A lesson learned from Shrek and Princess Fiona
Rev. Walter B. Klockers
In mid-March, the Basin Community Theater presented “Shrek the Musical” to patrons within the greater Moses Lake area.
I am very thankful for the talented troupe that presented this story. If I may give a brief review – it was wonderfully performed.
If you are not familiar with the tale, the central character, Shrek, is an ogre. In one of the beginning scenes he becomes greatly distressed. Shrek discovers a horde of “fairy tale creatures” that were banished by Lord Farquaad and ended up on what he considered to be his property.
Shrek shouts at them: “What are you doing in my swamp?”
Fast forward to when Shrek gets better acquainted with Princess Fiona, who becomes his love interest. At one point they exchange tough-luck hardship stories about each of their early life experiences. They do so through the song “I think I got you beat.”
They bond through the experience. So, “I” becomes “we.”
Each of us has a personal faith story that can be told. It is only natural, when telling the tale of our walk with God, to speak from the perspective of the self – from a “me and Jesus” viewpoint.
Yet, in this process, I believe, it would be beneficial to strive for greater awareness. Our lives are intertwined with others. So, if God leads you somewhere, those around you may be led as well. As such, it is not just your story.
One example: In chapter 9 of Acts we read of Saul’s conversion experience. Many would say that this account is all about Saul becoming Paul. The truth, however, is that the story must include Ananias to be complete.
The Lord tells Ananias to go to Saul and “lay hands on him so that he may regain his sight.” Initially, he objects because of Saul’s reputation as a persecutor of Christians. However, in the end, Ananias dutifully obeys.
When Ananias does go to Saul and lays hands upon him, he addresses Saul as “brother.” This was a huge leap of faith on Ananias’ part. He grew in his trust of God because of the experience.
For me, a personal faith story is actually less personal and more inclusive than what we might think.
Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.