Finding Wisdom in Unexpected Places: Lessons from ‘Wicked’
In my Family Pillar, I find happiness in sharing the little joys from my time with my niece and nephew. This one started with my niece, who absolutely loves Wicked. One day when she came to visit, I bought it on Apple TV so she could watch some of it. I had never seen it before, but I quickly fell in love with the story and the music. Tonight, as I watched Dancing with the Stars and saw that the theme was from the movie Wicked, I found myself thinking about how messages of mental and emotional wellbeing can be found everywhere. While the show played in the background, I opened my laptop and began to write.
What struck me most about Wicked is how it captures the experience of being misunderstood. Elphaba is judged and cast aside because of her green skin and strong convictions. She is labeled “wicked” by those who never took the time to see her heart. That really hit home for me, because a lot of things about mental illness are hard for others to understand. People sometimes say it is just an excuse or a lack of effort, but that is a misunderstanding that does not define who I am.
Elphaba’s journey is also about learning to be authentic, even when it costs her acceptance. She chooses to live in truth rather than hide who she is to make others comfortable. That resonates deeply with me, because choosing to share my own journey openly and honestly took a lot of courage. That courage comes from my faith in God, and I know that sharing my story is part of my purpose.
The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda is another powerful part of the story. What begins as rivalry transforms into respect and genuine care. Through their connection, both women change for the better. I think about the friendships I have made in my own life, especially through church and at Valley Fitness. I treasure those connections deeply. Whether friends are still part of my daily life or whether time and distance have created space, I believe we all leave lasting marks on each other.
The film also shows how easily truth can be distorted when labels and rumors take over. The Wizard and others create stories about Elphaba to protect their own power, shaping public perception against her. I know what that feels like, because I have felony charges on my record, and the stories told about those events were not always accurate. I have learned how painful it can be when people define you by labels rather than by your heart or your growth.
Finally, the story closes with a sense of redemption and forgiveness. Both Elphaba and Glinda find peace by forgiving each other and themselves. That message means a lot to me personally. Despite the adversity I have faced and the shame I once carried about my record, my mental illness, and the labels tied to it, I have learned that redemption is real. It is possible to find healing and wholeness again. That is one reason why I love my Faith Community Pillar so much, because through Jesus, forgiveness and renewal are always possible.
Maybe that is why Wicked resonates so deeply. Beneath the fantasy and music, it tells a story about identity, courage, and connection. It reminds me that lessons about hope and healing can show up in the most unexpected places, even in the movie itself and on a themed night of Dancing with the Stars. I am grateful that one simple movie download for my niece sparked this reflection and reminded me that pop culture is not always a bad thing when we look for the right lessons.
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