A Phineas and Ferb Approach to the Sovereignty of God

by | Aug 2, 2018 | Fiction Book Reviews | 5 comments

(I’m talking about a show on TV that’s ALL about summer break…since I just started back to my school job yesterday)

Phineas and Ferb!! All the WAY!

Story creating of any kind usually requires a cast of characters to really bring the narrative to life. Sure, there are VERY FEW monologues out there that might appeal to a subset of individuals, but for more mass appeal…and a more real-life feel, life is a journey with a group of people. Besides, a cast of characters gives the story varying dynamics and perspectives, and if done well, the characters learn, grow, shape, and build off of each other.

people-2569234_1920.jpgOne of my all-time favorite cast of characters (besides the Fellowship from Lord of the Rings) is from the wonderful animated series, Phineas and Ferb. (On a side note, I just watched Mission Impossible: Fallout and Ethan Hunt may be the lead character, but he still needs his team).

Back to Phineas and Ferb… If you’ve not watched it, I suggest you check out a couple of episodes because they’re not just for kids – they’re for the whole family.

Some of the things I love most about this animated series is the variety of characters, the uniqueness of each one, and how they all fit together so well in a grand example of storytelling.

Within one episode there are usually 4 solid storylines:

www.pepperdbasham.com.png1 – Involving the basic ‘classic’ team of friends (Phineas, Ferb, Isabella, Buford, and Baljeet)

2 – Involving Phineas and Ferb’s sister, Candace, who spends the majority of the episode trying to ‘bust her brothers’ in one of their extravagant inventions…also while trying to secure her relationship with her teen-love, Jeremy.

3 – Phineas and Ferb’s pet platypus, Perry, is also a secret agent who is trying to keep the ‘evil scientist’ (who is often mistaken for a pharmacist or a yard gnome) from inventing some device that will destroy the Tri-State Area.

scientist-762627_1920.jpg4 – One more side story involving either Dr. Doofensmirtz’s personal life with his ex-wife, daughter, or childhood past, OR Candace’s friends – Jeremy (her love interest), Stacy (her best friend), and Suzie (her nemesis who also happens to be Jeremy’s little sister)

The coolest part is that in some way or other, all of these side stories end up working together in unique ways to make the overarching storyline cohesive. It’s incredible. AND each character is unique, with their own personality to add to the plot.

Seriously, if you’ve never watched it, you should really give it a try. 😊 The parents and Dr. D CRACK ME UP!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL-tpkYLxY4 

Do you realize that our lives are like this?

There is an overarching story to our lives, but we’re not on a lone journey. God has interwoven different sets of people into our lives to contribute to the great ‘story’ He’s written for us, and…the even crazier part? ALL of those stories are interwoven together in God’s overarching storyline to make a cohesive view of His redemption from beginning to end.

craftsman-1839920_1920.jpg

I’m not sure what you think about that – but to me, there’s a great deal of comfort in knowing the ‘characters’ and their stories in MY life, as well as the situations or ‘scenes’ we go through,  are all part of a Master plan in the grand story of God’s love for His kids.

There is not ONE character out of place. And each are contributing individual parts to the whole story in a unique way.

There isn’t one mistaken scene. Somehow, each one is fitted into the story of our lives to mold, shape, and build us into what Christ is making us to be AND for His overarching purposes.

Somewhere in the big movie-making mind of a loving Father, each exclusive subplot braids into God’s greater purpose for each character.

It’s amazing.

Romans 8.28.png

pepper (1)

5 Comments

  1. Joanne Sher

    Pepper – this is AMAZING. I never thought of Phineas and Ferb this way (and the Shers are megafans!), but you are so right – and such a great analogy! You absolutely encouraged me this morning! Hugs, my friend!

    Reply
  2. Michelle Lunsford

    Enjoyed your thoughts on the power of story and character, and the comparison of that to God weaving his great story. It is a wonder indeed! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Tricia Dee

    Thanks for helping me see the “bigger picture” – I’m usually so buried in the details, I hardly ever get to see the beauty of the whole forest!

    Reply
  4. Jessica Baker

    Oh my gosh our family LOVES Phineas and Ferb!!!! What a great post 😊 I’m pretty sure I’ll never be able to watch the show in the same way again!

    Reply

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