Last night, I attended the opening of “Aladdin, Jr.”, a play adapted for young actors from the Disney movie of the same name. The play is a production of the Bluefield Youth Theatre at Bluefield College. The young performers put on a fantastic show and many of them were familiar faces – including our daughter, Mary. If you are anywhere close to Bluefield this weekend, be sure to see a performance. Spoiler alert – don’t read the rest of this post until you’ve seen the play!
As the play drew to a close, my passion for freedom was reignited as Aladdin used his third wish to wish for Genie’s freedom. The shackles fell off of Genie’s wrists and Genie was overwhelmed with the excitement of freedom! What a wonderful moment! This act of selflessness led the Sultan to free Jasmine to marry whomever she chose.
Jasmine chose Aladdin and her love for Aladdin helped him see that he was free to be himself. He didn’t need to be anything he wasn’t. He was free! A tear came to my eye and my heart exploded with joy as the play came to a close with the cast singing “A Whole New World.”
A whole new world
Every turn a surprise
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I’ll chase them anywhereThere’s time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
Freedom means something different for everyone. For me, freedom is love. John 3:16 starts with “For God so loved the world…” I believe God put us here on earth not just to experience His love, but to learn to love and be loved. In the end, what else is there?