Remember You?

There is a difference in remembering and becoming. We have all heard the term: "Become who you are", in many varying forms. But I think there is so much more than simply becoming yourself. I think 'become yourself' is the world's slightly tweaked substitute for 'remember who you are'. As the world progresses, as the world will progress, it will change and manipulate true principles to fit it's purpose. In comparing 'remember yourself' and 'become yourself', I hope to reveal the difference and that slight adjustment that has been made to a powerful phrase. (I will say, there is nothing diabolical in the phrase 'become yourself', I'm using it to make my point.)

It seems to me that when I see the phrase 'become yourself' it's like a 'fighting words' type thing rather than an invitation to actually be who you are. It's a show of defiance rather than a building block. It suggests selfish, rebellious, even rude behavior because you have a right to become yourself and to do that you must have a thoughtless 'me first' attitude. Or at least you're supposed to. If being yourself means that you are calm, collected, reserved, quiet, conservative, smart, hesitant, (you get where I'm going with this), than you simply aren't being yourself. Huh? Why do I have to be loud, outrageous, self-centered, and prone to moodiness to be 'myself'? (I know I didn't explain myself well...please, stay with me. :))

Luckily, for me, there is a perfect example of these different principles in the Lion King. (Thanks, Disney.) For all intents and purposes Simba has grown-up and 'become' something. He has the laid back attitude of Hakuna Matata. He doesn't have a care in the world about anything other than his own existence. And then his father comes...

In this clip, Simba is reminded that he is more than what he has become. Mufasa, reminds him that as his son, he is so much greater than what he has settled for in his life.

I have probably only ever seen The Lion King once in my life, but this scene has stayed with me for the symbolism which is powerful and also brilliant in its simplicity. We are also sons and daughters of a King who has sent us here to remember who we are so that we can do more than simply become what is accepted and encouraged in the world at the time. We have purpose, we are beings of kindness, compassion, loyalty, honesty, thoughtfulness, laughter, intelligence, love, and many things besides. It is far better to remember who we are first, so that we might become who the Lord has created us to be not what the world wants to make of us.

I have heard it said that 'remember' is the most powerful word in the scriptures. Today, I can only scratch the surface of the one application but as it is a fascinating and widespread principle, I'm looking forward to returning to it in future posts.

Now--this is a snarled mess of thoughts I leave for you now. :) Haha, but not to worry, I'm not so very concerned about the snarls as much as the fact that I got to use the word 'snarl'. I think it's a great word and it sounds lionish. Very fitting. ;)

Please remember who you are!

Yours truly,
Cordy

P.S. While writing this post I was reminded of this quote: