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A Note of Encouragement
from Ciloa
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 | Be alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be brave.
Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 |
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| May God bless you...with a brave heart! |
Volume XII, Issue 19
May 7, 2012
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Heroes are distinguished by exceptional mental or moral strength which leads them to venture into, persevere, or withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. They have courage - bravery with a firmness of mind and will...spirit - desire to stand their ground...resolve - determination to achieve their goal...and tenacity - unwillingness to admit defeat.
Heroes are the subject of news and novels. We see their pictures and read their stories, amazed at their effort and success. But often we think those glamorized by the media are the only ones to be found. We never notice the many heroes among us or learn from them how to live this life.
In 2006, Beverly and I were in Scotland with our friends, John and Sandy. One of our stops was the National Wallace Monument, a 220 foot tower perched atop Abbey Craig, an ancient volcanic hill overlooking the River Forth. The monument, erected in the 1860's, honors Sir William Wallace of Braveheart fame and looks like a defiant stone fist thrust into the sky.
In the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace led a ragtag and well outnumbered group of Scots against a large and seasoned English force. Few gave him much chance of success, but Wallace was determined. He took his time, understood the task, developed a plan, and saw it through. When the battle was over, the English had been soundly defeated, and Scots everywhere took heart in the news of Wallace's courage.
Driving through the countryside, we easily found the Monument, but reaching it was another matter. A paved path led out of a parking lot at the bottom of Abbey Craig and steadily climbed through the wooded hillside. No shuttles were running, so the only way to the top was along the arduous 15 minute walk.
Sandy had polio as a child and climbing a hill can be quite difficult. The rest of us did not want to leave her behind, but she insisted we go on, assuring us she would be fine. She found a nice bench, plopped herself down, and gave us a look that made it clear she was to be obeyed. And we did.
The path in places was quite steep and it didn't take long for us to start huffing and puffing as we plodded along. I even began to wish I'd sat down on that bench with Sandy. Eventually we made it to the top and its incredible view. There was the River Forth meandering through the valley, the Old Bridge crossing the river, and golden Sterling Castle high on a hill faraway.
After checking out the tower and listening to a period actor recreate the battle, we decided to hurry on back to Sandy who we were certain had to be bored out of her mind. But just as we headed toward the path that would take us back down the slope, we saw something quite unexpected.
There was Sandy, bravely and defiantly making her way up the last stretch to the top of Abbey Craig. She had taken her time, understood the task, developed a plan, and saw it through. Determined, resolute, and with great tenacity, she had chosen to climb that hill...and she did. I am still amazed at the memory.
There are many among us who demonstrate incredible courage every day. They have personal mountains to climb and they quietly go about it. They don't live for the cheers or awards. They just do what has to be done. They are the heroes among us, and they teach us important lessons of how to live.
We all have mountains to climb. Life is difficult. Fear and danger lurk around the corner. And sometimes we're unable to take that first step. Wouldn't it be great if we would love and encourage each other so that no one climbed their mountain alone? If only we had someone to show us the way.
I [Jesus] have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15
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Take care & be God's,
Chuck
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