The Hobbit: The Power of Honesty, Goodness, and the Small Acts that Overcome Evil

Timeless classics transcend time. Their themes and messages are as true today as they were at the time of the writings. Both J.R.R. Tolkien's, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are such stories. Even though Peter Jackson's version of the The Hobbit does not follow the book completely, it does stay true to its themes. The movie was full of very powerful music. It was haunting yet inspiring. I still have the songs and melodies running through my head several days later. The movie continues the playful innocence of hobbits and the heartiness and straight forward manners of the dwarves as seen in the Lord of the Rings.  As the imagery and the underlying message builds, you see the different ways in which the growing evil is confronted.

1. Those that see the growing evil, but aren't quite sure what to do about it.  They just start doing something because they know they must.  They allow the journey to unfold before them.  This is Gandalf.
2. Those that are not sure there is a growing evil by almost ignoring the signs or being talked of of doing anything.  This is Elrond.
3. Those that already know of the growing evil and instead of confronting it, try to increase their own power, by any means necessary, because they believe you can only confront great evil with great power yourself.  This is Saruman who is later overtaken by the very evil he is supposed to be fighting.
4. There are those who do recognize the growing evil and will be ready to help whenever needed.  This is Galadriel.
5. Finally there are those who are living their lives that get thrown into the fray without really knowing what they are getting into. When in the fray, they are scared but in the end they do what is good and right regardless of their fear.  This is Bilbo Baggins.

We see the same types of people today all around us.  Just watch and read the news, there is a growing evil.  Many choose to ignore; many don't even recognize it; many fight against those who confront the evil; many seek power themselves; while others set off on a journey to fight evil not knowing where it will lead, but know it must be done. The message is simple, small acts of goodness; the willingness to do what is right; and the perseverance in doing what is right is what is needed to defeated even a very powerful evil.  I know many ordinary citizens who have put their lives and well being on the line to stand up and fight the growing evil.  There are Gandalfs to inspire and lead others into the fray to do what is right.  There are the Galadriels who will be there to help when called upon.  But most of all there are many Bilbo Baggins who are  always striving to do what is right and good; maintaining our moral compass; and doing what we must in the face of danger and a growing evil. The question as we start 2013, is which type of person will you be?