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Life In The Middle

I Am The Master Of My Fate, I Am The Captain Of My Soul

My husband took me to the movie “Invictus”, starring Morgan Freeman. It was about Nelson Mandela. One of the things that helped Nelson Mandela endure years in prison was a poem written by William Ernest Henley in 1875.

William Henley contracted tuberculosis of the bone when he was 12 years old and struggled through out his life with the disease. He was 25 years old, and lying in a hospital bed recovering from the amputation of one of his legs. As he lay upon that bed, enduring the pain of the surgery, he penned this memorable poem. Many people have used the poem to release the greatness within themselves as they suffer under life’s burdens.

 Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

The reality is that life has gotten so easy for us that when hardships come our way, we search for someone or something to stand against the onslaught. Usually we will beg, bargain, cry and curse before we either give up, or finally turn to face the hardship and begin to battle it. The moment we begin to fight, we begin to take charge. We discover that we are in control of our life, and gradually gain control over the battle. We become more the master of our own fate and the captain of our soul. Life takes on more meaning for us. As we endure, we eventually win the title of Master Of My Fate.

The individual who is able to turn and fight to overcome the adversities of life is the one who becomes the victor. This is the type of individual who lifts others up and gives them the courage to face the storms of life. This is the mark of a true leader.

During these times of uncertainties, we need to strengthen ourselves so we can become the master of our fate. When we do this, our confidence in ourselves and our abilities make the difference of success or failure. Think of what it must have been like to those Revolutionary soldiers sitting across the Delaware River. They listened as the British troops enjoyed the Christmas parties. They had to draw from the strength within themselves, and believe the words that General Washington spoke to them. They found the ability to endure and win.

I hope we can find our strengths and overcome the snares that cause us to stumble in life. Just something to think about. Until later...Colleen

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Copyright 2010 Leland Pulley