“True beauty is found not in how one looks, but in how one treats others.” (www.auroremourette.com)

Have you ever met two close friends that are so different that you wonder what could they possibly see in each other? Accepting in each other’s differences is an overriding theme in both the 1991 animated and 2017 live- action versions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Here’s a quick, short summary of the story (after this break with part of the theme song lyrics):

Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small, to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared

Beauty and the Beast is the story of a village woman (named Belle) who eventually falls in love with an arrogant, selfish wealthy French prince (named Adam) who is turned into a horrible beast by an enchantress for his lack of love. He lives alone in a castle with his servants (who have been turned into enchanted household items). By the end of the story, the spell on the prince is broken He is turned back into a human because of his selfless love for Belle.

Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong

There are several life lessons that can be gleaned from Beauty and the Beast:

1. Dare to be Different: Standing out because you’re not like everyone else isn’t a bad thing. Embrace what makes you different, because it’s also what makes you special. True beauty comes from within; it’s all about kindness to others and selflessness. Life can be stressful when we are not involved in the purposes God made us for.

2. Don’t let fears prevent new experiences: Life can be scary. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone makes you a better person. Some people can look intimidating and scary. Once you take the time to get to know them, they may be kind and gentle. Nothing is as perfect as it seems, and that can be difficult to accept. We are all human that are interconnected with each other. An insatiable desire for knowledge inspires us to keep learning. God wants you to be the best version of yourself possible.

3. Banish the curse: Sometimes, you are not the only one who suffers for your wrong doing. Unfair as that may be. Adam and Eve sinned, and everything would take on a perverted, contaminated version of itself. God’s love frees us from the curse so that we can reach the potential He created us with. Love has made all things new again, and old things are passed away. Love is a two way street. God’s love for us does not alone save us. If it did, there would be no reason for Jesus’ cross. God wants our love in return. When we choose to return His love, we can break free from the curse. Life can return to the manner in which God intended it to be.

4. The monster inside me: I imagine Satan telling Jesus throughout His life how absurd to love parasites like you and me. God insists on loving me though I am an appalling creature who constantly makes mistakes. I am a disgrace to the splendid sovereignty of God. Praise God that He loves me anyway, and that He went beyond my actions to the real me deep inside. Many times, this world doesn’t always provide a happily ever after. God will help you survive those rough times.

“If Beauty and the Beast [is able to teach us] one thing, it’s that looks don’t matter as long as you’re a billionaire who owns a castle.” (@Millionaire_Mentor)[i]