The movie classic “The Wizard of Oz" celebrates the 75^th anniversary of its release and is now available on DVD.   The movie was based on the 1900 novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, by Frank Baum. Although the film received largely positive reviews, it was only marginally profitable on its initial release in 1939; however, it is considered by many critics to be one of the greatest in cinema history. 

“The Wizard…” is more than a story of Dorothy Gale, the poor little orphaned Kansas girl, and Toto, her little dog, and her companions.  Some people think that the message behind “The Wizard…” is that happiness comes from being content with what you have, with not making waves, or striving for something different, because these things will invariable come to nothing or be disastrous if you should somehow accomplish them; however, this is a misconception.

The true message does not come at the very end of the movie, when Dorothy is reunited with her family and friends and decides that there’s “no place like home.” It comes when Glinda, the good witch, tells Dorothy that it was within her power to get what she wanted the entire time.  “The Wizard…” is really a story about the power of our personal beliefs. 

Dorothy and her companions all wanted something they didn’t believe they possessed; therefore, they looked for someone in authority who had "the power" to give it to them.  They teamed up because they figured their effectiveness was greater together than it was separately. They were right. They were a real team with a common vision and not just a collection of separate individuals. They were able to overcome life-threatening danger to finally come face to face with the Wizard.

When they met the Wizard, they discovered several important things. Perhaps the most important thing they discovered was that each already had whatever it was he or she felt was lacking in their life.  It was their belief that needed changing.

The Lion wasn't really a coward - he proved that on the journey to Oz - but he believed he was, so most of the time he acted cowardly.  When the Wizard gave him a medal and reminded him of his bravery, he affirmed the truth of a new belief, and that was all it took. So it was with the Tin Man and the Scarecrow.  Dorothy could have gone home any time she wanted, she just didn't know it.  For her, the journey was a risky rite of passage into her own strength and her own heart.  Each of them had "the power" all along.

So you see, "The Wizard of Oz" can be seen as a wonderfully entertaining story about the power of belief and the importance of becoming our own authority.  All we have to do is assess our talents and abilities by believing in ourselves. 

Dorothy didn’t get home because she clicked some magic shoes together; she got home because she believed she could.  You don’t need a Wizard to tell you what you already know about yourself in your heart.  All you need is belief.  So in effect, you are the wizard.

Think about it.