Love and Kindness are More Powerful than Fear
Steve and I finally got around to watching “Disenchanted” on Disney Plus. It’s the sequel to the joyful “Enchanted” and we enjoyed it very much. The brilliant music by Alan Menken (one of my heroes) and the lyrics by Stephen Schwartz make the entire production a real delight.
The big “Eleven O’Clock” number in the movie is “Love Power” which is sung to perfection by Idina Menzel. At the climax of the story, her character reminds us that memories and the love connected to them are more powerful than the fear that is all around us. This was a message that really resonated with me right now.
It seems to be a very scary time, and we see fear everywhere we look. Politics has divided us into camps and tells us that those who don’t think like us are dangerous and, perhaps, even trying to destroy our country. This is nonsense, of course, because even if we disagree on issues we all want a great thriving country for our families and friends.
Unfortunately, many people are so consumed by fear that they now think they have to stop or eliminate those things which they don’t understand or which make them uncomfortable. Unscrupulous politicians prey on these fears by attacking the vulnerable for their own cynical gains. Drag queens, trans people, gay people, people of color, and all the rest are just Americans like everyone else, trying to live a happy life and follow their inner compass. Their existence and the way they express themselves are not something to be feared. Don’t stand by while these groups are attacked for political gain.
We are all better than this. The power of LOVE and KINDNESS is much more potent than this fear. Choose to be kind and patient and accepting. Speak out against this fear-mongering whenever possible. And remember that the power of LOVE can see us through this time.
I encourage you to watch “Disenchanted” or just watch the video of the song “Love Power” which was clearly written for Idina’s special vocal talents. REMEMBER what is possible, and speak up for those being demonized for political gains. We are better than this!
Tim Hinton
March 28, 2023
