Think about it for a minute. The only purpose of an attack is simply because your enemy anticipates your success. Otherwise, there is no reason for the attack. When you study the art of an attack and really peel away layer after layer of this proverbial onion-if you will-you begin to understand the dynamics that is actually happening. It takes effort to make an attack. Whether it be a physical attack, an attack on your character, or any other kind of attack… it takes effort from the attacker. It takes vital energy. They have made a decision that something about you is worth their time and effort. This is an opportunity for insight because you have to ask yourself, "what is it about me that is so valuable, yet detrimental to them that is worth their time, energy, stamina and resources?" Once you begin to see that there is a certain level of value about you in this attack, you can begin to identify that value and, once identified, hone in on! Or, as I like to to self-examine myself, with a giant heaping of honesty I often ask myself," is there anyone I feel threatened by?" Anyone that I may feel the need to subconsciously attack? I would never consciously attack anyone however, if I am to be brutally honest, I'd have to admit there are times I find myself wrapped up in a gossip conversation or whatnot that I end up doing some sort of damage to someone's character. It may not be intentional, but my haphazardly loose lips, in the moment of frustration, can indeed do some damage. But, in that moment, I must ask myself,"what was it about that person that allowed me to so easily get pulled into some gossip?" Was it a position they may have gotten over me? Was it some sort of rejection I faced? See, when people can't get to your level, they will often-times try to pull you down to theirs. If I am to grow as a person, as a character, I must be willing to always self-evaluate and be sure I'm not on the wrong end of that spectrum. When I do find myself being attacked, I must be willing to dive deeper than surface level and not be easily pulled into a battle royale. We can win the battle, but lose the war. I'm not as interested in being right as I am in growing into a better person tomorrow than I was today! I've got the war on my mind, not just the battle. When someone does attack me, it's best if I sharpen my sword. So I dive deeper, I analyze what it is in this moment that caused them to spend their efforts in my direction. So today's take-a-way is this:
1. See an attack as a confirmation of anticipated success on the horizon. Don't get cocky, stay humble. Hone-in on that value.
2. Self-evaluate to be sure that you, YOURSELF, are not on the wrong end of the spectrum. I have too many goals and dreams to achieve to waste any valuable time or resources on naysayers or attackers. Lions don't lose sleep over the opinions of the sheep, nor do lions look back at barking dogs.
3. Take a little Biblical advise from Psalms 23. When the Father prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies, invite them to sit down and dine with the Father. At His table, there is always more than enough to go around!
Until next time,
-Mitchall Smith