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