Finding Nemo with Paul McDonald and Corey Stumne
Finding Nemo: Contrasting Life Perspectives - Fear vs. Faith
In the iconic film Finding Nemo, the two main characters, Marlin and Dory, present contrasting approaches to life. Marlin, a cautious clownfish, lives predominantly by fear, whereas the friendly and forgetful Blue Tang named Dory navigates her world with remarkable faith. These divergent perspectives provide an insightful exploration into the spectrum of human emotions and how they shape our experiences.
Marlin's life is punctuated by fear and anxiety. Having experienced a tragic loss, he becomes overprotective of his only surviving son, Nemo, afraid that any recklessness or adventure will lead to further harm. Through his constant worries and refusal to take risks, Marlin enshrouds himself in a state of apprehension, limiting the breadth of his experiences and inhibiting personal growth. Marlin seeks to shield his son from the vast unknown and any potential danger that lies beyond their secure reef.
On the other hand, Dory leads her life with unwavering faith. Despite her memory loss condition, Dory possesses an optimistic outlook and a belief that everything will work out in the end. She embraces uncertainty, approaching each situation with an open heart and a willingness to take risks. Dory's faith allows her to overcome challenges that would otherwise paralyze someone fueled by fear. Her spirited nature instills a sense of hope not just within herself, but also in those around her, inspiring them to believe in possibilities they may have otherwise dismissed.
Throughout their journey, Marlin consistently confronts his fears, often reluctantly pushed by Dory's unwavering faith. As they encounter treacherous seas, perilous predators, and unexpected detours, Marlin’s fears are brought to the forefront. However, as Marlin witnesses Dory's unwavering faith lead them through obstacles, he slowly becomes aware of the limitations fear imposes on his life. He begins to appreciate the value of embracing the unknown, understanding that it is through faith and taking risks that one discovers the true wonders of life.
In the end, Dory's faith not only helps them find Nemo but also transforms Marlin's perspective on life. It teaches him that fear does not equate to safety nor does it lead to fulfillment; rather, it limits growth and blinds us to the possibilities before us. By breaking out of his comfort zone, Marlin ultimately finds newfound courage and trust, thus propelling him toward a more enriched and joyful existence.
Finding Nemo beautifully encapsulates the contrasting ways in which Marlin and Dory navigate their lives, symbolizing the broader dichotomy between succumbing to fear or embracing faith in the face of uncertainty. Through their journey, the film encourages its audience to reflect on their own lives, urging them to reconsider whether fear is a worthy and fulfilling companion, or if the path of faith might lead to greater self-discovery and serendipitous adventures.
Quotes
Nemo tries to find freedom outside his father and it leads to a greater prison.
In the belly of the whale, we face our innermost fears.
People who are control freaks lack faith, and if you lack faith, you will become a control freak because their core belief is that the world is not safe.
If we’re just gonna be like Marlin, we will have no role in the kingdom.
You will never be all that you can be if you are trying to make sure everything is controlled and secure.
Our call as Jesus followers would be so much easier if we had a little bit of spiritual amnesia.
The whale that Marlin is desperately trying to escape is taking him to where he needs to be.
Security is not found in control but in surrender.
The kidnapping of Nemo was used to restore Marlin’s identity.
Information plus inspiration is what leads to transformation.
Themes
The prodigal son (Nemo leaves his father and has to be rescued)
Character contrast between Marlin and Dory
Marlin: experiences great loss and trauma, believes the world is not safe and so turns into a control freak, lacks faith, thinks Dory is an obstacle and a hindrance when she’s actually the reason he finds Nemo, no one likes Marlin, he’s a clownfish named after a sport fish (a trophy fish, a fighter), constantly in fear of “What if something bad happens?”
Dory: true hero of the story, filled with childlike faith, not afraid of anything, joyfully grateful, everyone likes Dory, doesn’t need good results to be guaranteed
Marlin’s identity is restored through the kidnapping of Nemo.
Resources
The Man Called Messiah by Corey Stumne
“And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” - Jeremiah 31:34 (NLT)
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” - Matthew 6:25-34 (NLT)
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” - Romans 8:28 (NLT)
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 (NLT)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)
Questions
How can you live a life of faith in a world that doesn’t feel safe?
What do you believe about the world you live in?
Where do live a life of fear over faith?
What do you trust to keep you safe? What makes you feel secure?
What are the memories that prevent you from living in faith?
Where do we feel like “I have to!”?
What whale tongue are you holding on to that God is telling you to let go of?
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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
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