But victory is possible!
Cainspirations by Kristi Cain, originally published September 3, 2020
DISCOVERING DESTINY.
Overcoming Darkness.
How are you overcoming the darkness of personal struggles? Let’s journey together!
Have you ever had one of those days? Or weeks? Or the year 2020?
I think it is safe to say that more than most years, we have all been finding ourselves in that messy place of struggle. Whether it’s struggling with shifting and ever-mounting demands, the ennui of ongoing isolation, or the sheer weight of a year filled with more darkness than light.
And if I’m to be totally transparent with you, it has been a bit of a struggle for me to reach down into the mess of it all to try to find any shining gems of inspiration to share with you.
Which is why I’ve decided it’s a good time to start talking about our wolves.
“The Legend of the Wolves” is a beautiful allegory from the Cherokee nation I found a few years ago to share with my students. And I really can think of nothing better to help us make sense of all the struggle. And maybe even salvage some hope.
The legend tells of a grandfather giving advice to his grandson.
But he starts by presenting a problem.
“I have a fight going on inside of me,” he confessed. “It is a fierce and terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
“One wolf is good. He is faith, mercy, hope, peace, humility, benevolence, and love.
“The other is evil. He is arrogance, cruelty, greed, anger, envy, and despair.
“The same fight is going on inside you and inside every other person, too.”
Concerned, the grandson asked, “Which wolf will win?”
The grandfather simply replied, “The one I feed.”
So as we head into another month of the same pandemic struggles, I’d like you to consider the wolves you are bringing to the table and the kind of food you alone have the power to serve.
When that darker wolf bares its fangs – as it often will – I want you to know that it is never too late to shift your focus.
Because no matter how fiercely the battle rages, your good wolf will never leave you.
If your daily struggles take you to a place of chaos, set aside a chunk of time for a moment of stillness and peace, even if it’s just to catch the colors of the sun as it dips below the horizon. Even if it’s just to breathe.
If you find yourself in a moment of frustration and failure, make time to reflect on your successes and invest in your natural gifting.
And if you find dark memories and painful places invading your thoughts, make an effort to replay the reel of all the people and situations that have given you love, kindness, and peace.
And even when you feel like you’re failing, remember that hope is always just as alive as you are. A hope woven into the very foundation of your immortal soul. A victory sealed for as long as eternity.
YOUR TURN!
Don’t make me do all the talking – I’d love to hear from you!
- What are your thoughts on facing struggles in 2020?
- Any ideas of “good wolf food” to share?
- Do you want to hear about anything else? Any prayer requests?
Just shoot me an email – don’t be shy! And I promise to reply!
BEAUTY IN TODAY
Check out these awesome photos from readers like you!
Photo Credits (from left column to right column, top to bottom): “Loudon Dam, TN” by Ashley Richardson;”Beverly Beach, FL” by Wendy Wheeler Stough; “Naples, FL” by Renee Jacobson; “Goldenrod” by Abigail Falanga, Rio Ranch, NM; “Front Yard Sunset” by Donna Warren, Athens, TN
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Cainspirations by author Kristi Cain 