2014 Lenten Devotional – “40 Days of Disney” – Day 34
Song #7 – “When You Wish Upon A Star” – Pinocchio
Despite earning the rare distinction of a 100% ranking on Rotten Tomatoes, Disney’s 1940 “Pinocchio,” was initially a box office disaster. The story of the woodcarver, Gepetto, and his puppet, Pinocchio, determined to become a “real boy,” has proven to have staying power, topping rankings from both Time Magazine and the American Film Institute. The feature song, “When You Wish Upon A Star,” was also the first Disney song to win an Oscar, and has since become synonymous with Walt Disney productions.
While the lyrics fit perfectly when cast against the narrative of Pinocchio, “When You Wish Upon A Star,” plays a theme that reoccurs often during Disney’s classic era. “When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true.” Truthfully, Disney doesn’t hold total claim to this statement. In fact, Jesus Christ himself desires that we all see all of our hopes and dreams fulfilled. In Mark 11:23, he tells his disciples, “I assure you that whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea’—and doesn’t waver but believes that what is said will really happen—it will happen. Therefore I say to you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you will receive it, and it will be so for you,” (CEB). We don’t need to wish upon stars, we simply need to faithfully trust that God will always provide for us.
Provident God, you hold our futures in your hands and you desire nothing but the best for each of our lives. May we trust in your plans as we embrace the fullness of life that is found in you. Amen.
the harlequin complex 