I confess I haven’t followed the Game of Thrones or Vikings series. The recent fervor of this final season hasn’t swept me in since I’ve missed too many episodes to care. Regardless of the indifference toward the plot outcome, one aspect of the cult-followed world enraptures me. The optics of these fictional universes spring up everywhere. I can’t help but notice the costumes, graphics, and cinematography, even if I never flip channels to glimpse a single scene of either show.
The style factor which most captivates me is the exquisite braiding.
Amid impending war and incessant crises, the characters manage to weave their hair into elaborate patterns. From high-standing central fins flanked by smaller rows to crowns of hair, the majestic braids esteem their wearers as striking, noble, and strong. Loose hair mustn’t get in the way of their purpose, especially in battle.
While it’s unlikely an authentic viking would have taken the time to create a cross-woven up-do or inverted French braid with ribbon plaits laced into the sides, a time-worn truth of the style’s benefit stands. Circumstances toss or break the individual strands while those braided together multiply their strength and remain firmly on course.
The braid of an ancient warrior exudes confidence and doesn’t impede the mission. If we braid our purpose with the vision of like-minded champions, our potential for success grows exponentially.
Competitive, blaming, independence-oriented mindsets don’t work well in business long term. The wild haired self-servers fight their circumstances and others in their own company, creating a cannibalistic workplace which devastates the company from within and seeps out to turn customers away.
The same mindset carries into church board rooms, programs, and small groups with far more destructive consequences. Scripture underscores the vital nature of unity in Christ, with repeated mention of collaboration in both testaments. Here are just a few of the vast examples:
- “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
- “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
- “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).
- “But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:24-27).
Today’s video highlights the power of choosing collaboration over competition, and why God designed us to serve our purpose as relational warriors rather than independently.
Have you experienced the power of renouncing us vs them mindsets? I’d love to hear your comments.
Be Encouraged,
Tina
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