As a gamer dude myself, it seems odd that I have a princess as my favorite character. After all, when you consider the common trope when princesses are seen as damsels in distress or mainly appeal to a female audience, one can understand the disconnect. However, I believe any character in the media has the potential to resonate with any individual on some level, such as how one like Princess Peach resonates with me personally.

Peach is often known as the damsel in distress who is kidnapped by Bowser and has to be rescued by Mario. However, Peach has been on many adventures herself. Whether it’s teaming up with Mario and friends or rare cases where she adventures solo to save plays, and even the day. Throughout all of this, I can’t help but find myself impressed by the many good Christlike qualities that Peach exhibits in the games she appears in. I’ve even had the privilege of meeting Princess Peach at a recent trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. I’ve considered it a tremendous honor to be able to meet one of my heroes because of how much being a fan has meant to me.

Not only does Peach portray herself as a strong and capable heroine, but she also possesses qualities that I aspire to. She is a brave figure who won’t back down from any challenge or stand against evil. Not only is she known for her courage, but she also shows loving kindness and care to everyone she knows, even toward her enemies who oppose her. As someone who possesses everything that a person could possibly want: a castle, subjects, power, influence, and riches; she is also generous and benevolent towards all who know her, while showing great leadership, humility, and faith in others.

A powerful lesson from Peach’s story that has rung true for me is the power of mercy and forgiveness as well as the virtue of charity. Like Peach, we also find ourselves in need of saving. We find ourselves in need of mercy and forgiveness. We would do well to show others the same mercy we desperately desire for ourselves. Whether by our own actions, the actions of others, or by life’s adversities, everyone deserves second chances. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and grace as our Heavenly Father shows to His Children through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Whenever I play as my favorite character, Peach, I can’t help but feel the Christlike example that the good princess shows. A character who should be celebrated for not only her courage and bravery, but also her kindness and grace, not dissimilar to the kind that the Savior shows towards each of us. Whether it’s racing for wins in Mario Kart, fighting for glory along with my second main Zelda in Smash Bros., or playing for good times in the other games where she’s playable, the virtues, personality, and story are things that I want to represent whenever I play, which also bring me happiness and joy.