Amy Hoffman
“May the Fourth be with you!” It’s a greeting I hear every year from many of my friends across the globe. What started out as a pun on the phrase “May the Force be with you” has become a popular day for Star Wars fans (and non-fans) to recognize.
“May the Force be with you” is stated in almost every film from the Star Wars universe; can you name the one that doesn’t mention the Force at all? This simple phrase is used to wish a person or a group good luck or good will. In the movies, it was often used when people were departing or when they were about to face a challenge.
Although some of the content in the movies would not be considered appropriate for young children because there is a level of violence and intensity that could be disturbing to children (and to some adults), we know some children will be exposed to the content and even become fans. They wear the shirts and shoes and they like to talk about the movies. I’ve been a fan since I was a child, and I loved when adults would share my excitement about a “galaxy far, far away.” Here are a few lessons that I learned (and am still learning) from Star Wars; they may provide good talking points for you when children start to talk about the series.
- Don’t let impossible odds hold you back: Every Star Wars movie shows people facing impossible odds. Sometimes they win and sometimes they don’t, but they all make their best effort and learn lessons from their experiences.
- A little hope goes a long way: Hope is contagious. When our heroes were facing tough situations, a voice of hope and encouragement always provided inspiration (like every time they tried to destroy the Death Star or when Obi-Wan Kenobi reminded Luke to use the Force).
- Don’t be afraid to try new things: What if Luke Skywalker or Rey hadn’t learned to trust other people? What if Han Solo hadn’t taken special passengers on board the Millennium Falcon?
- Find something to believe in and stand firm in it: Most of the characters (good and evil) believe in the Force and in its power; it plays an important role in most of the movies. I’m not saying that you should believe in the Force, but I am saying that it’s important to find something you believe in and that gives you purpose as you go through life. It might be something as simple as a child’s smile or something as complicated as a religious faith. Believe and hold on to that belief.
May the Force (Fourth) Be With You!
