By Keturah Jones

“The Wizard of Oz” is one of my childhood favorites. I will never forget the first time I saw this movie. My dad told us to hurry and eat our dinner because there was something he wanted us to watch.
“Oh Lord, not another Christian program on TBN,” I thought.
All six of us girls sat on the floor in his room. As the credits began to roll, I was captivated just off the music alone – and relieved that it wasn’t TBN.
When Dorothy opened the back door to the house and everything was in color after the tornado scene, I was hooked. From that moment on, I wanted to be Dorothy. I believed there was an Emerald City for me to find.
As an adult, the movie still captivates my heart. Dorothy is a character that symbolizes faith and hope. She was not certain the Wizard of Oz actually existed. She just heard that there was someone who could help her get home, but her faith was so strong that she blindly followed a yellow brick road to find him.
We all have an Emerald City to reach. It may be graduating college, landing a dream job or learning a new skill. Unfortunately, there are not any magical red slippers that will instantly make your dreams come true.
I believe there are people we meet in life who will either help or hinder us. On the way to Emerald City, Dorothy faced hardship, but still pressed on with the mutual support of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.
Even after the fearsome Wicked Witch of the West threatened her, she focused on her goal. In the end it was her faith, friends and determination that helped her stay the course and get home. Some goals cannot be reached without the help of others, even if they are lions, tigers or bears.
It is a new year and whatever goals you have made, please understand that there will be hurdles. Stay focused and learn to enjoy your path and learn lessons along the way. Do not be surprised if the courage, heart, intelligence and determination needed to reach your goals lies not only within yourself, but others.