Will it be easy to step out of the tower? No! Will it be terrifying to leave behind the only version of "safety" you’ve ever known? Absolutely. But sister, is the Light calling your name from the horizon? Yes, and He is waiting for you to answer.
Welcome back to "The Grace-Led Life." We are diving deep into part eight of our Disney Princesses vs. Women of the Bible series. Today, we’re looking at two women who lived in shadows but were destined for the sun: Rapunzel and Mary Magdalene.
If you’ve ever felt like your past, your fears, or the "demons" of your anxiety have kept you locked away, this post is for you. We are talking about the transition from captivity to calling: from being a prisoner of lies to becoming a witness of the Resurrection. Put on your favorite cozy slippers, grab your prayer journal, and let’s enter this "Spiritual Spa" of truth.
The Tower of Lies vs. The Prison of the Soul
We all know the story of Rapunzel. She lived in a tower, tucked away from a world she was told was "too dangerous." Mother Gothel used fear as a leash, keeping Rapunzel captive for the sake of her own selfish needs. Rapunzel didn’t even know she was a princess! She thought she was just a girl with "magic hair" that belonged to someone else.
Now, look at Mary Magdalene. Before she was the "Apostle to the Apostles," the Word tells us she was in a different kind of tower: a spiritual one.
"And also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out…" : Luke 8:2
Spiritual Truth: Captivity doesn't always have stone walls. Sometimes, the tower is built of trauma, spiritual bondage, and the lies the enemy whispers about your worth.
Mary Magdalene wasn’t just "unwell." She was under the weight of seven demons. Imagine the noise, the darkness, and the isolation. Like Rapunzel, she was hidden away from her true identity as a daughter of the Most High until the King arrived to set her free.
Fact #1: The Enemy Profits from Your Captivity
The "Mother Gothels" in our lives: whether they be toxic relationships, past mistakes, or the enemy of our souls: want us to stay in the tower because our "light" serves them better when it's contained. Mother Gothel used Rapunzel’s hair for eternal youth. The enemy uses your suppressed potential to keep you from advancing the Kingdom. He wants you to believe you are "safer" in your comfort zone, even if that zone is a prison.
Truth vs. Lie: Reclaiming Your Identity
To move from the tower to the kingdom, you have to confront the lies that built the walls.
- The Lie: "I am too damaged/stained/possessed for God to use."
- The Truth: You are a masterpiece designed for a specific purpose. Mary Magdalene went from having seven demons to being the first person to see the Risen King. Your "before" does not disqualify your "after"!
- The Lie: "The world is too scary, I should stay hidden."
- The Truth: You were created to be the light of the world. A city set on a hill: or a princess in a kingdom: cannot be hidden!
Sister, you need to write these truths down. Using a bible study planner or a faith journal to track the promises of God is how you dismantle the tower brick by brick. You have to be intentional about your mindset.
The Moment of Liberation: When the Light Finds You
In Tangled, Rapunzel’s life changes when she sees the lanterns. They were a beacon, a signal that she was missed, loved, and wanted. She didn’t know it yet, but the King was literally lighting up the sky just to find her.
For Mary Magdalene, the "Lantern" was Jesus Himself. When He cast out those seven demons, He didn't just give her freedom; He gave her a seat at the table. She became one of the women who supported His ministry out of her own means (Luke 8:3). She went from being a victim of darkness to a steward of the Light.
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." : John 1:5
Spiritual Truth: Your liberation is not just for your comfort; it is for your calling. Jesus didn't just pull you out of the pit so you could sit on the edge; He pulled you out so you could lead others to the path.
Fact #2: Freedom Requires a Step of Faith
Rapunzel had to jump out of that window. Mary Magdalene had to follow Jesus, even when it led to the foot of the Cross. Freedom isn't just a feeling; it’s a movement. It’s deciding that the "safety" of your tower is actually the most dangerous place you could stay.
How to Battle: Stepping Into Your Shine
If you feel like you are still peering out of the window, wondering if you’ll ever be "free enough" to shine, here is your battle plan. This is how we fight the "spiritual warfare" of stagnation:
- Name Your Demons: What are the "seven demons" holding you back? Is it fear? Comparison? Guilt? Write them down in your christian planner. Bringing them into the light is the first step to casting them out.
- Follow the Lanterns: Spend time in the Word daily. Scripture is the beacon that leads you home. Use a bible study planner to stay consistent. You can't find your way in the dark without a lamp for your feet!
- Find Your Kingdom Community: Rapunzel found Eugene and the village; Mary found the disciples and the other women of faith. You were not meant to do this alone. If you need a mentor to help you navigate this transition, I offer one-on-one coaching to help you align your life with His vision.
- Steward Your Freedom: Once you are out of the tower, don't just wander. Serve! Mary Magdalene used her resources to support the Gospel. How can you use your "set free" story to help another sister?
Fact #3: You Are the First Witness
Do you realize the honor bestowed upon Mary Magdalene? In a culture where a woman’s testimony was often dismissed, Jesus chose her to be the first one to see Him after the Resurrection. He told her, "Go and tell My brothers."
Your freedom has a voice. Like Rapunzel returning to the kingdom and realizing she was the lost princess all along, you are realizing that you are a key part of the Plan. You aren't just an extra in the story; you are a daughter of the King, commissioned to tell the world that He is risen!
Final Heart-to-Heart
Sister, the tower was never your home. It was just a place you stayed while the King was preparing the way for your return. Whether you are battling the "seven demons" of your past or the "Mother Gothel" of your current anxieties, know this: The door is open. The lanterns are lit.
Don't let the enemy convince you that you belong in the shadows. You were set free to shine. You are a masterpiece, a winner, and it is time for you to take your place in the Kingdom.
Grab your prayer journal, write down "I AM FREE," and start walking toward the Light. I am cheering you on every step of the way!
Stay rooted, stay radiant, and remember: you are loved beyond measure.
With grace and fire,
Charlet
