|
|
||
|
|
Woman to Woman God and the
Chocolate Factory
I love going to movies made for children because they usually have a moral and a happy ending. The original movie from the 1960s, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” was one of my favorites. It’s about a poor boy named Charlie who buys a chocolate bar with his meager allowance, finds one of five lucky golden tickets inside a chocolate bar, and wins a chance to tour the most wonderful candy factory in the world, the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory. All five children who win the prized tour are tempted by a competitor of Mr. Wonka, who encourages them to steal the secret ingredients to the Everlasting Gobstopper candy in exchange for many riches. During the factory tour, all the children but Charlie are horribly rude, impolite, selfish, and break almost all the factory rules. They end up being disqualified and leaving with empty pockets because of their misdeeds. In retrospect, I believe their actions represent the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, greed, gluttony, lust, anger and laziness. This sinful side can take over if we are tempted by evil. The hero in this story, Charlie, represents our good side. He represented the seven virtues— faith, hope, charity, fortitude, justice, temperance, and prudence. He was poor in material possessions, but rich in spirit. But even Charlie was capable of sin. He and his Grandpa floated around in the bubble machine after being told it was off limits. He was honest, though, and gave back the Everlasting Gobstopper to Mr. Wonka instead of giving in to greed and turning it over to the competition. This action is similar to when we repent to Jesus. We ask for forgiveness because we know we did wrong and are truly sorry for our sins. As for the happy ending to this story, Charlie ends up winning the whole chocolate factory and all of Mr. Wonka’s wealth because of his virtuous acts. Good conquered evil once again. Hallelujah and Amen! Like Charlie, we too can have a happy ending if we remain virtuous and follow God’s will. Heaven is our Chocolate Factory, and there’s enough chocolate there for all of us. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
About Kerry McGuire: Kerry, Hope 4 Mom co-founder, shares her thoughts in this monthly column as she embarks on a renewed spiritual journey to God. She hopes her words will touch you in some way. Mom to mom, woman to woman, let’s enjoy the journey together.
|
|
|
|
||
/indexH1.jpg)
