This is the third week in our Sunday Series called Awakening the Twelve Powers. This week, we are exploring the power of Strength as depicted by the archetype of the Warrior, and the power of Life as depicted by the Caregiver.
Author Carol S. Pearson in her book, Awakening the Heroes Within, says, “When most of us think of the hero, we imagine a Warrior. The Warrior within each of us calls us to have courage, strength, and integrity; the capacity to make goals and to stick to them; and the ability to fight, when necessary, for ourselves or others. The Warrior exacts a high level of commitment to our own integrity. Warriors live by, and when necessary, fight for, their own principles or values even when doing so is economically or socially costly. In competition, it means doing your utmost best, and striving not only to win, but to play fair.”
Warriors get a bad rap in our society from those who are peace lovers. But ultimately, this archetype, when highly developed, becomes the Peaceful Warrior. We practice nonviolent resistance, refusing to cooperate with evil or negativity or injustice. Like Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We not only refuse to shoot a man, we refuse to hate him.”
Each of us needs to develop the strength and courage of a Warrior. We all have a Warrior within us, along with all of the strength we could ever imagine. We can develop our physical strength, but even more important is our inner strength. It allows us to persevere amidst any challenge that comes our way.
Until the collective Warrior overcomes the destructive patriarchal tendencies, we will continue to learn the lessons of this archetype. Once we do, the world will be a different place—one reflecting what real inner strength truly looks like. When I think about that, it is awesome to behold!
The archetype of the Caregiver and the power of Life seem almost opposite that of the Warrior, though there is a meeting ground where the Warrior evolves and becomes peaceful and learns about compassion.
I remember when I was in Ministerial School and had to endure some days of difficult testing and interviews. One of the questions I was asked was, “What do you think is one of the most challenging spiritual abilities that you have had to develop?” And I responded with one word: “Forgiveness.” I elaborated about the fact that it is generally the victim who must forgive and talked about my life and some of the people and incidents that I had to overcome. I emphasized how difficult it can be to truly release, let go, and forgive. Not only is it difficult but it is essential in order to recapture a joyful life.
Later in the interview, I was asked, “What is your favorite Bible story in the Old Testament and why?” I remember drawing a complete blank. I sat there and the time of silence lengthened. Just as the Interview Team was about to give up on me, I remembered Joseph, the Dreamer. One of the Ministers interviewing me said, “How interesting you would pick him, since you were just talking about forgiveness. Joseph’s forgiveness of his brothers’ betrayal in which they sold him into slavery is one of the beautiful passages in Scripture.” I had not made the conscious connection, but somehow, I chose the story that resonated with my spiritual need. And that is often how the Bible works in amazing ways.
Even more than release and forgiveness, Joseph’s story is about the spiritual power of life. In fact, once one has read or heard the entire story of Joseph, it is easy to see that being sent to Egypt as a slave, and then later thrown into prison there, were all part of a greater Divine plan to help preserve life. For Joseph’s ability to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, prophesying seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, ultimately saved countless lives.
Joseph is the archetypal Caregiver for it is this archetype within us that is concerned with saving and improving life. Whether we are caring for a small child, a senior citizen, a person who is ill, or simply helping anyone, we enhance the quality of life for that individual.
The concept of “pay it forward,” in which we experience a good deed and pass it on, is very much an expression of the Caregiver. So too, is the practice called “random acts of loving kindness,” in which we seek to show kindness to others in unexpected ways.
This week call forth your inner Warrior and spiritual power of strength. Affirm, “I now express my strength. Then call forth your Caregiver and power of life. Reach out and improve the quality of life for another, and be sure to remember yourself in the process! Affirm: “Radiant life now heals me!”
Love & blessings,
Kathy