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Disney, Disney World, Disneyfied, Don't Quit, inspiration, Jesus, Keep Going, Keep Moving Forward, Walt Disney
I hear the term too often. “Disneyfied” they call it. A mixed up word used to describe something that is prettied up or possibly watered down. Something unrealistic. This brings me to my next person of inspiration. He once said “It’s sort of fun doing the impossible.” His name is known throughout the world and his trademarks take on their own identities. He is, of course, Walt Disney.
Many of you will recall my blog entry from last July in which I retold of my day spent at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The Most Magical Place on Earth. I walked into an exhibit in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (many will know it as MGM). The exhibit was titled “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream.” One may find it odd that I stumbled into a museum exhibit in a theme park, but maybe that’s why he was so successful? Attracting all audiences with different interests or diverse tastes. I stumbled into the exhibit, which would take me from Walt’s early life into his death and beyond. I walked with him along his journey from Missouri to his move to the west coast. I was with him during his success with Snow White and his opening of Disneyland. And somewhere along the way, I wept. I understood.
I know what it’s like to come from middle America without a working knowledge of movies, but a fascination. And then one day receiving knowledge that that is what you are going to do. To begin at small beginnings and to work hard. To fall down and get back up. To stand on your own two feet when you feel threatened. And while I haven’t made it to ‘the top’ yet, I have words of confirmation that put me there. Right now some folks have begun to doubt me. They think I’m just about to hit reality and wake up. After all, I haven’t produced a film since 2012 and I’m standing at a lull on what’s happening. But for those who haven’t lost faith, never fear. Like the proverbial phoenix, I’m about to rise from the ashes. Just like Walt Disney had to.
I don’t know much about Walt’s faith, but my understanding was that he was a follower of Christ. And you can see that in his plotlines. Happy films with distinct rules and characters which are clearly evil or clearly good. No one had to question which side a character was on.
So I ask you now what if ‘Disneyfied’ wasn’t a fake interpretation, but a worldview? An optimism to look out your window, awaiting the birds to sing. That no matter what happens in this world, you can do anything! What if “Disneyfied” could be Godly?
All photos were taken from Google Image searches “Walt Disney” and “Walt Disney Quotes.”