We Still Believe in Magic

What has been the most inspirational story for you? Mine is the story of a boy named Harry Potter. Some of you may be skeptical and I understand. Of all the stories, both true and fictional, in the whole wide world, spanning thousands of years, I pick J.K. Rowling’s masterpiece. Yes, wholeheartedly.

Her story transcends age, race, sex, etc. I know old men who have the series in their library. I know moms who re-read it every summer. I know youngsters who have Harry Potter birthday parties every year. I know teenagers who use roman candles as wands while they shout spells at one another. My best friend in high school had Harry Potter bed sheets. I saw a little boy come into preschool every day wearing his Harry Potter glasses. His mom said that he wouldn't leave home without them.

I read and re-read the books, listen to them on tape, have Harry Potter marathon movie days, and host Harry Potter parties. Yes, I’m the nerd who stands in line for hours at the midnight premier, and I’m also one of the dorks that dress up too. And I’m 24 years old.

Why this obsession? What is it about this story that tugs at the heartstrings of men, women, teenagers and children alike? I think that we all want to do something extraordinary. We resonate with the characters. We love some, we hate some, and we both love and hate others still. We desperately want to know the fate that awaits all of them.

We drink pumpkin juice, fly on broomsticks, fight dark wizards, and find ourselves wrapped up in the world at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We find out that we still believe in magic. We still believe in “ever afters” and in friends that stick with you to the end. We cling onto the hope that despite the insurmountable obstacles, the hero will win.

We discover and remember our childlike faith. We look at the world as we once did…with no limits or boundaries. We believe in a world where absolutely anything is possible.