Raise your hand if you’ve ever cried real tears during a kid’s movie… 🙋‍♀️

From Mufasa’s death in The Lion King, to Andy giving Woody to Bonnie in Toy Story 3, it’s clear that Disney and Pixar know what they’re doing when it comes to pulling on the heartstrings.

For me, another movie that makes the list is Inside Out. Like much of the world, I walked into the theater thinking I’d enjoy a sweet animated Pixar movie about emotions in my head, but left (a little weepy) reminded of two powerful lessons from childhood 1) change is inevitable 2) it’s okay to be sad sometimes.

We’re not even going to mention Bing Bong… If you know, you know.

The sequel was released on June 14, 2024, and it did not disappoint. If you don’t want movie spoilers, let this serve as your warning ⚠️ Now that our main character, Riley, is a teenager she is not only experiencing new emotions like embarrassment, envy, and anxiety, but is also forming her “core beliefs.”

This idea of “core beliefs” is how the Holy Spirit reminded me in my theater seat of my own teen years and the work that Jesus did in my life to form the core beliefs I still have to this day.

When I was a teenager, negative thoughts ruled my life. I would wear the same jacket every day in high school because I worried too much about how I looked if I wore anything else. It would take me hours upon hours to go school shopping because I was too afraid I would choose the wrong bookbag, lunchbox, or even pencil case that made me stand out or look weird.

Maybe like me and like Riley in the movie, you also have struggled with this idea:

“I’m not good enough.”

A belief like this can completely change our reactions, decisions, and identity. This change isn’t for the better because it’s fueled by a belief that just isn’t true. I still struggle with anxiety. We ALL struggle with negative emotions that evolve and change throughout our lives. The beautiful thing is scripture is so clear in telling us what is true. Take a second to read through the truth found in the scriptures below and allow this to start re-forming your core beliefs:

I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139)
There is a plan for my life. My future is good. (Jeremiah 29:11)
I am chosen. (1 Peter 2:9)
I have peace that doesn’t make sense. (Philippians 4:7)
I don’t have to worry about tomorrow. Or what other people think of me. (Matthew 6)
I can do hard things. (Philippians 4:13)
I am loved. (John 3:16, Romans 8:38)

There is a scene at the end of the movie where Riley has an anxiety attack. Her body shuts down and her other emotions are unable to help because Anxiety has taken over. But Joy steps in and says these words to Anxiety:

“You don’t get to choose who Riley is. Anxiety, you need to let her go.” – Joy

No matter what negative emotion takes over in your mind – anxiety, worry, sadness, loneliness – Jesus will always step in and give you joy if you ask Him. You are not defined by your emotions. Your identity is in Christ.

So yeah, it may just be a kids movie. But it was a great reminder of how the truth of God’s word defines me and nothing else. Emotions will come and go, but Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Next time you watch the movie, watch for my favorite moment that is so easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. After Riley’s panic attack, she sees light shining through a window. It’s at that moment that she remembers her core beliefs and anxiety takes a step back. For me, that light is Jesus.

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