The Wisdom of the Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved movies of generations. In 1956 it was shown on network television and every year since then. These days it is shown on a cable or satellite channel. This has been one of my favorite movies since childhood. The following quotes are as timely today as they were when it came to the big screen when my parents were children.

"Oh, what a world, what a world!" This line by the Wicked Witch played by character actress Margaret Hamilton sure says a lot. The wretched old thing had it right, this is 'what a world'. The agony in her voice is reflected today when I see the terrible things people do to one another.

"There's no place like home". Judy Garland as Dorothy Gayle repeated this mantra with the assistance of Glynda the good witch played by the beautiful Billie Burke. There is no place like home if you are blessed to have a comforting happy one.

'Have a little courage, will you!" Zeke the farm hand who later came forward as the Cowardly Lion was played by Bert Lahr. This is a great quote that we all could whisper under our breath when faced with something intimidating. I know I should.

"The dreams that you dare to dream really do come true" This is an excerpt from the song that was at one time cut from the movie. "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is the song that always brings Judy Garland to mind. E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen wrote this beautiful song that speaks to the heart of anyone that looks for the possibility of a place that is everything good. We all have dreams we dream and maybe if we have a little courage we can make them really come true.

"I'll get you my pretty, and your little dog too." I think this is one of the most quoted lines from the movie. I've heard it on TV shows, in conversations and have said it myself more than once. I caught myself saying it to our dog a few weeks ago.

"Some people without a brain do an awful lot of talking." That brainless Scarecrow played by the amazing Ray Bolger truly proves to be very wise. He doesn't have to take time out to think, he speaks from the heart. I love this line and could apply it in so many directions, politics, religion, business management and so much more. I'll leave it at that.

"Who would have thought that a little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness." That's our Margaret Hamilton Wicked Witch again. I think those who thrive on being the worst are stunned when the little, supposed weak ones expose and destroy them. Wickedness comes in so many forms, prejudice, crime and deceit are just a few.

"If you were really great and powerful you'd keep your promises!" Judy Garland as Dorothy admonishes the Wizard of Oz. I'm asking you, can you think of anything better any of us could ask of Presidents, politicians and people in leadership positions?

"Now I know I've got a heart 'cause it's breaking." Jack Haley was a classy Tin Man. He wanted a heart so he could feel. He learned that along with love there is also pain.

And this last beautiful line was spoken by Frank Morgan as the wonderful Wizard of Oz. I think it speaks for itself. I hope it means something special to you. "A heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others."