Lessons Learned from "Tangled"

If you know the movie, Tangled, you'll understand this email. Personally, I have come to really love that movie. I find it ironic that I don't own in. But when Julie comes over, I watch it over and over again. :) These are the truths I've found portrayed in the movie. (This is like a Lion King moment!)


God makes gifts for the use of all. How we use these talents (whether hiding, using for gain, using to help, etc.) determines our inner character. (The flower made from the drop of sunlight)

We are the children of a King and Queen. (Rapunzel's heritage)

Satan will use our insecurities and weakness to keep us from venturing out to find truth. (Gothel's "Mother knows best" song)

God will always reach out to us, helping us to find courage to stand for the truth. (lanterns)

Satan will use my strengths and gifts to his own selfish ends. (Gothel's use of Rapunzel's hair)

Satan is jealous of me. (Gothel of Rapunzel and her hair)

God will provide a way for things to work out when we're doing our best. (Rapunzel's whole journey)

Satan will try to get us to think the world is dark, cruel, and selfish. (Gothel's 'comforting' of Rapunzel when they're back at the tower)

God will show us the good in everyone and every situation. (Rapunzel's whole journey)

If we are kind and good, most people are willing to help us. (The townspeople and 'thugs')

We can make a positive difference in the world. (Rapunzel)

Satan is never too far behind, and he's always scheming. (Gothel)

Satan will mimic truth. (Gothel goes by 'mother.' Gothel 'rescues' Rapunzel and hugs her)

God will enlighten our minds with inspiration and we will recognize the truth because it is familiar to us. (Rapunzel's realization of who she was)

When we stand up for the truth, Satan will try to lull us back using similar tactics. If those fail to entice us, he will try much harder, and a little more direct, showing his true nature. ("You want me to be the bad guy? Fine, now I'm the bad guy.")

Making deals with the devil doesn't work out for anyone's benefit. (Rapunzel makes the deal that if Gothel will let her heal Eugene, she'll go with her --a captive forever. Eugene is then chained in place before Rapunzel is allowed to come near him. Even if she heals him, Eugene would be stuck and probably die in the tower, and Rapunzel would be a captive and unhappy the rest of her life.)

We need to cut ourselves loose from the devil in order to be truly free and happy. We need to stop listening and become who we really are. Without our consent, he has no power over us. (the cutting of the hair, Gothel becoming old and... nothing)

We do our greatest good when we are focused on others. (Eugene is healed)

There is no greater happiness than in a family unit. (Reuniting Rapunzel with her parents)

God does not imitate. He is the real thing and his truth is right, feels right, and gives us peace. Nothing compares to it! (Reuniting Rapunzel with her parents)

We must rise to our potential. Gordon B. Hinckley said, "Mediocrity will never do. You are capable of something better." (Rapunzel taking her place as princess. Eugene letting go of his past life and becoming more)

We can all change. We can all make a positive difference in the world. (Rapunzel and Eugene both changed a lot. And now their world is bigger than just themselves)

So, there you go! It is my theory that we all love Disney Princess Stories because they have a lot of truth in them. And yes, there is a Happily Ever After (Deiter F. Uchtdorf), but only after we do our part. And if you watch any of those wonderful movies, (or have lived life) you know, it is not easy! But it is DEFINITELY worth it!