Soaring with Faith: The Eagle and Hippopotamus Within Us
Carl Sandburg’s profound words, “There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud,” reflect the eternal struggle within the human spirit. The pursuit of our dreams, symbolized by the eagle, often finds itself in a constant tug-of-war with our desire for comfort, represented by the hippopotamus. In this motivational essay, we’ll delve into the depths of this inner struggle, drawing inspiration from the Bible to guide us on a path of unwavering faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of our loftiest ambitions.
The Eagle: A Symbol of Aspiration
The Bible is replete with stories and verses that inspire us to soar like the eagle, to aspire to great heights. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This verse speaks to the power of faith and patience, essential attributes for our own soaring ambitions.
Like the eagle, we are called to rise above the mundane and reach for our goals, regardless of the challenges we may face. It’s crucial to remember that the eagle in us is a representation of our aspirations and dreams. We are driven by the desire to excel in our careers, make a significant impact in our communities, and pursue knowledge in our educational journeys.
One of the most iconic stories of eagles in the Bible is found in the book of Exodus. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, they faced trials and tribulations. However, in Exodus 19:4, God reassured them, saying, “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” This powerful imagery emphasizes the divine assistance granted to those who seek to rise above adversity and follow their purpose.
The Hippopotamus: A Symbol of Comfort and Complacency
The hippopotamus, on the other hand, represents our natural inclination toward comfort, routine, and the familiar. While there is a place for rest and recuperation in our lives, it can also hinder our progress. It’s in the ‘muddy waters’ of our comfort zones that we might find ourselves procrastinating, fearing change, and resisting the call of the eagle.
The Bible acknowledges the appeal of comfort but also warns against its potential pitfalls. Proverbs 24:16 advises, “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.” This verse reminds us that setbacks are part of life, but we must not let them keep us in the ‘mud.’ Instead, we should be like the righteous, who rise again in the face of adversity.
Balancing the Eagle and Hippopotamus
To find the right balance between the eagle and the hippopotamus, we can draw guidance from the Bible’s teachings. Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Recognize that both aspects of your nature are essential, but in their right seasons. The eagle pushes us toward achievement, while the hippopotamus reminds us to rest and recharge.
In the New Testament, the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42 provides valuable insights. Martha represents the ‘eagle’ mindset, busily attending to her duties. In contrast, Mary takes the role of the ‘hippopotamus,’ sitting at the feet of Jesus, choosing the better portion – spiritual nourishment and rest. This story teaches us that even in our pursuit of lofty goals, we must not neglect our spiritual well-being and the moments of rest, symbolized by the ‘muddy waters’ of the hippopotamus.
Pursuing Dreams with Unwavering Faith
To pursue our dreams, we must do so with unwavering faith. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is what fuels the eagle in us, giving us the courage to chase our ambitions even when they seem distant or challenging.
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who exhibited incredible faith. Abraham, in Hebrews 11:8, obeyed God’s call to go to a place he would receive as an inheritance, not knowing where he was going. His faith led him to become the father of many nations. The story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 showcases how faith can conquer giants in our path. David, though a shepherd, defeated the giant Goliath through faith in God.
Overcoming Challenges and Fears
Challenges and fears are the tests that the eagle in us must face. The Bible assures us that we can overcome these obstacles with faith. In Joshua 1:9, God encourages Joshua, saying, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” This verse emphasizes the importance of courage in the face of adversity.
Moreover, 2 Timothy 1:7 teaches us that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” When faced with challenges or fearful moments, remember that you possess the power to overcome them, fuelled by faith.
Embracing Perseverance
Perseverance is the essence of the eagle’s journey. Romans 5:3-4 states, “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” This verse reminds us that even in the face of difficulties, we can grow stronger and more resilient.
One of the most profound examples of perseverance in the Bible is the story of Job. Despite immense suffering and loss, Job never lost faith and eventually found hope and restoration. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Seeking Guidance from the Bible
In our quest to balance the eagle and hippopotamus within us, it’s essential to turn to the wisdom of the Bible for guidance. The Bible offers us a wealth of parables, verses, and stories that resonate with our internal struggles and inspire us to reach for our aspirations while respecting the need for rest and rejuvenation.
In conclusion, the metaphor of the eagle and the hippopotamus, as articulated by Carl Sandburg, beautifully encapsulates the eternal conflict within us. The Bible, with its profound teachings, serves as a guide to navigate this inner struggle. As we pursue our dreams, let us draw strength from the eagle’s unwavering ambition, balance it with the wisdom of the hippopotamus, and rely on the faith, courage, perseverance, and guidance provided by the Bible. With these principles as our compass, we can soar to great heights while remaining grounded in our spiritual and emotional well-being.
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