“Gravitas (Or Not)” (Matthew 13) [Reflections on Ralph D. Sawyer's Translation of One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies - Battle Tactics of Chinese Warfare #45-46]
It’s not so much one’s numbered strength,
But total impact, viewed at length
In unity and self-control,
Which indicates who wins – and so –I find You, Lord, unruffled here –
They can’t provoke, or incite fear;
That has a calming impact clear,
And in the end, assured You’re near –And we are not alone – indeed,
Your “Gravitas” addresses need
We have to stand and face Your foe
Be easy with “Retreat” or “Go” –Lord, what I’m hearing is that “Rock”,
That “Boulder on the egg shell”, talked
About so much in Sun Tsu’s tome –
Stay unified, leave taunts alone.Fragmented rock is pebbles, sand –
Soft underfoot, and in one’s hand;
Sure, put in bag sand’s unified,
But we’re in You, since day You died.And that’s so different, I should think,
As we abide, do what You think;
And that’s how we see victory –
You win as in our actions, we –Make room for You to evil best,
Not through some panicked restlessness;
So much is long-term – “Mustard seed”,
And clearing first our field of weeds.It’s taken me so long to learn
To bide in You – let passion burn
To red hot – yes – but not alone;
But rather, in Your Kingdom-home.For weightiness You’re all about;
And unity, without a doubt,
Is there for us in body-life –
Your total impact in this strife.Lord, help us to more quiet be,
As we await Your words, then see
More clearly what to do (or not),
In what You won – with Your life bought.Thanks Lord for this.
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