I found myself, like so many other movie goers, quickly falling in love with the movie, The Greatest Showman. It reminds me so much of the story of King David, so I would like to offer some similarities in hopes maybe other parents can use these as talking points with their kids. I believe some of these are the reasons this movie is so endearing to audiences, and that are quickly turning it into one of the classics of our day.
1) The MUSIC. Music is one of God's most creative and wonderful gifts to mankind, and the music in the Greatest Showman is proof of the enjoyment it can bring. The melodies are catchy, the lyrics are far from superficial, and the choreography is phenomenal. The scores takes the audience through a range of emotions from anticipation to regret, from despair to elation.
King David's life was one also marked by music. As a teenager, we see him playing the harp to sooth King Saul. At the height of his career, we see "King David leaping and dancing before the LORD," (2 Samuel 6:16)
2) The UNDERDOG. Both P.T. Barnum and King David both came from humble beginnings. Both men also endured intense criticism during their lifetime and both overcame many obstacles to rise to success. There's just something in our human nature that wants to see the underdog win, and in these stories, they did. "man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
(1 Samuel 16:7)
3) The HUMANNESS. It is very hard to relate to characters that are perfect. What makes both these stories so relatable is the imperfections of the heroes. We relate to David because he struggled with depression, temptation, lust and laziness. We can relate to PT Barnum because he lost sight of what was important, and began to chase after the lesser gods of fame and fortune. These men were human, just like us. Therefore we feel for them and get sucked in to their stories. Many of us have been caught in the lies we've told to cover up our sins, and we can relate to the emotions of being knocked off our high horse and brought low to the end of our rope. We never intended to go down that road, and neither did they. Like PT, we have found ourselves chasing "someone else's dreams, the pitfalls of the [men we] became."
4) The HOPE of REDEMPTION. While these stories remind us that our sin indeed has dear consequences, they do not leave us without hope. When all seems lost, beauty rises from the ashes, there is life after death, and healing for hurting hearts. Forgiveness is available, and redemption is offered through grace.
5) The STRONG MALE CHARACTER. So many of today's TV series and movies have completely destroyed the image of men. They are portrayed as witless, weak, and wandering. This movie was so refreshing to see a man portrayed as adventurous, witty, focused, and strong. Yes, he was human, but he was also an innovative leader who fiercely loved his family. David was the same. That's what made their falls from grace so hurtful. When David got lazy and gave up his role as the warrior king is when he fell into temptation. When PT Barnum began seeking his own glory and best interests instead of his family's is when he lost it all. I believe our society has done much of the same as our men have given up their God-given roles as leaders and fallen into laziness, apathy, and self-seeking lifestyles. These stories restore faith in the possibility of strong, servant leaders who are "men after God's own heart."
2) The UNDERDOG. Both P.T. Barnum and King David both came from humble beginnings. Both men also endured intense criticism during their lifetime and both overcame many obstacles to rise to success. There's just something in our human nature that wants to see the underdog win, and in these stories, they did. "man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."
(1 Samuel 16:7)
3) The HUMANNESS. It is very hard to relate to characters that are perfect. What makes both these stories so relatable is the imperfections of the heroes. We relate to David because he struggled with depression, temptation, lust and laziness. We can relate to PT Barnum because he lost sight of what was important, and began to chase after the lesser gods of fame and fortune. These men were human, just like us. Therefore we feel for them and get sucked in to their stories. Many of us have been caught in the lies we've told to cover up our sins, and we can relate to the emotions of being knocked off our high horse and brought low to the end of our rope. We never intended to go down that road, and neither did they. Like PT, we have found ourselves chasing "someone else's dreams, the pitfalls of the [men we] became."
4) The HOPE of REDEMPTION. While these stories remind us that our sin indeed has dear consequences, they do not leave us without hope. When all seems lost, beauty rises from the ashes, there is life after death, and healing for hurting hearts. Forgiveness is available, and redemption is offered through grace.
5) The STRONG MALE CHARACTER. So many of today's TV series and movies have completely destroyed the image of men. They are portrayed as witless, weak, and wandering. This movie was so refreshing to see a man portrayed as adventurous, witty, focused, and strong. Yes, he was human, but he was also an innovative leader who fiercely loved his family. David was the same. That's what made their falls from grace so hurtful. When David got lazy and gave up his role as the warrior king is when he fell into temptation. When PT Barnum began seeking his own glory and best interests instead of his family's is when he lost it all. I believe our society has done much of the same as our men have given up their God-given roles as leaders and fallen into laziness, apathy, and self-seeking lifestyles. These stories restore faith in the possibility of strong, servant leaders who are "men after God's own heart."
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