WATCHLIST WEEK 5:

MOANA

In Moana’s story, we see a young girl fearlessly and enthusiastically facing adventure as she sails the ocean to achieve the mission she has been called to. But something important to note is that she doesn’t do it alone. Of course she has help from the Ocean, the one who called her and guides her along her journey. She has help (and sometimes hindrance) from Maui who fights by her side and teaches her how to be a wayfinder. She even has help from the memory of her ancestors—knowing that she is descended from a tribe of voyagers is no doubt a huge bolster to her courage and her passion for the sea. But my favorite character in the story (who I believe helps Moana the most tangibly) is her grandmother.

Moana’s Gramma Tala seems to be the only one on her island who believes that Moana should venture beyond the reef. She is the one who teaches the stories and legends of the tribe to the children, and she proclaims the prophecy of the one who will save everyone from the darkness that is spreading to their village. She loves the Ocean when everyone else seems to fear it, and she believes that Moana is destined to be the one to go and accomplish the mission to save the island. Tala is the one who reveals Moana’s family history to her, showing her the ships that her ancestors used to navigate to new lands as they explored the sea. It is Tala’s dying wish to see Moana fulfill her life’s purpose, and even after she is gone, her voice and influence give Moana the bravery and reassurance that she needs when she is at her lowest point, feeling ready to give up. To me, Tala is just as much the hero of the story as Moana is.

Moana had a calling—one that would lead her into danger and unknown territory, but one that would prove to be worth every scary step she took to get there. But she could never have done it without people like Gramma Tala behind her. Each one of us has been called by God to share the gospel with a dark and dying world, and it can be scary at times. Just like Moana had to step out into the unknown and dangerous waters to fulfill her calling, I’m sure that each of us has felt the fear and apprehension that can come with taking a step of faith into something that we feel God calling us toward. But think about how much better that journey can be if we bring people alongside us who can mentor us, pastor us, cheer us on, support us, and challenge us as we go! Let’s make sure we’re seeking guidance and help as we follow God’s call, but also let’s be intentional to come alongside others to support them on their mission as well! When we’re together and we have God on our side, there’s just no telling how far we’ll go.