“How much do you want what’s on the other side?”
If I was asked this question in the past, my answer would have been a grim one. I used to quit easily. The other day, I wanted to cave in again but this time, something in me resisted.
All the criticism and discouragement I have received will always be in the recesses of my heart. It is a constant struggle to bury all those painful words into some unsearchable place. I have drifted to the thought of hating those who curse me with such words but I know that doing so will not amount to anything. It will only make me weaker.
I had an epiphany today. Words are contagious. If words can inspire, then words can also bring despair. They are like arrows. Flaming arrows can bring terror to a castle that is being besieged. Its walls serve as a defense. If I want to be safe from the enemy, then I must be sure that the walls I surround myself with are dependable. The arrows may scare me but I must have faith.
Castle walls are like the people we surround ourselves with. They shield us from the hurtful words of others by reminding us that we are not alone in any battle. They give us the confidence to stand up and fight. A castle may be said to have impenetrable walls but if the people inside do not take arms, then the enemy will have a chance to prevail.
It is my ardent hope that I will learn to use words, spoken or written, to encourage and to inspire. May the words that proceed from my mouth rain water in hearts that are in a drought. I ask forgiveness for the many times I used words to hurt people, especially the ones closest to me. The walls that surround me now allow me to go forth and conquer.
Whatever it is that is on the other side, I believe that it will outweigh all my hopes and dreams. Any wound I acquire along the way will only last for a moment. Whatever it is that is on the other side, I want it bad enough.
(Source: edricchen)
