FEATURE peace, Hope and Joy Come from Within
E veryone looks for peace in every aspect of life – in the family and career, in the relationship between employer and employee, among working colleagues, with our customers, and even suppliers, etc.
But finding peace seems easier said than done, particularly when undesired events happen in our lives. The movie, Trolls, recently inspired me to reflect on this.
The movie starts by introducing the background and relationship between the Trolls and Bergens. The Trolls are the happiest creatures in the world. In contrast, the Bergens are miserable and can only be happy when they eat a Troll. Once a year, they gather for an event called“ Trollstice”, where they eat Trolls and be happy for that one day. This leads to great tension and stress between the Trolls and Bergens.
One Trollstice day, Young Prince Gristle wakes up his father, ready to eat his first Troll. But the Trolls have escaped through an underground tunnel. Prince Gristle is told that the only way to experience happiness is to eat Trolls.
Just like the miserable Bergens, we often think that peace and joy come from the external – our environment, surrounding people, material possessions, etc. We seldom realise that long-lasting peace and joy come from
BY JOYCELYN LOH
within. More importantly, peace comes from God.
“ The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.”( Psalm 29:11)
“ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, against such there is no law.”( Galatians 5:22-23)
Twenty years after the successful escape from the Bergens, the happiest Troll ever born, Poppy, throws a party to commemorate their escape to their current home. The bursts of glitter and light, and the sound of loud music catches the attention of the most devious Bergen, Chef. As a result, some Trolls are captured and brought back to the Bergens Village.
Poppy could not abandon her captured friends, so she decides to go to the Bergens Village to rescue them. With her is Branch, the unhappy Troll. Poppy the optimistic, and Branch the pessimistic. The mismatched duo embark on a rescue mission that is full of adventure and mishaps, tolerating each other to get the job done.
We meet different types of people every day. How do we relate and work with them? Do we tolerate and embrace one another, just like how Poppy and Branch pursue a peaceful relationship?
The Bible tells us,“ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”( Romans 12:17-18)
During their mission, Poppy experiences betrayal and hopelessness, which lead to sadness and she loses her colour. The rest of the Trolls follow suit. However, Branch starts to sing and inspire them to regain their hope, happiness and colour. As for Prince Gristle, he finally understands that true happiness comes from within him, and thereafter, stops“ Trollstice”. Poppy is crowned the queen of the Trolls and both the Trolls and Bergens live in harmony ever after.
The Bible tells us to seek peace and not overcome evil by evil.“ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”( Romans 12:21)
As Branch says in the movie, there might be no rainbow and cupcakes all the time, but we know there are always peace, hope and love in God.
Joycelyn Loh believes in the power of writing and social media to change and influence the next generation by sharing the Word of God through various platforms. Assistant Editor in Family Keepers Malaysia, with years of experience in writing and translation.
24 ASIAN BEACON 48 # 1 December 2016- January 2017