges when she moves to a new city, new school, and new house. 

Her emotions are portrayed by Joy, a joyful spunky thing who is (mostly) always in charge and keeps Riley happy. Fear keeps Riley safe, Disgust gives Riley some sass, Anger is in charge of the temper and of course Sadness, well, sadness seems to never have a place and to only makes things sad...or so it seems. 

During the movie, Joy and Sadness get lost deep inside Riley's mind as she's struggling with all of her tangled and hurting emotions, which leaves Disgust, Anger, and Fear to control Riley's mind. (Yikes) Joy's main priority is to keep Sadness from ruining anymore joyful memories and to get back to headquarters where she can make Riley happy again. But eventually Joy realizes that acknowledging what's making Riley sad might actually helpful in making Riley feel better...

.............

It's important for our kids and society to realize that sadness is OKAY! Not every situation in life calls for joy and exuberance. Sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and even joy, all have their place. Kids need to know that their emotions aren't some freak happenings in their body, but a gift from God to feel and to have a heart. 

I'll admit there's been plenty of times when I'm sad that I make a list of things I'm thankful for. Sometimes making that list can be hard though. I mean, hard times are hard for a reason aren't they? Well, watching this movie made me realize this: when I make a list of things I am thankful/happy for, I'm not denying sadness or anger or any hurt that I may have felt that day. But I'm trying to acknowledge that maybe there can be some joy in every day and am choosing to hold it tight.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 

1 Thessalonians 5:18