“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” – 1 John 3:16
Ariel has always been my absolute favorite Disney Princess. When I was a little girl, I loved swimming in the water, whether it be in a pool or the ocean. I would imagine I was a beautiful mermaid with long flowy hair and lived in the ocean in an amazing coral castle, deep in the ocean amongst my ocean friends.
Ariel is an amazing role model for young girls. She is an independent girl who has a healthy curiosity. Throughout the movie, Ariel is reminded that her father does not like her to go to the shore because she may be seen by the humans. In fact, King Triton forbids her to go to the shore.
Ariel does make some horrible mistakes. She trusted Ursula and paid the price for her inexperience. Ursula is every parent’s nightmare. She is a dangerous stranger who had an evil intention. Parents always warn their children about “stranger danger” but unfortunately Ariel did not listen to her father. Ariel was a typical teenager and rebelled against her father. Ariel found her true love and went through so much to finally be with Prince Eric. She did what many young people do. She did whatever it took to be with her true love.
As a young girl, I appreciated that Ariel did not always follow the rules laid before her. I am not condoning children breaking the rules or not listening to their parent’s heed. I do think it is important that young girls find out what their passion is and sometimes it is a troubled path to get there.
King Triton’s love for Ariel speaks volumes to me. Even though King Triton was furious with his youngest daughter for disobeying him, he was always there for her. He sacrificed his own life for her well-being. King Triton’s love reminds me that my heavenly father will always be there for me. He tries to dissuade and guide me from trusting strangers, or anyone with ill intentions. He follows me wherever my choices take me and is always by my side. My heavenly father loves me no matter what my actions may be. God sent His only son, Jesus, to save me. I know even though I may not physically see God or Jesus in my everyday passing, they are always with me. They are there guiding me, standing by my side and love me through and through.
– Jocelyn Morgan, Edmond Campus Director of Children’s Ministry
