DJ showed us a clip from the movie The Wiz. In it, the Scarecrow begs the crows to let him  come down from his pole, where he is uncomfortable. He is convinced that if they give him the chance, he will be able to walk. DJ told us that as teenagers we often find ourselves begging for permission from the wrong people while looking for the world’s approval. The Scarecrow is clearly asking the wrong people for permission to come out of his struggle, and I do that too. Having strong faith and doing what you know God would want you to do can put you in an awkward position, especially with friends.

The next scene we saw helps explore this. The Scarecrow begs to come down from his pole and so the crows become irritated and tell him to recite the “Crow Commandments.” These include “Thou shalt honour all crows. Thou shalt stop reading all bits of paper and literature. And the most important one! Thou shalt never ever get down off this here pole!”

As silly as this sounds, we can often find ourselves following our own stupid commandments, like you must be in a relationship, stop snitchin’ and you must have sex before you finish high school. I have been presented with these “commandments” and have been able to recognize them as such. But not all of the “crow commandments” in life are going to be so obvious.

Next, the Scarecrow sings the “Crow Anthem” entitled “You Can’t Win.” Michael Jackson, who plays the Scarecrow, sings amazingly, and it’s altogether a great song as far as entertainment goes, except the lyrics proclaim that trying hard is never justified because in this world, you just cannot win.

DJ helped me realize we have to watch the songs we live by  and the lyrics we repeat because we just may become that Scarecrow.

After the Scarecrow finishes his song Dorothy comes and helps him off the pole. At one time or another we’re going to need a little bit of help too. But the Scarecrow’s next mistake? He tells the crows he is just going to test out walking. Unlike him, don’t apologize for being free. Once you have finally liberated yourself from other people’s judgment you have to learn how to continue living without considering what others will think.

We need to recognize the crows in our lives such as guilt caused by friends. After choosing not to attend a party because you know that there will be temptations waiting for you there, don’t apologize for making the right choice the next day. Jesus Himself was tempted, so we have to trust Him to help us through our struggles and decisions. Conquer your crows.

(Bennett, 18, will study Radio and Television Arts at Ryerson University in the fall.)