FORREST GUMP

MORAL: IT'S NEVER A MISTAKE; IT'S DESTINY

Many of us are differently different - so different that sometimes our differences are considered mistakes. I get it though, because why would God make some of us with no legs or arms? Why are some people visually challenged? Why do some of us have a speech impediment? And the list goes on; in fact, these are just a base of some differences that exist.

Hey friends, welcome or welcome back to another Moral of the Movie blog. I have the perfect message for you today, especially if you think you or your differences are mistakes. Let’s zoom in on this month’s movie; it is Forrest Gump, with a man called Forrest Gump.

The Netflix description of the movie Forrest Gump says, “A gentle, friendly man navigates through the major events of the 1960s and '70s while inspiring those around him with his perpetual optimism.” But the Moral of the Movie Forrest Gump is it’s never a mistake; it’s destiny!

This is a hard pill to swallow, but no worries, drinking water helps!. Let’s talk about Forrest - he had physical and mental setbacks; he had to walk with leg braces during his childhood. One principal told his mom he needed to go to a special school because he is not normal. But, “what is normal anyway?” Forest was bullied physically and verbally, but what if I told you he defied all odds, grew, and became successful. I know that’s a platitude, but I promise it is more interesting than I am putting it. Please watch the movie when you can (if you have not), and feel free to share your thoughts later.

In the meanwhile, I will be sharing two takeaways from the movie. Let me know in the comments which is your favourite.

1. YOUR DIFFERENCE MAKES YOU YOU

This is quite straightforward. There are approximately 7.9 billion people in the world, it would be lame if we were all the same. However, I will not act dumb to the fact that out of the 7.9 billion, a percentage of people’s differences can make life more challenging for them. Forrest Dump was always asked, “what’s wrong with your feet?” Sometimes he was called stupid but he would always say, “Stupid is as stupid does,” which means you’re only stupid if your actions portray such. That being said, your differences do not make you any less than and regardless of the challenges you may face or are facing, you can do so much and even more than the people who appear to be normal. But your aim should never be to be normal, I vote, be you. What if I told you, that Forrest, even with his challenges, was in the army? He was of the few surviving ones after a war; actually, he saved several people’s lives. He made a successful shrimp selling business, he was a famed runner (yes a boy that could not walk properly), and much more. He did all that and did it well without trying to change himself. He eventually gained love, fame, and money. No worries though, he put all those to good use! The movie did not make it seem as if it was easy for Forrest; he had his challenges, but he had love and support that gave him just the confidence he needed. So let me stick a pin here to say support goes a far way; treat everyone with love and care.

“All you need is an ounce of support and a cup of belief in yourself.” - Shanieka Smith

The point is, it is not impossible to be you and be successful as well as positively impact other people’s lives. Your difference makes you who you are as a person and without an identity, we are nothing, so drop the act and accept that your difference is a gift! God does not make mistakes so there is no way you and your differences are mistakes.

2. A PART OF LIVING IS DYING

You may be wondering how does death come into this. Well, death is different from life, right? (laughing GIF) Besides, we all would think death is a big mistake, especially when it is our loved ones who die. But, it happens because it is a part of life.

Everyone that loved and supported Forrest died: his best friend, his mother and his childhood best friend who became his wife. It’s crazy because you’d think Forrest would die first and crazier because though these deaths were painful for Forrest, he lived through it. Living in this context is more than just breathing through your nostrils; every death taught Forrest something and guided his life for I’d say - the better.

No, I am not telling you to ignore the pain that comes with death, I am telling you that you cannot allow grief to take your life away and it is not a matter of being selfish or caring less for those who have died.

Forrest said, “Mama always said, dying was a part of life. I sure wish it wasn’t.” Like Forrest, we all wish this was not the case but it is! But the reason we feel so much anger and pain when our loved ones die and even fear death for ourselves is because we have not yet accepted death as part of life. And I do know, as a human myself, that that is not an easy truth to accept.

Now, death and destiny (how dare I talk about destiny and death in the same sentence).

One day he asked his mother, “What’s my destiny, Mama?” She said, “you’re gonna have to figure that out for yourself.” As harsh as that sounds, it is true. And Forrest, I think, actually found his destiny by simply living and believing that nothing that happens in life is a mistake; it was all destined to happen. God does not make mistakes! And that’s an overall message for you right there.

For those grieving:

I wish you comfort and peace and that you move on from the hurt you have or are experiencing because of death. “My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on” - these are wise words coming from Forrest (well his mother) and I hope you will one day accept it and free yourself from the troubles of your past.

For those who think they are so different:

You are! Your difference makes you who you are and as challenging as life may get, cheer yourself on. Again, from Forrest’s mom, some words of wisdom - “You have to do the best with what God gave you.” You are fearfully and wonderfully made and your difference is a gift.

Now, for those who have forgotten: It’s not a mistake; it’s destiny!

I’ll see you in the next one.