a sea sponge, a starfish, and a squirrel 🐿
What do a sea sponge, a starfish, and a squirrel have in common?
If you guessed heroes from SpongeBob SquarePants (the Broadway musical) - you are correct!
I missed the whole initial Spongebob phase (craze?) and, honestly, was never curious enough to explore it.
When the local radio station featured a local theatre's musical SpongeBob production, I came to appreciate how a beloved children's character delivers a profound message for adults and children alike.
The story centers on how three unexpected heroes (each discounted, disregarded, and under-appreciated for different reasons) save their town from completely succumbing to fear (and from a volcano, but that's really secondary to the deeper meaning). 😉
(Spoiler Alert!)
When the underwater town of Bikini Bottom begins to rumble with the warning signs of an impending volcano 🌋 eruption, there are a variety of reactions. Science, creative problem-solving, and hope are quickly discarded in favor of panic, greed, dogmatism, and blame.
Longstanding members of the community are targeted as immigrants and "othered" - creating an environment of danger and hostility. The mob mentality takes hold along with desperation and manipulation. (Perhaps this story line is starting to sound a bit too familiar...and too real?)
Amazing what can be fit into a children's musical, huh? 🤩
Fortunately, that is not the end of the story. Those willing to hold hope and cherish one another ultimately use their courage, collaboration, and determination to save the day and help reconnect others to their humanity (umm - "sea-manity"?) as well.
The sea sponge, starfish, and squirrel were not the heroes anyone expected, but they were what everyone needed.
You may not see yourself as a hero, as capable of saving the community around you, or as what the world needs...but you are.
Whether you see yourself as a sea sponge, starfish, or squirrel (or none of the above...😜), your courage, integrity, determination, and stamina of hope and love in the face of calamity makes a difference.
Your willingness to…
Hold compassion above fear,
Speak for collaboration and against fear and manipulation,
Take action toward social justice, and
Include and value yourself along with all who are "othered"…
…is exactly what is needed.
You matter. You can (and do) make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
***If you feel deeply about social justice and want to continue to show up for others in ways you feel good about without sacrificing your own wellbeing in the process, click the orange “Yes, Please” button at the top of the blog page. You’ll receive a more personal version of this weekly inspiration, encouragement, and tips delivered straight to your inbox. (Your information is kept protected and would never be sold or given to anyone else - I value you too much to do that to you - and I know how I feel about that!!!)***
