Stand Your Ground

It’s unfortunate that events of late related to the Zimmerman/Martin trial in Florida have shrouded the phrase ‘stand your ground’ in such an unfavorable light.  The tragic events surrounding this situation has placed a spotlight on laws that in my opinion have little to do with ‘stand your ground’ in the deepest sense of the word.  For me, this phrase is a statement of spiritual determination and prevailing on the human journey.  To ‘stand your ground’ means to know your place in this world and doggedly live your own truth.  This statement has more to do with the strength of the human spirit than someone’s ability to violently defend oneself in the face of an attacker.

Let’s take back this statement from the theater of politics and race and return to the root of human truth.  It all starts with the conviction of knowing ‘who’ you are and the gifts you bring to humanity.  Being grounded in who you are is the cornerstone.  Standing with your feet planted confidently in your authentic self is essential.  Being able to stand in your own truth is often painful not only for yourself, but those closest to you.  I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to making decisions that were easy or convenient at the time instead of relying on my heart and being true to my deeper self.  Once those decisions are made, it becomes incredibly difficult to unravel them even in the face of knowing our inner truth.  This is where the dangers are increased and the potential damage more severe.

Our journeys are filled with challenges designed to test resolve and encourage us to grow.  Without these tests, we ultimately fail to achieve our highest human potential.  Facing into these events can be as frightening as being confronted by a potential attacker – ‘stand your ground’ has that much in common with recent events.  However, the similarity ends there.  To stand in your own truth in those moments of emotional or spiritual peril is not an act of violence.  Instead, it is an act of love borne of inner determination, empathy, and human connection.  Standing in your own truth is an act of courage. 

There come times in our lives where we stand at crossroads pondering our future.  The paths before us often come in two forms.  One road looks easy meandering forward along familiar territory with little sign of danger ahead.  The other often looks formidable, towering over us with peril at nearly every turn.  I’m reminded of the scene in the Hannah Hurnard novel “Hind’s Feet on High Places” where the character Much Afraid stares upward at the cliffs above her as the Shepherd informs her that this is her chosen path.  She stands there trembling and dizzy looking up at the treacherous path before her.  As she hesitates to take the necessary step forward, the Shepherd encourages her once again to take the hands of her companions and step forward.  Only after she takes those first few steps does she begin to see there is a path that leads to the top.  While it still appears to be filled with obstacles and opportunity for harm, the path doesn’t appear to be as impossible as it did in the beginning.

What we often don’t realize in those moments is that the meandering path that looks so easy is actually leading us away from our destination.  And while casually walking along in relative ease, we fail to detect until it’s often too late that we are even further from our true path.  It’s in those moments that we can fall into despair and regret for having wasted so much time taking the easy route.  It’s only when we face into our fear and embark on the path less traveled that we begin to find the route ahead and a way to the top.  Yet we don’t have to make the journey alone.  There are others willing to grasp our hands and keep us from falling to our emotional or spiritual death.  Standing your ground in those moments with the conviction that your own truth is guiding your path can be both exhilarating and fearful.

What often appears to us as a formidable precipice impossible to climb is viewed by experienced climbers as a great challenge.  This is where choosing seasoned experts who have successfully navigated perilous paths before you is critical.  You will have to make the climb under your own power - no one can make the climb for you or carry you to the top.  However, walking in the steps of others and taking advice as they journey with you can ease the anxiety and dramatically improve your chance of success.  Such trusted companions are indispensable as you search for a path to the top.  And while no two routes to the top are likely to be the same, being able to spot obstacles and dangers is far easier when you have capable companions.

So next time you stand at the crossroads of a momentous decision, remember to plant your feet firmly in who you are and in confidence, step forward boldly on the path you are called to.  Remember while the easy path may be tempting and appear less dangerous, in the end, you may find yourself further from your destination.  Be courageous and take the path less traveled that leads to your highest purpose.

Duane Grove is founder of Connect2Action and an aspiring quiet, reflective servant-leader.  Curious sage in perpetual development connecting all on a journey of discovery of our highest purpose.  Follow Duane on Twitter @connect2action and connect with him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+.  Learn more about Connect2Action by visiting www.connect2action.com.

You can follow his blogs at:  mindfulperspectives.blogspot.com and connect2action.blogspot.com