We Bought a Zoo with Paul McDonald and Britt Mooney
Paul McDonald and Britt Mooney talk about We Bought a Zoo with Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. Some of our greatest adventures begin in our darkest trauma. We get to decide whether to follow the story of safety and security or the story of mystery and miracles. We discover that facing our worst trials takes courage.
Join us as we discover God’s truth in this movie.
Quotes
Benjamin’s main adventure is dealing with his grief.
We are all grieving something.
Our job is to take our Father’s inheritance and spend it on the people around us.
People are not a waste.
If we want a story of adventure and awe, mystery and miracles, we can’t listen to the safety arguments.
We think the problem will be fixed if we change our external situation, but we take our internal issues with us.
One of Jesus’ most frequent questions is, “What would you like me to do?”
When we are pursuing the miraculous, it looks ridiculous until they look miraculous.
God is calling us to miraculous, amazing stories.
In order to bring others into the dream, you have to get involved.
God takes us on these journeys, these adventures, to deal with what’s in our hearts.
We were born to be a part of an adventure that takes everything.
We infuse every act with eternity.
I don’t have a lot. But you can have what I do have, all of it. And God says “That’s enough.”
All it takes is us giving it all, and that’s why it feels like risk.
Some of our biggest adventures begin in our darkest trauma.
Benjamin is a guy who looks at trouble and jumps in anyway.
God says, “I’m your biggest fan.”
The problem wasn’t a lack of love from the father, but a lack of invitation from the son.
Stories make things real.
Living by faith is constantly jumping.
Themes
Adventure-What if the adventure isn’t out there, but at home? Some our biggest adventures begin in darkest trauma. Adventurous miraculous stories include grief and sorrow.
Responding to grief—immersion in work, risk-aversion, adventure-seeking.
Story 1 vs Story 2: Story 1 is based on knowledge, planning, strategy, safety. Story 2 is based on mystery, dependence and intimacy with God, looks crazy. Benjamin chooses stepping into mystery and unknown. There is no guarantee of success.
Israelites leaving Egypt: Story 1 was going back. Story 2 leads to the Red Sea.
The tug between safety/security and adventure/risk
Benjamin struggles with two lessons: How to figure out how to live without Katherine (when in reality she will always be a part of him) and how to reconnect with his son
Death always surprises us, and causes us to become insecure because it reminds us of our lack of control.
Investing in people never returns empty.
Facing our greatest trials takes courage.
It’s important to have 20 seconds of courage to step out in faith.
Resources
“Write something worth reading or do something worth writing.” – Benjamin Franklin
Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight by Britt Mooney
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” – John 3:8 (ESV)
“It feels ridiculous until it looks miraculous.” - Jabin Chavez
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
“If you receive a prophet as one who speaks for God, you will be given the same reward as a prophet. And if you receive righteous people because of their righteousness, you will be given a reward like theirs. And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” – Matthew 10:41-42 (NLT)
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have (perfect) peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous (be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy); I have overcome the world (My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding).” – John 16:33 (AMP)
“…We celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5 (NASB)
“God is a Person, and in the deep of His mighty nature He thinks, wills, enjoys, feels, loves, desires, and suffers as any other person may.” The Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer
Questions
How do you define adventure?
What adventures do you love to go on?
What adventure would you love to go on?
Do you find yourself taking the observer role or the participant role?
How do you respond to grief? Immerse yourself in work? Take crazy risky adventures? Try to start over? Avoid risk completely, pursue security and safety?
If Jesus were to walk up to you and ask, “What would you like me to do?” what would you say? Avoid the religious answer, but dig in to discover what your heart longs for.
Where have you played it safe?
Where have you looked crazy, followed the Wild Goose?
When have you wanted to give up?
What adventure do you feel God is calling you to? Where does it feel unsafe?