The Gospel in 'Inside Out'

Dear reader, 

Emotions are a fickle thing. I’ve never been one to explore them too much, but the story ‘Inside Out’ tackles the necessity of them all very well. 

Yet I don’t want to focus on the story as a whole. I want to focus on one character that paints a beautiful picture of the Gospel. 

Bing Bong. 

For those of you who have seen the movie you know where I’m going, but if not SPOILER ALERT…

Riley is an eleven-year-old with a head full of emotions. Joy, sadness, fear, anger, and disgust. Joy and sadness get trapped outside of ‘Headquarters’ and have to find their way back so Riley can feel those emotions once again. 

Joy and Sadness meet Bing Bong, Riley’s old imaginary friend, and He expresses his love for her, and how desperately he wants to see her happy. 

Due to a long series of unfortunate events Joy and Bing Bong are trapped in an unforgotten space, if they stay there too long Riley’s memory of them will fade and they will forever be forgotten. 

They use Bing Bong’s magic rocket ship to attempt to escape the chasm but time and time again they fall short. 

“Come on Joy, one more time, I’ve got a good feeling about this one.” Bing Bong smiles gently. 

As the rocket ship flies upward Bing Bong jumps off, allowing the vessel to get more umph as it flies over the ledge. 

I kid you not I shed a tear every time I see this part. 

The sacrifice of Bing Bong sheds light on the sacrifice Jesus gave on our behalf. 

Bing Bong gave himself up to be forgotten. 

Jesus gave himself up to be crucified. 

It’s not a perfect resemblance. But I urge you to look for reflections of the gospel in everything you consume. 

Let the Gospel be a regular part of your diet, and allow it to change you little by little day by day. 

Sincerely 

Your Fellow Emotional Man,

-Mitchell