Sep. 25, 2008 - Fortitude
We spent some more time on this painting this morning. The more I read and learn of this - the more I am inspired!
Here is what Charlotte Mason wrote:
"As St Paul would image the fulness of Christ in the characters of Charity, so Isaiah gives us an image of Fortitude in setting forth the humiliation and sufferings of Christ. Fortitude grows up within us, a tender plant, is without form or comeliness, bears griefs and carries sorrows, endures chastisement, suffers and is dumb, does no violence, nor speaks deceit, is put to grief, yet––divides the spoil with the strong. There is only one true Fortitude among men, the fortitude of Christ; and every little bit of cheerful bearing that we are able for, without self-pity or self-complacency, comes of that divine fortitude.
Moses was the meekest man that ever lived, and his meekness was Fortitude. For forty years in the wilderness he bore with the waywardness of Israel; and, when the offences of the people had, so he thought, exceeded the patience of God, he prayed, "Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me also, I pray Thee, out of the Book of Life."
St Paul, too, after much bearing,––"in journeyings often; in perils of waters; in perils of robbers; in perils by mine own countrymen; in perils by the heathen; in perils in the city; in perils in the wilderness; in perils in the sea; in perils among false brethren; in weariness and painfulness; in watchings often; in hunger and thirst; in fastings often; in cold and nakedness:"––could wish that he, too, were accurst for his brethren.
Perhaps Fortitude has always an element of tenderness, and always means bearing for love's sake; if it be only the fortitude of a child who bears toothache cheerfully that he may not distress his mother. " Vol 4, bk 2, pg 43
Maybe you are a great example of fortitude. In our family there is far to much of impatience, uncontrolled tongues, complaining and whining about distresses etc. I love the great literature that has been written to inspire us to great ideals and virtues. Most of all I'm grateful for a Savior who is perfectly strong, perfectly patience and perfectly merciful.
Comments
Sep. 25, 2008 - Great Post!
Posted by OldSchoolMarm
Yes, way too much whining, bickerring, and complaining here. I too desire more contentment and peace, sigh.
Thank you for your kind words at my place, you're such an encourager and yes we do have some pretty neat nature walks out here. It seems we're always discoverring something new. BTW, I love the beautiful feather you guys found. We keep all of ours. I took a small terracotta pot and put a styrofoam ball in it and whenever we find a feather we stick it in there. We have feathers from bluebirds, cardinals, and others that I can't identify. It's a bouquet of feathers :-)!
Thanks again for stopping by,
blessings, Julie
Oct. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kimalita
I think if we are honest, all of us have a little too much of that going on.....praise the Lord we have His grace to get us through the day and to try again the next day. What a great post!
