Tarzan:Reflections

“You’ll be in my Heart” by Phil Collins holds a wonderful memory for our family. Tarzan, the 1999 hit Disney movie tells the story of a young boy orphaned after a shipwreck. His parents end up dying, and a gorilla mom and her family raise him in the jungle.

At first glance, it may not seem like a story of adoption; however, it really shows the amazing connection of love, discovery, perseverance, dedication, and grace. As the young boy grows into a man, he learns the facts of his parents’ demise. The gorilla mom fights for him as a leopard tries to ” finish the job” and stalks Tarzan ready to kill.

Tarzan learns how to care for himself. His environment is different than his birth family. It is a jungle in his world. He must adapt to finding shelter, feeding himself, becoming a part of the gorilla family, acceptance even though he looks different, being made in the image of a man yet having the heart of the gorilla mom he loves.

Kala, the gorilla mom shows her love as she cares for his daily needs, teaches him the ways of the jungle, shows him compassion, and how to get along with others, stand up for the other smaller gorillas, and find his place in a world of many different animal families. In addition, she helps Tarzan to find acceptance in his adopted father who isn’t too keen on the idea of raising a human.

The song, ‘You will be in my heart” reflects on the unbreakable bond of mom and son. Just as in adoption for both moms (Birth and adopted) and families, the bond is forever, even if apart.

The lyrics are below, it is true no matter the family dynamics:

Come stop your crying
It will be alright
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don’t you cry

For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can’t be broken
I will be here don’t you cry

‘Cause you’ll be in my heart
Yes, you’ll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

You’ll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You’ll be here in my heart
Always
Always

My eldest daughter called me on the phone recently. She shared, “I remember a special time when you and I were watching the movie, Tarzan. You picked me up hugged me, and slow danced to me, singing the song and looking me straight in the eyes. I felt so safe, so warm, and so unconditionally loved. When I think of it now, I get choked up. ” My heart swelled as I felt tenderness for my daughter.

We reminisced about that day, decades ago, how time has helped us grow even deeper in love as a mother and now-adult child. This song is special to each of our children. My husband and I are blessed.

The world can be a jungle; many worldly things push on each of us attempting to devour what God called good. God calls us to love each other for this is right.

1 John 4:12 NLT says: No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.

It is not always easy to understand another person’s mindset. But we must try, seeing things through the filter of Jesus. I liken it to putting on sun (Son) glasses to view another person/child created in the Image of Jesus. How do I teach others this important message? Be real. Think about how Jesus would love your child, your spouse, your family member. Grace, compassion, love!

Galatians 6:12 says: Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 

James 5:16 says: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

2 Corinthians 13:11 says: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

Thank you, Phil Collins, for sharing this amazing song and for the message in Tarzan. My babies (who are not young anymore) and your babies will always be in our hearts always!!!

Dear one, in like manner, Jesus awaits your voice to call to Him over your shoulder. He is in your heart when you ask Him. Thank you, Jesus!!

Author: Mary Mesikapp