Seclusion After a Battle

In the book, The Treasure of the Superstition Mountains, by Gary Jennings, the Pima Indians were discussed. They were a meek and mild culture, however when pushed to fight for their rights, they did. “But when they returned from a campaign, each man of them who had killed an enemy would have to paint his face black and seclude himself from his wife or wives during a long period of penitence and purification.”

I found this interesting and astute.

We have battles of all kinds. Not only do we have the typical war with guns, but also battles in the mind, as though our spiritual nature is fighting with our human nature. Or, we have a fight with our child or spouse or co-worker or neighbor. After the battle, some quiet time could prove healthy. Instead of returning to life as normal, take a little time to reflect, to distance oneself from the pictures of anger, fear, or hate. Our spiritual nature can be foremost, holding pictures of forgiveness and progress.

From 21^st Century Science and Health, “It is a fight with the flesh, in which we must conquer sin, sickness, and death, either here or hereafter—certainly before we can reach the realm of Spirit or life in God.

“The Old Testament assigns different functions to the angels (divine messages). Michael’s characteristic is spiritual strength. He leads the troops of heaven against the power of sin (Satan), and fights the holy wars. Gabriel has the quieter task of imparting a sense of the ever-presence of ministering Love. These angels deliver us from the depths.”