Joash shooting the arrow of deliverance. William Dyce
Read my new memoir: Rosaries, Reading, Secrets: A Catholic Childhood in India (US) or UK.
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My book of essays: Wandering Between Two Worlds (US) or UK
Ava Sophie says
Hi! I loved reading this post!
I loved how you guided us through the process from beginning to end! It is such an important subject, and what a good way to describe it with the number of arrows! I am glad you chose to align yourself with Jesus. Thank you for reminding me about that bible verse and explaining it. It is so great when we can all just share our experiences and wisdom with each others and learn from one another!
Well written, and really encouraging as well.
God bless your week!
-Ava Sophie
Anita Mathias says
Thank you, Ava. Yes, a limited number of arrows made the shortness of life more vivid to me than a limited number of hours!
Lorretta says
Gah for the spell check that took “reeks” and changed it to “wreaks” 😛 Please correct my pitiful mess 😀 It’s a beautiful aroma…. yeah. That.
Lorretta says
Seriously Anita. Your wisdom wreaks of Christ and the lessons hard-won in the battle. All too often we chastise ourselves for the things we wrestle with or against when the victories in our soul are purchased that way– that we choose to wrestle at all is the first victory. Amen!
Anita Mathias says
Thank you, Lorretta. My husband and I are passionate, intense people, and behaving well seems to be harder for us than for phlegmatic, laid-back people. But as you say, soul-victories, and soul-strength is purchased that way. Thank you!
Anita Mathias says
Ah, the black dog and white dog always wrestle in me, and when I am tired or worn out or ground down, the black down wins, temporarily…
And it’s because of the love and grace of God, that eventually the white dog triumphs…
I like the end of the parable. That the dog we feed is the dog that wins. That if we feed the black dog, he’ll win, and if we feed the white dog, that one will win! Ah, today let me feed the white dog! 🙂
Kathy says
Your writing comes at a timely juncture when I was planning to give a call (more of a lecture) to my sister who has been avoiding her duties with regard to my Mom’s estate. I felt guilt at my hostility and then I was fortunate enough to meet with a spiritually mature woman. She advised me to call my sister, but speak with love and good intentions in my conversation. This would cause good feelings to grow between us, not bitterness or sorrow. Then I read your above dialogue with the “wrestling of the black dog and the white dog.” It was a great “AHA” moment that gave me peace and a better choice than the one I initially would have taken. Taking time to assess my actions and act in accordance with the Holy Spirit will bring God’s wisdom and grace to apply to my daily living.