The Big Fight
Seventh grade was a difficult year. I was insecure, awkward and failing most of my classes. My friends and I were also bullied everyday by upperclassmen.
I was a pacifist, but was deeply angered that we were being bullied. Why was this happening to us? Should I call them the same names? No, that wasn’t my style…yet. Instead, I began to working out (powerlifting) and learning how to fight (a bit of wrestling/grappling).
A few years went by, and the bullies no longer attending the same school, but their “disciples” were in my class. I was in the locker-room one morning after breakfast when I found myself outnumbered. They slandered me once more, and by this time, I had learned to rebuttal.
A punch was thrown, and a high-school brawl started! It was three against one, and I was ready! I actually wasn’t interested in fighting, but I had to defend myself.
They jumped on me, and I tossed one of them to the floor. I blocked a kick and responded with a jab. Blood was on my knuckles (found out later it was ketchup from breakfast), but they weren’t backing down.
The coach heard our shouts and ran into the locker-room. He ended the fight and sent us to the principal. We were punished, but oddly enough, that moment bonded us. We went on to win trophies in numerous team sports together as friends, but our battle didn’t begin there. It started with our words.
In James chapter three, the scripture says much about the mouth. Our words are powerful and can dictate the direction of our lives. We can tame animals of all types, but we cannot tame our tongue. Leaning to control our words is one of our toughest battles as Christians.
James chapter three is illustrated through Andrius starting in chapter one of LOTK. He changes the direction of his life and others by insulting Hal. Andrius will tame animals of all types, maybe even control the four natural elements, but his tongue will be his toughest battle.
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
