Strength and Honor

This past week I was sitting in church and reflecting on the emotional wounds and financial stresses of being laid off at the end of September and still waiting for my first paycheck to come while the bills pile up, I realize I have been resorting to less prayer and seeking distractions in food, hours of binge watching media, and feeling resentment.

I was recently beset by feelings of failure and fatigue of the battle, when I stretched out my right hand and my Bootcamp bracelet slipped out from under my shirt cuff. At the end of each camp we are given a thin black bracelet, on one side it says “Strength and Honor,” and on the other it says “I am a Warrior.”

I don’t write much poetry, but these thoughts came to mind::

I am a Warrior!
But I haven’t been battling
War tested, but lately confused

I am a Warrior!
At times forgetting
The test of a man is in how I am used

I am a Warrior!
Knighted in brotherhood
Redeemed from my sin and abuse

I am a Warrior!
Strength and Honor
My war cry of truth!

I am a Warrior!
Redeemed and remembering
The battle is won when I stand up with you!

And it hit me that I was trying to do battle by myself against myself again. As I’ve reached out more this week for the strength and love of brotherhood and connection, it has come back into my life and reminded me that God loves me and is always there for me.

Be a Warrior! The battle exists whether we pick up our swords and shields or sit on the side lines getting beaten and worn.

By Pete, Writing Team