Scars and Strength

Danielle Benedict: Narnia (2)

   

I valued the discussion we had this past Tuesday on whether or not there is a divine plan and the part that suffering plays within it. It is often said that “pain is weakness leaving the body” as a justification for anguish. Growing up my parents taught me that being tough was admirable and that the strongest survive.  The individuals who experience pain become stronger and therefore better through their trials. Aslan had a long term vision for their lives that the kids could not fully understand in the moment of suffering. If they had not experienced fear and setbacks then Shasta and Aravis would have never gotten to the king in time. They were confused and hurt along the way nonetheless in the end something wonderful happened. Their lives had played out in a manner that led up to exact, predetermined moments that allowed Aslan’s plan to come to fruition.

Aslan was with Shasta from his childhood. He took many forms throughout Shasta’s adventure in order to push him in the right direction. At times Aslan was a protector, comforter, and even a source of fear. I believe there is a divine plan to human life, our days are set before us, and that C.S. Lewis shared these ideals. Suffering is part of the journey. Bad things will happen but they do not need to be the focal point of the story. Just because you lose something you love does not mean it cannot contribute to an overall rich narrative. Time heals most wounds, mental or physical, so let’s look past the injury and towards the scar that shows we were strong enough to endure.