Walt Disney took the time to express in words how his commitment to his faith had guided the decisions that he and Roy Disney had made about their films, the theme park, the studios, and their lives. The essay was entitled “Deeds Rather Than Words by Walt Disney” and was featured in the book compiled by Roland Gammon called “Faith is a Star” (New York E.P. Dutton and Company)
The essay describes Walt’s study of Scripture, his lifelong habit of prayer, and how important his faith and belief was to him.
Here is an excerpt:
“Both my study of Scripture and my career in entertaining children have taught me how to cherish them. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield them from reality. The important thing to teach a child is that good can always triumph over evil, and that is what our pictures attempt to do.”
When you ponder the timeless nature of a classic Disney film they are loaded with great elements…good character, humor, drama, great settings, tension, and a battle between good and evil. Yet in the film there is an underlying theme of hope…that no matter how dark things look or how many awful things happen…there is a moment when good will triumph.
In a world that still needs “Happily Ever After” endings…it is faith that helps us discover that ending.
Walt understood that and he carefully allowed his faith and belief system to craft and create stories that have stood the test of time.
We all tell stories with our lives. What kind of story are you telling with yours?