#and the discussion of suffering -> perseverance

[aparticularbandit]

Responding to this post as a separate post because I want to respond to something that I think is beyond the scope/intention of the original post (and honestly the scope/intention of the response in the linked post) but that, like.

I want to respond to it because it's been churning in my head.

Specifically the idea of the Protestant Work Ethic and trying to earn your way into heaven.

Because that's the very antithesis of what the Gospel is.

Over and over, it is made very clear that you cannot earn your way into heaven. (Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9 are the ones that come immediately to mind, but there are more than that. (I also like - Romans 4 and the entire discussion about it being faith and not works and especially Romans 4:4-8.)) Literally one of the entire points is that you are stuck in your sin and you cannot get out and no matter what you do, you cannot earn your way in, but God loves you and chose you and wants you, so He paid your debt Himself (Jesus) and is giving you His righteousness - His perfection - because He was the only one who could earn His way in.

God is for you, not against you.

Are there things you should be doing? Yes. (Ephesians 2:10 talks about that, too.) But, like. It's not to earn your way in. It's out of love and gratefulness to the One who got you out of your horrible predicament? And then on top of that, made you a co-heir with Him?

Because it's...He paid for you to get in and then also you got adopted as a child of God? And someone described it once as good works after that being like when a child makes a drawing for their dad and their dad hangs it on the fridge? It's not to earn anything; it's because you love Him, too?

So, like - I want to know where the Protestant Work Ethic went wrong. Why so many people think it's about earning their way when it isn't that at all.

It's a gift. It was always a gift.

[viciousbagel83]

I have nothing but the utmost respect for the women who came forward with the allegations against Neil Gaiman. Their stories (particularly those of Scarlett Pavlovich, Kendra Stout and Caroline) are utterly horrific, and their bravery and resilience in discussing the heinous things they suffered at the hands of Gaiman (and Amanda Palmer) cannot be overstated. I hope that all of these women live happy and successful lives going forward, and that no one suffers at the hands of this depraved predator ever again.

(And to any victims of his that have not come forward yet or who will never feel ready to come forward, your experiences are just as valid and your courage/perseverance is just as strong.)

[novlr]

How to Write Defiance: A Quick Guide for Writers

Whether they're standing against authority or resisting the status quo, the actions of defiant characters can add layers of depth to your story. Here are some quick tips on how to effectively write defiance in your characters.

Behaviour

Question authority and break rules

Don't easily back down from challenges

Rebellious and do the unexpected

May appear stubborn to others

Don't easily conform to norms

Value their independence and freedom

Resilient in the face of adversity

Assertive and direct

Courageous in the face of danger

Act based on their principles and beliefs

Interactions

Direct and stand their ground during disagreements

Don't shy away from tough conversations

Don't let others manipulate or control them

Not afraid to express their opinions

May challenge others' viewpoints during discussions

Stand up for what they believe in

Protective of those they care about

May be argumentative or confrontational

Don't give in easily during negotiations

Can be inspiring, encouraging others to stand with them

Body language

Head high with a strong posture

Serious or determined expression

Maintain steady and direct eye contact

Use expansive, open body language

Do not shy away from physical confrontation

Cross their arms to show resistance

Move with purpose and determination

Not easily intimidated by the physical presence of others

Clench their fists when frustrated or angry

Adopt a challenging stance

Attitude

Not easily swayed by popular opinion

Confident in their own abilities

Persevere no matter how tough the situation gets

Believe strongly in their cause or principles

Refuse to be victims

Unruffled by criticism or opposition

Disregard rules they don't agree with

Risk-takers who often choose difficult paths

Value transparency and honesty

Can come across as proud or arrogant

Positive story outcomes

They may succeed in overturning an unjust system

They can inspire others to stand up against injustice

They achieve their goals through sheer determination

They may help someone break free from oppression

They can contribute to a significant societal change

Negative story outcomes

Their defiance can get them into trouble

They may alienate themselves from others with their behaviour

They can face severe consequences for breaking the rules

Their relationships may suffer due to their stubbornness

They can be misunderstood and labelled as troublemakers

Helpful Synonyms

Rebellious

Nonconformist

Contrary

Dissident

Contrarian

Unruly

Insurgent

Uncooperative

Unmanageable

Mutinous

Intransigent

Insubordinate

Recalcitrant

Resistant

Obstinate

Obstreperous

Noncompliant

Indomitable

Unyielding

Fractious

[askgildaseniors]

Michael Rothman discusses one of his key mantras with Paul Tully, highlighting the value of patience and dedication. He thinks that no matter how he feels—sick, fatigued, or unmotivated—he must always be there. This perspective motivates him to persevere in the face of adversity, realizing that success is generally achieved via persistence rather than short spurts of inspiration. His determination is demonstrated by his reluctance to allow obstacles to prevent him from pushing forward.

Mike emphasizes that even in the worst circumstances, the important is to keep coming up. He recognizes that life may be unpredictable and difficult, but tenacity distinguishes those who succeed from those who give up. He builds resilience and self-discipline by sticking to his goals regardless of the circumstances. His phrase is a potent reminder that perseverance may overcome immediate suffering, resulting in long-term success.

[envyenvys]

christening my shiny new ipad with gijinka designs of my sv discord server ocs because I love them dearly 💞

More info on their names under the cut:

It truly took me forever to name these guys bc wdym her legal government name isn’t “passionate ranting”? Anyway everyone say thank you to my best friend pleco bc if I had to rely on google translate and wiktionary alone we would not be here.

So!! My character choice for all of their names was very deliberate, and I did try my best to make sure they don’t sound ridiculous (but if they do ig it’s kinda fitting for them anyway so whatever).

1. Pash

Pash’s full name is Tang Biyu, but everyone calls her Bibi. She’s the only one with an official nickname bc she just gives off those vibes. For pash, I wanted something cute, girly, and chatty to match her personality — I actually came up with her nickname first and had to work backwards.

The characters I used are these: 唐碧玉. The surname Tang (which can mean “to exaggerate”) and Biyu, meaning “jasper” (the stone). (Tang (唐) is also a homophone of tang (糖) meaning “sugar”, which I loved.)

Pash’s nickname (Bibi) sounds a lot like bibi (比比) meaning “frequently/repeatedly”, so all together her name is a sweet and pretty name for a girl that also happens to sound like “to exaggerate repeatedly”, which I think is very fitting for her haha

(Biyu (碧玉) also sounds a lot like biyu (比喻) “metaphor”, which was a fun coincidence since she’s a writer)

2. Under

Under’s name is Wang Suyuan (王夙願). I wanted something gentle and optimistic for them (even though they’re a little more chaotic than that haha). Their surname wasn’t chosen as deliberately as the others, but the meaning was nice (king/royal) and the characters sound nice together (at least to me) so it stays.

Suyuan (夙願) means “long-cherished wish”, and it fits the gentle optimistic vibe I was looking for very well. Su (夙) also has the meaning of “early morning” which was the image I had in mind when I first started looking for characters. Over all, their name has an elegant, peaceful vibe, and once the others learn it Suyuan will never live it down

3. B

I have a confession to make. Early on, when I was discussing writing the first fic with a friend in dms I made a joke like “wouldn’t it be funny if binghe obsession was just Jason Todd from batman”, and ever since then I’ve sort of been writing him as “well he’s not not jason todd” bc even now it’s still funny to me (that’s why he looks like that). He’s not actually jason, a-Jian is his own person, but there’s still a few homages built into him for the bit.

So, with that in mind, I wanted to give Ren Jian (任堅) a strong name — a little grittier than “perseverance” or “righteousness”, but not something dark like “vengeance” that would be inauspicious.

Ren (任) means “rely on, to bear, duty”, and Jian (堅) means “strong, steadfast, resolute”. It’s a nice, sturdy name that feels very “willing to put in the work” without being too optimistic, but could also still (hopefully) be something a parent would name their child on purpose.

How a-Jian ended up in that discord server is a mystery but the tonal dissonance between him and everything else will never stop being funny to me

4. DJ

Last but not least, the guy who suffered the most. DJ’s name, Liu Chang, is the simplest and (arguably) the funniest because I didn’t know what the surname Liu meant until I’d already picked out the name.

For DJ, I wanted something related to writing, like “steady hands” or the impression of confident brushstrokes. I eventually settled on liuchang (流暢) meaning “(of speech or writing) smooth and flowing”, but I didn’t quite like how it sounded with surnames (at least for him, too fancy) so I decided to simplify it by splitting it up and switching out liu (流) for the surname liu (刘).

Chang (暢) on its own means “easy/smooth/free from worry”, which is ironically funny for DJ, and apparently Liu (刘) means “to kill or destroy”?? Extremely funny together, especially for DJ, and honestly makes Liu Qingge funnier to me too (though his liu is (柳) meaning “willow”, probably to make it less blatant).

So in the end, Liu Chang’s name is a lovely homophone for “to write smoothly”, and officially means something closer to “obliterating good vibes”, and I genuinely couldn’t have picked a better name if I’d done it on purpose.

And that’s it!! Hopefully they all sound good, and I’d love to get the opinion of anyone who actually speaks mandarin bc I’m sure I’ve done something silly with at least one of them lol. Picking names is one of my favourite parts of character creation, as I’m sure you can tell, so this was incredibly fun to do.

If you read this far, thank you!! Consider checking out the fics these guys are from, or (if you’ve already been introduced) let me know what universe you think would be the funniest to stick them in! I’ve started slotting them in as background characters for various wips because they’re handy and it’s funny. Currently I’m reimagining them for a star wars wip that may or may not ever see the light of day (pash is a pink twi'lek, of course)

[bnuunydoll]

Gutsy Impressions: My Berserk Live Reading

Berserk was a series that I heard about and got recommended constantly but I didn't get the final push to crack it open until I saw my girlfriend constantly wearing adorable berserk clothes.

Since then I've been sending her and several other people my info dumps about moments that stood out to me and thought it might be better to toss those all in one place for convenience, with the added bonus of subjecting random people to my ramblings.

With that said... I just finished Episode 118: "Beast of Darkness" and thought it would be the perfect place to start things off.

A Quick Prelude

Berserk has been a very curious read for me up to this point. I thought I had a broad idea about some themes and some early plot beats that I got from some random youtube essay, but I wasn't expecting the story to resonate with me as deeply as it does. I was expecting a Dark Fantasy setting, maybe some fun fights, and a story about an overpowered hero with a rough past cutting his way through a world where even the tiniest particles feel hostile. Those expectations came from my time with several other manga from the era such as Violence Jack and Fist of the North Star, but what made Berserk stand out in the early chapters was just how...traumatized Guts is. And unfortunately haha, that's extremely relatable in more ways than I would like! (o´▽`o)

Those early chapters that filled out the Black Swordsman Arc showed a character that was really struggling and gave hints as to how he got to that point, and the following arc in Golden Age gave context to that hurt and everything surrounding it. While I'll probably turn my original text walls into posts eventually, I think the current arc I'm reading through is covering a topic I'm extremely interested in; A character recognizing that trauma and trying to change.

//Going forward will there will be discussion of Violence, Varying Kinds of Abuse, Trauma, and my own Personal Experiences alongside spoilers for whatever is discussed. Berserk is a really heavy series that feels and I don't expect that my rambling will be different! //

The Struggler

One of first pages of Episode 118 starts with a series of quotes I adore.

Delivered by the Skull Knight, I believe this serves as a thesis of sorts for Guts' story. He's a struggler, he struggled through violence and emotional betrayal his entire life and those struggles have scarred him in more ways than just physical. Despite that, I believe Guts has learned from this pain and is trying to find his own ways to stop this cycle of hurt from continuing even when it's killing him.

Finding your own way to stop a cycle of pain like that isn't easy though. It's really, really, excruciatingly difficult, actually.

And I think this page and several others like it are a beautifully tragic way of showing just how hard it is to persevere under those conditions. For Guts, this has been a nightly occurrence ever since he got his brand. Constantly hearing voices, swinging at shadows, having sleep be a luxury instead of a guarantee. He's always fighting and it's wearing him down.

These are all experiences that feel acutely personal and relatable, and those feelings of "god that's so relatable" is something that has elevated Berserk for me. When I see Guts go through this every night, I think "oh that feels like PTSD,,, like MY experiences with PTSD."

I can't claim to have gone through quite as much horrific content as the central character has, but the constants of fighting, sexual assault, the lack of stability, isolation, and the constant feeling of being in a crisis were the constants of most of my life. Anytime it felt like I was going to be escaping that cycle of misery through the help of someone new felt like I was just being tossed into a different wash cycle of suffering where the person would eventually leave after inflicting significant amounts of psychic damage. I felt a lot of companionship with Guts due to this, and especially his relationship with Griffith.

For context I am a transfemme thing that has effectively always been disabled and sick and also struggling to escape an abusive situation or even find a purpose until extremely recently in my life. In my life there were many people that Griffith reminded me of, and the end result of it was that I became extremely withdrawn and afraid of people to the point of becoming nocturnal just to lessen my chances of interacting with another living thing. It was a miserable way to live! (〃＞＿＜;〃) And whenever I did interact with people, I was always afraid of not just what they would do, but of myself and trying to avoid acting in ways that would hurt other people.

"Perhaps You Can Become A Real Monster" is a line that feels glued to the curves of my brain for that exact reason. I am in a much better place now with loving partners and friends but it's still hard to completely avoid that feeling that I could become just as terrible and abusive as the people that hurt me.

Although it is that topic of friends and loved ones that I believe the chapter touches on at the end. When Guts is feeling overwhelmed and crushed under the weight of these things that are haunting him, he ends up being saved by Puck and ends up accepting him as a companion.

This interaction between them feels special to me, and I think it points to a very clear message about dealing with pain and trauma. Much like I was, Guts' negative experiences were making him self isolate and pursue goals on his own with his own ways of dealing with pain. But this mindset which feels personified by The Beast of Darkness wasn't good for either of us. It's self destructive and exhausting and he can't keep doing things that way. The only issue is that healing is hard. When you lock yourself in a tiny apartment for 2 years like I did (or dedicate your existence to being alone and cutting down demons like Guts) the idea of accepting help or trying to form a new relationship is terrifying and difficult and might even be hurtful. But it's only because he had that relationship that he's able to make it through the night.

"Beast...? Monster? Heh! Screw that."

It feels kind of silly to type that out. That's how it always feels though, to go through a bad night full of awful thoughts and voices only to realize it wasn't rea . Unfortunately that is the struggle of trying to survive and move forward after going through so much. When I get bad nights and panic attacks like that, it feels like a nightmare. I end up living out tons of scenarios about how the same awful things will happen again and again, how I'll make the same mistakes over and over and everyone will leave, and how I'll end up becoming one of the same horrific monsters that caused my pain to start with. But the only reason I'm able to make it through and laugh at the end now is because I kept fighting and rejecting those ideas and eventually forming new healthy relationships.

~My hands kinda hurt I think I'm almost done yapping~

I love pages like this. Random one off pages with no dialogue that manage to perfectly capture a certain feeling. For me, that feeling is how it feels to be trapped under the shadow of trauma. I was suffering a lot at my worst, and I know a lot of people in my personal life are still suffering. It feels hopeless a lot of times...but that doesn't mean anyone should give up. If nothing else, Berserk has been a story about hope and survival, and the idea that you can always keep going despite how hopeless it feels, no matter how many scars you get along the way, is a message I wish I could have given a lot of people I used to know.

-Fin-

Woaw that was kinda dark!! (ᗒᗣᗕ)՞ but if you've made it this far I super duper appreciate it!! I think my media literacy and writing skills are kinda terrible awful lmao, but I do want to share what I get from different things I engage with anyway. I hope YOU have a wonderful day, make sure to come again for next time (´,,•ω•,,)♡

Make sure to get yourself a little treat today~ ૮꒰ ˶• ༝ •˶꒱ა ♡❤️

[marifrommars]

Serious Talk.

I've been wanting to talk about this topic for a while now, but after everything that's been happening recently with Minecraft YouTubers, I think it's a topic worth discussing. (Please read the tw in the tags, before reading the rest) And no, this blog will not be about Wilbur or GNF. I'm not going to talk about the accusations or which side I'm on, after all I know very little about these people, as I've never been in their audience. In these types of situations, I always hope that everyone is okay, especially the victims. But again, this blog is not about them, they are just the starting point for me to decide to express my opinion on this matter.

Whenever something happens in this style, where an influencer/famous person is accused of something, I see dozens, if not hundreds of comments in this style "If it weren't for them I wouldn't be here today" "They're the reason I survived__" "They got me out of depression" Etc.. I want to say right away that I feel very proud of these people for being here today, for having overcome the worst phases of their lives, and living to see all this happen. However, I want to make something very clear here. It wasn't THEM. They weren't the ones who saved you. They are not the reason you are here now. YOU are. The only person who fought to be here today was YOU. The only person who knows everything YOU went through, who had to live through pain and suffering to see another day.

the only person who had to survive was YOU Yes. They may have been the starting point. Yes. They may have given you motivation to want to fight. But no. They weren't the ones who saved you YOU save yourself.

I know it hurts, but you don't know these people, and they don't know YOU! As much as "They seem to care", you are not part of their lives. Stop forgetting your battles and giving credit to people who don't even know what YOU went through!

You are here today, not because one of them saved you. You are here today, because of your strength, your perseverance, your effort, your blood and sweat. Please. Stop putting your life in their hands. They don't deserve you. You are incredible, you deserve to win, after all the struggle, all the pain. Was you. Only you. And I feel proud of you.

If you EVER need to talk, dm me. It can be about anything. Im here for You. Not to save. But to help you find a reason to save yourself.

-Love you, be safe <3

[web-novel-polls]

Have You Read This Web Novel?

Wen Xuan was the head disciple of Water Cloud Sect’s sect leader. He spent the first half of his lifetime respecting his teachers and placing importance in the way of Dao. Friendly towards other fellow disciples, he was everyone’s role model. He once believed that he would spend a lifetime like this. Until one day, he met a younger fellow disciple (shidi) who was unbelievably skilled. This shidi told him that this world was actually a novel. And he, Wen Xuan, would become the most unsightly, petty little villain in this leveling up style cultivation novel. With the next half of his lifetime on a bumpy spiral downward after an erroneous decision, he will be betrayed and deserted by friends and family, cast away and end up dying miserably alone. “After dinner for leisure, many people would use a mocking tone of disdain to discuss your disastrous life. But no one knew how you survived through all those years. No one saw how you struggled to hold on to your principles in your lonesome. No one cared about the suffering you experienced and your perseverance. But I saw it. I know. I care.” “That’s why I came to this world. To become your support.” - Novel Updates

If you’re in the process of reading this web novel, please choose whichever option best fits your situation. You do not have to be completely finished with it to answer “yes.”

[bi-hop]

across the spiderverse spoilers under cut

was discussing the film with some of my friends who saw it last night, same as me, and I think I can provide a perspective on one of the major themes that is heavily rooted in the Black Caribbean student experience

tw: institutional racism, references to sexual harassment and antiblack hate crimes

everything in across the spiderverse is incredibly intentional, including the early college advising meeting. now, you may think it's solely furthering the theme of expectations, and while it is concerned with that in a fundamental manner, that's not the full story.

colleges, especially top colleges, want stories about struggle. they live for it! crave it! I was naive enough starting out that summer between my junior and senior years that I thought writing a personal essay about how my interest in game writing has influenced my own trajectory would fly. it didn't. my family, my advisers, they all said it lacked something, that it wasn't me. can you guess what WAS me enough to get me into 13 colleges, including the university of chicago? writing about me being hate crimed and sexually harassed at the same time. because I 'overcame it'. I struggled, yes, but I persevered!

I don't like college applications. I get the point of the holistic approach, but said approach fails students when what is personal is only seen as worthy if you suffered and can adequately describe it on the page. they constantly say 'we'd rather see a student who did poorly but had to raise their siblings than a Straight As students with no experiences to speak of' but why is the only merit we can find in students, especially students of color, moments of anguish that you have to then fight against? why do I have to recount the worst moments of my life (sanism in Afro-Caribbean communities, sexual harassment, the works) for the sake of a school that doesn't actually give two shits about me now that I'm here? thanks by the way, uchicago, love being a token, it's really cool. I swear this is still about Miles.

the framing of his familial story into something palatable yet appealing to princeton (a school that I also applied to back then) even though it's not exactly true? pure autofiction. and it's what colleges eat up. they want to see a Black boy, son of immigrants (again regardless of how true this might be), suffer but persevere. he's 'beat the odds'! look at him, going from his miserable little Brooklyn existence to studying quantum physics at an Ivy League!

and by the middle of the film, Miles says 'no' to all that. people are constantly trying to write his own story. they want to take who he is and judge it against a board of critics, against algorithms that say his choices are wrong, against his peers who don't think he belongs. and he says "nah. I'mma do my own thing."

he might not be able to transcend the desires of admissions, but he can assert himself here. he can protect his inner child as his mother wanted. and he does it as well as he can. it's why I relate to him so much, I wish I was in the position to do what he does: look someone dead in the eye and reject their narrative of him as unfair and stifling.

[robfinancialtip]

David Whelan discusses his two-year battle with a terrible chronic pain ailment affecting his left foot, which he calls the "worst chronic pain condition known to medical science" and the "suicide disease." He conveys a strong knowledge of the pain and bad sensations that come with his disease, emphasizing how profoundly felt each component is. Despite his enormous struggles, David views his path through trauma as extremely powerful, inspiring, and transforming.

David feels empowered by reliving his experience while participating in endurance sports. He sees endurance sports as a metaphor for life itself, realizing it is fundamentally tricky and requires tenacity to overcome adversity. He finds the drive to continue his endurance goals by embracing his painful experiences. This viewpoint implies remarkable resilience in the face of hardship, highlighting the value of tenacity and inspiration in managing life's challenges.

Dave understands that suffering hardship is an unavoidable part of the human experience. Rather than seeking comfort or avoiding discomfort, he encourages embracing and overcoming the obstacles that emerge since these experiences are essential for personal growth and advancement. This attitude indicates a fundamental acceptance of life's uncertainties and a readiness to face misfortune immediately, implying a philosophy of perseverance and grit in confronting life's challenges.

Dave's experience with chronic pain and endurance sports has taught him important lessons about resilience, tenacity, and finding inspiration and motivation in life's adversities. He emphasizes the significance of facing adversity rather than avoiding it, considering these events as chances for personal growth and discovery. His story highlights the transformational potential of endurance in physical activities and the larger backdrop of finding inspiration and drive in the face of life's challenges.

[princesadejesus16]

Romans 5: 1 - 11 + Testimony  | God Answer

Tonight night I was studying the book of Romans and its origin, where it was written, etc. Then, in a moment, I finish my study and come to Tumblr to save verses and things of anime I like. I see how this post has some content that bothers me because of a lot of things taken out of context. And there I was, angry at what it said, venting to my friend (I didn't respond to the post; I didn't think it was a good idea to get tangled up in internet discussions). So I go back to the post to take a screenshot and show it to her, and then I saw another post next to it.This one said 'Jesus died for them too'.

AND THAT HIT ME RIGHT IN THE HEART! On the one hand, I really get uncomfortable with these kinds of debates, or any debate in general. I prefer to stay out of these as much as I can, but when there are things that outrage me, they outrage me. Especially when they are things out of context both historically and biblically, or especially the 'He only stayed dead three days' one. Yes, but he suffered a lot the previous ones, but he gave himself out of love. He gave himself because he loves us so much and we are his creation. He gave himself because he knows that there are many who have suffered and he wants to be their refuge. He gave Himself so that those hard-hearted, weak, stubborn, selfish (I include myself in the pack), depressive, and perverse would be redeemed in His name. Gosh; he even gave himself up for those who whipped and tortured him until he died.And I think this was somehow a lesson from God. Yes, there are people who think this way, but we have to pray for them for their conversion to Christianity. Moreover, so that they can change their hearts for the better and not for the worse. So instead of continuing to criticize them in my mind, I will pray that they will have an encounter with him and be transformed into a new creature. As happened to Saul, a persecutor of Christians, who became Paul, a Christian who gave his life for the love of Christ.

Romans 5: 1 - 11 NIV

Peace and Hope

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

[parzival911]

Chapter 14 - The Illusion of Evil Triumphant

Recommended Tea: Berry Fusion (for maximum effect cold... and black)

This post reflects on as Lewis phrased it, "The Triumph of the Witch." Rereading this chapter didn't evoke the same methodical delineation of moments to analyze and explore. I simply soaked in the emotion of Aslan's apparent demise, defeat, and death. It reminded me (as Lewis intended) of how I felt a week ago attending liturgy for Good Friday.

I mentioned when I started this blogging journey I would discuss the Christian elements of Lewis' work minimally; I adhere to that now, for the bulk of it will arise in the next post. I wish instead to focus on the quotes the chapter evoked in me. The first comes from Lewis himself (via Devin Brown)...

"A far more serious attack on the fairy tale as children's literature comes from those who do not wish children to be frightened. I suffered too much from night-fears myself in childhood to undervalue this objection. I would not wish to heat the fires of that private hell for any child. On the other hand, none of my fears came from fairy tales... Since it is so likely that they will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker... Let there be wicked kings and beheadings, battles and dungeons, giants and dragons, and let villains be soundly killed at the end of the book. Nothing will persuade me that this causes an ordinary child any kind of degree of fear beyond what it wants, and needs to feel." ~ C.S. Lewis, Of Other Worlds, "On Three Ways of Writing for Children" (1966)

I felt the same sentiment reviewing the county curriculum, amazed there were no battles for World War II. I always gave the home front social revolution its deserved place of honor, but to skip from Pearl Harbor to D-Day perpetuates a myth; our military was appallingly unprepared, and victory was never guaranteed. While Lewis mulled TLWW, FDR and Churchill discussed how to react an Axis division of the Middle East. Similarly, I deliberately never played "I Have a Dream" in the civil rights unit. I emphasized Claudette Colvin rather than Rosa Parks. Remember not only the victory, but the struggle to reach it.

Studying history is a far easier feat than living through it. When faced with the ascendancy of oppression in one's own time, perseverance is vital to the resistance of the tyrannical.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” -- Edmund Burke

This of course is what the authoritarian banks on, wearing down your hope and stamina to continue. Voldemort seemed so invincible, he seized control of the magical government itself. But power is a fatal disease to all who contract it, since its catalyst is hubris. Each fresh outrage, each newly emergent overreach, only energizes and refuels the rebels in resistance. It revitalizes as a reminder of what you have sworn to defeat at any and all cost.

"And now, who has won? Fool, did you think that by all this you would save the human traitor? [...] But when you are dead what will prevent him from killing him as well? [...] Understand... you have lost your own life and you have not saved his." -- The Witch (181)

Who has won? Not the coward, who has to bully, demean, and dehumanize his or her opposition into submission in order to "win." Those jeering and sneering are also fearing; their hunger for power insatiable, they can never rest because they never trust and thus can never know peace. And they always underestimate the eternal staying power of martyrdom to those left behind. The void of leadership left by the loss only spurs the true leaders to reach within and tap the potential they never knew they had (or never knew how to utilize).

May we retain from heroes' sacrifices--both fiction and nonfiction--that truth. And may we never, ever forget it.

[askgildaseniors]

Daniel Vargas Graulau's remarkable story of overcoming tragedy and adversity demonstrates the power of perseverance and determination. Daniel was born in Puerto Rico and raised by his grandparents when his adolescent parents could not care for him. He eventually relocated to Massachusetts, where he faced additional trauma, including sexual molestation at the hands of a karate instructor when he was nine years old. Despite these problems, Daniel found refuge in wrestling, which became his source of inspiration and motivation. He credits the sport with instilling in him a "beast mentality" and a sense of power and confidence.

Daniel has acted in several television episodes and films, including "The Blacklist," "Blue Bloods," "Law & Order: SVU," "The Americans," "American Heist," "Live by Night," and "The Post". His story is a must-listen for everyone seeking inspiration and drive to overcome obstacles. Daniel's message of hope and perseverance stems from his experience as a survivor of trauma and abuse, and he emphasizes the necessity of affordable housing and access to assistance for people affected by trauma and adversity.

Daniel intends to continue performing and using his position to raise awareness about social justice problems, specifically trauma and mental health. He aims to use his story to inspire others who have suffered similar problems and decrease the stigma associated with discussing trauma. Daniel is also committed to leveraging his position to support organizations providing resources and services to trauma survivors, particularly those from underrepresented areas.

[digitaldetoxworld]

Oprah Winfrey: A Life of Influence and Inspiration

 Oprah Winfrey is a call synonymous with success, resilience, and influence. From her humble beginnings in rural Mississippi to becoming one of the maximum effective media moguls in records, Oprah’s existence tale is certainly one of perseverance, hard work, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference. As a talk display host, philanthropist, actress, and entrepreneur, Oprah has used her platform to uplift, encourage, and train millions of human beings round the arena. Her adventure is not best a testament to her talent and backbone however also serves for instance of what's feasible while passion meets purpose.

Biography of Oprah Winfrey and her rise to success

Early Life and Struggles

Born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Oprah Gail Winfrey faced numerous hardships from an early age. Raised via her single teenage mother, Vernita Lee, Oprah grew up in poverty, shifting regularly among circle of relatives individuals. Her early life become marked through instability and trauma, inclusive of reviews of abuse. Despite those challenges, Oprah confirmed an early flair for public talking and performance. She found solace in analyzing and excelled in college, which later have become her price ticket to a better destiny.

Oprah’s life took a effective flip when she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to stay with her father, Vernon Winfrey, a strict however supportive determine who positioned a robust emphasis on education. Encouraged by means of his area and steering, Oprah flourished academically and earned a complete scholarship to Tennessee State University, in which she studied communications. During this time, she determined her passion for media and broadcasting, which set her on the path to a groundbreaking profession.

Rise to Fame

Oprah’s career in media started out while she became nonetheless in university. She became the primary African American woman news anchor at WLAC-TV in Nashville. Her herbal aura and capacity to connect to audiences fast set her aside. However, it became in 1976 when she moved to Baltimore to co-anchor the nighttime news at WJZ-TV that she started out to hone her abilities as a tv personality.

In 1978, she changed into offered the opportunity to co-host the speak show People Are Talking, where her warm and tasty fashion resonated with visitors. This fulfillment led her to Chicago in 1983, wherein she took over AM Chicago, a suffering morning talk show. Within months, Oprah converted the program into a rankings powerhouse, finally rebranding it as The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986.

The Oprah Winfrey Show and Media Empire

When The Oprah Winfrey Show premiered national, it revolutionized daylight television. Unlike different communicate shows that targeted on sensationalism, Oprah’s display emphasised significant conversations, personal growth, and social troubles. She tackled subjects starting from racism, health, and spirituality to ebook discussions and celebrity interviews. Her empathetic approach and authenticity endeared her to audiences, making her the maximum depended on speak show host in America.

Oprah’s influence extended beyond tv. She launched O, The Oprah Magazine, presenting readers with non-public improvement insights, and mounted Harpo Productions, which produced a success movies and television suggests. Her book club, released in 1996, grew to become difficult to understand books into bestsellers overnight, highlighting her unprecedented ability to shape cultural conversations.

Philanthropy and Humanitarian Work

Oprah’s fulfillment did not just gain her for my part; she used her wealth and platform to uplift others. Her philanthropic efforts are enormous, specializing in schooling, poverty remedy, and girls’s empowerment. She established the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, which has donated hundreds of thousands to instructional causes, together with scholarships and management academies.

One of her most exquisite contributions is the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which she founded in 2007. This faculty presents pleasant education to underprivileged women, empowering them with the tools to create higher futures. Oprah’s belief in education as a means of breaking cycles of poverty has been a guiding principle in her charitable work.

In addition to education, Oprah has championed severa humanitarian efforts, consisting of catastrophe remedy, healthcare tasks, and advocacy for survivors of abuse. Her generosity and commitment to social causes have made a lasting effect on infinite lives.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite her success, Oprah’s journey has now not been without limitations. Throughout her profession, she has faced criticism and challenges, from navigating racism inside the media industry to managing private struggles, together with weight problems and enterprise setbacks. However, her potential to turn challenges into possibilities has been a defining function of her profession.

She has also been scrutinized for sure endorsements, including selling pseudoscientific health practices on her platform. While a few have criticized her for giving a voice to controversial figures, she has constantly developed, the use of her have an effect on to sell proof-primarily based well-being and self-improvement.

Legacy and Influence

Oprah Winfrey’s impact on media and society is unprecedented. She redefined the function of the talk display host, paving the manner for destiny generations of media personalities. Her influence extends to literature, movie, and social activism, shaping public discourse on important issues.

Her transition from television to a broader digital empire, inclusive of launching the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), demonstrates her adaptability and vision. Through OWN, she maintains to inspire and interact audiences with meaningful storytelling and impactful programming.

[web-novel-polls]

Five Love Languages of Danmei: Pining Bracket

Moshang from SVSSS 

Characters: Mobei-jun and Shang Qinghua

Submission 1:

They've known each other since teens and well into their thirties before getting together. And it's difficult to tell for MBJ, but Shang Qinghua had considered him his ideal man the entire time! 

Submission 2:

Airplane has been pining for MBJ since /before the universe was even created/… he has pined for him desperately and also just been desperate in general for two (2!) lifetimes, not to mention that MBJ has been trusting in and helping sqh out since basically the very first time they met as TEENAGERS and now they are like… At Least 50,, probably older to be honest .

*Wen Xuan x Jian Yi from Let’s Talk About That Guy Who Transmigrated to Pursue Me

NU Description: 

“After dinner for leisure, many people would use a mocking tone of disdain to discuss your disastrous life. But no one knew how you survived through all those years. No one saw how you struggled to hold on to your principles in your lonesome. No one cared about the suffering you experienced and your perseverance. But I saw it. I know. I care.” “That’s why I came to this world. To become your support.”

*Dealer's Choice

["Anti-Propaganda" that attacks other characters is NOT allowed. Please only give reasons to vote FOR a character/ship.]

[mahayanapilgrim]

An Easy Practice for Dwelling in the State of Non-Retrogression

Amitabha Buddha’s first 11 vows are addressed to “humans and devas”

All ordinary beings, including humans and devas, attain all the benefits given by Amitabha Buddha unconditionally on their rebirth in the Land of Bliss through Amitabha-recitation. This has been promised in his first 10 vows. In other words, all the splendid rewards in body and buddha-like supernatural powers are obviously do not result from merit and virtues practiced by ordinary beings but result from the pure karma practiced by Amitabha Buddha on their behalf.

The aim of Amitabha Buddha in making vows and practicing acts of immeasurable merit and virtue is to assure all Amitabha-reciters of their rebirth in his land, where they too shall become buddhas.

Let us continue to discuss the 11th Vow of Amitabha Buddha, which states as follows:

If, when I attain Buddhahood, humans and devas in my land should not dwell in the Definitely Assured State and unfailingly reach Nirvana, may I not attain perfect Enlightenment.

This is the last of the first 11 vows, which are addressed to “humans and devas” in the Land of Bliss. But these names are used only because these beings were humans and devas in other worlds before they were reborn in the Pure Land. Using “humans and devas” in the formulation of the vows is for the purpose of drawing the attention of humans and devas suffering in the Six Realms in other worlds.

The meaning of the “Definitely Assured State” in the 11th Vow

“Dwelling in the Definitely Assured State and unfailingly reaching Nirvana” as stated in the 11th Vow is the benefit bestowed on those who are reborn in the Land of Bliss. However, what is meant by “Definitely Assured State”? Actually, the answer is contained within the vow itself, which is “unfailingly reaching Nirvana.”

It also means “unfailingly becoming a buddha,” “unfailingly attaining the perfect Enlightenment,” and so on. “Unfailingly” means “definitely assured” by Amitabha Buddha. There are many other names given to the “Definitely Assured State” in Buddhism. These are: “Assurance of Nirvana,” “State of Non-Retrogression” or avinivartaniya in Sanskrit, and “Perseverance for Non-Arising of Phenomena” or anutpattika-dharma-ksanti in Sanskrit.

The last is the highest level of “perseverance,” one of the Six Paramitas in the bodhisattva practices. Perseverance is to realize that phenomena fundamentally do not arise or cease. Actually, in this state, there is really nothing to be known as “arising” or “ceasing,” “birth” or “death,” since everything is simply just as it is.

The bodhisattva who dwells in this state is regarded as cutting off the birth and death of all mental activities in the mind, also known as the Second Kind of Birth and Death. The first kind is the Staged Birth and Death, which is the reincarnation of the physical body of ordinary beings, life after life.

So, “dwelling in the Definitely Assured State and unfailingly reaching Nirvana” signifies a milestone on the bodhisattva path, which is equivalent to becoming a Bodhisattva of the Eighth Ground. Upon rebirth in the Land of Bliss, these two kinds of birth and death can be resolved or cut off at the same time.

Instantly dwelling in the “Stage of Non-Retrogression” in this lifetime

Nagarjuna Bodhisattva says in his “Chapter of the Path of Easy Practice”:

There are infinite gates by which to access the Buddhist teachings, and these are not unlike taking trips in the world; some are difficult and some easy. If we take a journey overland by foot, it is difficult and painful, but if we take a trip by boat on the open waves, it is easy and joyful.

It is similar in the path of bodhisattvas. Some take on diligent practices with vigor, but others adopt easy practice with faith as an expedient means to reach the state of Avinivartaniya.

Nagarjuna further explains Amitabha’s 18th Vow, based on his classification of the Pure Land teaching as the Path of Easy Practice, as follows:

Amitabha’s Fundamental Vow is as follows: If anyone invokes me, recites my name, and takes refuge in me, he will instantly enter the state of assurance [non-retrogression], and subsequently attain the highest perfect Enlightenment. For that reason, you should always be mindful of him.

As said in the “Text on Accomplishment of the 18th Vow” in the Infinite Life Sutra:

All sentient beings who, having heard his Name, rejoice in faith, remember him even once and sincerely transfer the merit of virtuous practices to that land with the aspiration to be reborn there, will instantly attain rebirth and dwell in the State of Non-Retrogression.

“Instantly,” as stated in the “Text of Accomplishment of the 18th Vow,” implies that “dwelling in the State of Non-Retrogression” is in effect in this present lifetime. So it is not necessary for exclusive Amitabha reciters to wait until after they are reborn in the Land of Bliss to attain the State of Non-Retrogression.

The purpose of Amitabha-recitation is not just seeking rebirth in celestial or human realms

It is important to understand that Amitabha-recitation should not be practiced with the aim of accumulating secular blessings in the present life, or for seeking rebirth in celestial or human realms. It is for “sincerely dedicating and aspiring to be reborn in that Land” to become a buddha. Of course, once one is secure in their aspiration for rebirth, it is not at all forbidden to ask Amitabha’s assistance with worldly matters. In fact, blessings tend to accumulate for one who is dedicated to exclusive Amitabha-recitation.

As long as a sentient being recites Amitabha’s Name once or 10 times, has one thought near the end of life, or recites for the remainder of his life, he will be reborn in Amitabha’s Pure Land. So dwelling in the State of Non-Retrogression is regarded as the great benefit attained in the present life, rather than after rebirth in the Land of Bliss. It is also known as “assured rebirth in the present lifetime,” one of the characteristics of the Pure Land school.

Out of the 48 vows, the 11th Vow, is one of the five Real Vows of Amitabha Buddha. The other four Real Vows are the 12th, 13th, 18th, and 22nd Vows.