One of the key elements that make Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings and The Bible classic stories involves them being so relatable.
The main characters having their origins in humble beginnings most of us can relate to. They rise from humble origins to accomplish things oddsmakers would consider impossible. Being able to elevate oneself in this way, is something most might consider inspirational.
Luke Skywalker comes from a poor farming community on a 3rd world planet to fire the shot that blows up an extremely expensive superweapon which was being used to threaten worlds of the galaxy into surrender.
Harry Potter comes from living in a broom closet under the 2nd story stairs to defeat the most dangerous evil wizard of all time.
Bilbo Baggins comes from a sheltered existence of eating pastries and drinking tea to contend with nightmarish creatures like goblins and take on deadly serial killers in games of riddles.
Jesus comes from somewhat humble beginning as a baby born in a manger with farm animals to found the world's largest religion and save humanity from its sins.
What I enjoyed most about these types of stories is the concept of people developing to become better. The idea that it doesn't matter who you are, or where you came from. We can all choose to make decisions that lead to us becoming great. All of us carry the potential to do great things, that we can be proud of. Its all comes down to our choices.
But of course, there is a minor speedbump along this road.
At some point we realize Luke Skywalker isn't the son of a humble farming community. He's the son of one of the most powerful, virgin birthed, jedi who ever lived.
Harry Potter isn't a poor orphan. He has a vault of gold which he inherited from his parents, and his family lineage is of the noble Peverell family.
Bilbo Baggins isn't the average hobbit. He is a descendant of Bullroarer Took, a famous hobbit who successfully participated in major wars.
At some point, we also might realize Jesus is a direct descendant of Noah and King David. Which could have allowed Him to claim a title of King of the Jews.
Thinking along this line of thought somewhat bums me out. On some level, it could suggest achievements, progress and change could be something of a birthright. Traits reserved exclusively for those with famous ancestors or noble blood.
But then I think about the Apostles. Peter betrayed Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed. Many in the bible who were not of royal lineage or descended from celebrities went on to become people who could be respected and admired for having chosen to be different from their past selves.
Choosing to become different and make better choices from our past selves could be one humble origins story for the title "Born Again". It could mean that all of us carry the potential to make different choices and become better than our past selves. And that we do not need to be descended from noble blood or celebrities to do so.
The main characters having their origins in humble beginnings most of us can relate to. They rise from humble origins to accomplish things oddsmakers would consider impossible. Being able to elevate oneself in this way, is something most might consider inspirational.
Luke Skywalker comes from a poor farming community on a 3rd world planet to fire the shot that blows up an extremely expensive superweapon which was being used to threaten worlds of the galaxy into surrender.
Harry Potter comes from living in a broom closet under the 2nd story stairs to defeat the most dangerous evil wizard of all time.
Bilbo Baggins comes from a sheltered existence of eating pastries and drinking tea to contend with nightmarish creatures like goblins and take on deadly serial killers in games of riddles.
Jesus comes from somewhat humble beginning as a baby born in a manger with farm animals to found the world's largest religion and save humanity from its sins.
What I enjoyed most about these types of stories is the concept of people developing to become better. The idea that it doesn't matter who you are, or where you came from. We can all choose to make decisions that lead to us becoming great. All of us carry the potential to do great things, that we can be proud of. Its all comes down to our choices.
But of course, there is a minor speedbump along this road.
At some point we realize Luke Skywalker isn't the son of a humble farming community. He's the son of one of the most powerful, virgin birthed, jedi who ever lived.
Harry Potter isn't a poor orphan. He has a vault of gold which he inherited from his parents, and his family lineage is of the noble Peverell family.
Bilbo Baggins isn't the average hobbit. He is a descendant of Bullroarer Took, a famous hobbit who successfully participated in major wars.
At some point, we also might realize Jesus is a direct descendant of Noah and King David. Which could have allowed Him to claim a title of King of the Jews.
Thinking along this line of thought somewhat bums me out. On some level, it could suggest achievements, progress and change could be something of a birthright. Traits reserved exclusively for those with famous ancestors or noble blood.
But then I think about the Apostles. Peter betrayed Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed. Many in the bible who were not of royal lineage or descended from celebrities went on to become people who could be respected and admired for having chosen to be different from their past selves.
Choosing to become different and make better choices from our past selves could be one humble origins story for the title "Born Again". It could mean that all of us carry the potential to make different choices and become better than our past selves. And that we do not need to be descended from noble blood or celebrities to do so.
