My friend Bridget is hosting the One Word Blog Carnival, and this week's word in strength.
Strength. Did you ever notice how people who truly possess strength are peaceful? They know they are strong. They don't need to bluster and bluff. I'm not really a dog person (allergies), but I'm going to compare this tendency to dogs. Please don't be offended. While man was made in His image, dogs certainly are loyal creatures, a trait I highly admire. I truly mean nothing pejorative in this comparison.
Anyways, little dogs start yipping the moment you get near them or their masters. But big dogs (unless trained otherwise), seem to be more likely to mosey up to you, sniff your hands and feet, and access whether their is any danger or not. (Those of you who have big barky dogs, sorry if I over generalize.)
As for me, what kind of dog am I? By appearance, one would think I'm a big dog. I look like I could hurt any man or woman just by tripping and landing on them. But inside, I know my bark is worse than my bite. I'd threaten pulverization in the hopes that I don't have to do anything. I'm a yippy dog.
What do I need to do about it? Am I truly without strength? As a Christian, I'd have to say that my problem isn't so much lack of strength (as His daughter, I have His attention and those of His angels He sends to watch over me), but that I forget where my strength comes from. It does not come from within, unless by within you mean that as a temple of the Holy Spirit, He is within me... Which, come to think of it, He is! I should be the peaceful pup sniffing around and ready to do my Master's bidding, rather than a yippy pup pretending she can protect herself or anyone else.
When I was part of a Charismatic Prayer Group, one of my favorite songs to sing was "The Joy of the Lord is My Strength". We sung it with less people, but I hope equal enthusiasm as the people in the video. When we are walking with Him, we can be peaceful as opposed to yippy.
My apologies if my post is all over the place today. I need to get ready for work now.
8 comments:
That was actually a very good analogy, Helen. Good thoughts.
SNORT! Is it wrong that I'm laughing at the video?
I know they really liked that song, but I just chuckled and chuckled. I'm such a conservative worshipper. :)
Love your analogy! The yippy are that way out of fear while the other pull on known strength. I've definitely been in both positions before! I want to know the latter more and more. Thanks Helen.
I love the comparison to dogs. My own aging dog is peaceful, content in his strength of old age and knowing exactly how he rules. Good post, Helen.
I like the way you used dogs to show your point...nicely done Helen ♥
I have a big dog who tends to bark before she sniffs. It's not about strength with her. It's about her fear of the unknown.
I love this analogy -- because for my dog, her strength is in her quiet nature when she gets over her fear and takes that leap into the unknown.
I'm not a dog person, but yours was a good explanation -- except for the fact that when a dog, big or small -- comes to me, and I don't know it, it has all the strength it needs... I'm become a panicky breathless person until the sweetness kicks in. [Been attacked a few times during my life, so hesitate big time.] BUT I have watched others float through life with their love of dogs and their ability to enjoy the strength their pets put out for them. Thanks for the picture.
Great analogy, good thoughts! Thanks, Helen.
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