In 2015 Merriam-Webster added the word emoji to its unabridged dictionary. First used in 1997, emoji is the combination of two Japanese words: e meaning picture or drawing and moji meaning letter or character. These small images used in text messages, e-mails and social-media platforms both express the attitude of the writer and allow for playful communication without using words. On July 28, The Emoji Movie hits theaters, bringing these smartphone icons to life on the big screen.

It’s an app-venture!

The Emoji Movie explores the secret world inside a smartphone. The storyline takes place in Textopolis, a city where emojis live who are hoping to be selected by the phone’s user. Each emoji has only one expression except for Gene, a unique character who was born without a filter and can express a range of emotions. Throughout the movie, Gene longs to be “normal,” exploring the phone’s apps to find the code that will “fix” him, making him like everyone else.

Who am I?

Gene’s desire to be like everyone else directly relates to social struggles during adolescence. One of the key aspects of teenage life is identity development. From ages 10 to 14, youth often ask themselves, “Am I normal?” Due to multiple physical changes happening to their bodies and beyond their control, early adolescents become preoccupied with body image and frequently compare themselves to their peers as a standard for “normal” appearance. As they age and mature throughout high school, teenagers become less influenced by their peers and begin to determine who they are as individuals. As adults who work with youth, it is our responsibility to guide them through this arduous process of identity development. Teach your teenagers to see themselves as God sees them, as perfectly created individuals specifically designed to do God’s work in the world. When we view ourselves through God’s eyes, we can truly be ☺.

Question of the day: Which emoji best depicts you today?
Focal scriptures: Psalm 139:1-18; 2 Corinthians 10; Ephesians 2:1-10; Galatians 6:4-5

For a complete lesson on this topic visit LinC.