Monday, February 27, 2012

Battle Cries & Power Moves

Every hero needs a battle cry. ~ Jaime Ridler

I'm reading a great book by Christine Mason Miller called "Desire to Inspire." In it there are stories by artists about creativity, motivation, and inspiration. Different contributors also provide little exercises to get your creative juices flowing and the other day one caught my eye. As I read it I thought of how much it could encourage someone in their walk with God. The exercise is titled "The Superhero in You."

There are two parts of this exercise I wanted to share because I think they are fun and unique. The first is to choose a battle cry. It could be just a simple word or a simple sentence. Have you ever thought about having one? A battle cry would inspire you to bold action. There is only one word for the moment that wraps up all that is going on in my life whether spiritually, personally, or professionally. My battle cry is, "Adventure!" I asked a few others if they would share their battle cry and some of the responses I received were:

"FREEEEEEEDOM!"
(and yes, I counted how many EE's she used - ha)
"Soar!"
"Not of this world!"
"Boldness!"
"The time has come, let us be brave!"
"Thrive and Flourish!"
"God's got my back!"
"Relentless!"

I've also heard of battle cries of "God is victor!" and "Let's do this!" Some friends needed time to think about it and I hope you will take some time and think of yours too. I imagine that through the years our battle cries will change so no worries...you aren't stuck with just one.

The second is to create your power move. This is such a fun idea that I'm going to quote her directly: "Imagine you have a secret move, one that activates your confidence and invokes your strength. Try a few possibilities. Standing tall?  Hands on hips? Raising your chin? Flicking your hair? Choose what feels powerful and then practice this stance on the subway, at your desk, and at the market. Use this pose whenever you need a little boost of heroic energy."

So what's my power move? Well, it's kind of dance where I rock my shoulders side to side and while snapping my fingers I say, "ooooh, look at me and my bad self." It's a line from the animation movie "The Emperor's New Groove." I don't know why I ever stopped using it because when I did it again my spirits were lifted. SO, what's your power move? Is it one of the examples above? Some other suggestions are to flex your arm muscles at yourself in the mirror (it's okay if it makes you laugh), or maybe it's a combination of saying your battle cry along with one fist pumped in the air? Could it be eyes closed, arms raised, and head back? A fighting stance? Hands in prayer position? The possibilities are endless.

If you have other battle cries or power moves, please share them with us by making a comment. I can't wait to hear from you!

2 comments:

  1. My battle cry: SOAR, that is what I believe God is calling me to do this year. He wants me to soar above where I have been in my relationship with him, soar above the level of (or lack of) self discipline I have, he wants me to Soar above in my relationships with people and to SOAR above with my health and wellness. All this takes discipline with God; especially with the health and wellness aspects. I have been reading a book MADE TO CRAVE by Lysa Turkhurst (sp?) It has been instrimental in helping me get and stay motivated to turn to God, not only with food choices but in all choices. I have lost 17.6lbs since the beginning of the year and have gone from being winded just walking in from the parkinglot to work to being able to actually JOG 3 miles in about 50 minutes. When I jog I listen to Christian music that gives me power and strength to complete the goal set before me. I make different goals each time. So, I think right now when I feel most powerful is when I get out into nautre, see God's majesty and put my feet to the pavement and run for God and to be close to him. 1Corinthians 9:24-End says: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize"

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for your comment...some others have told me off line how encouraging what you shared has been for them. Keep soaring! *hug*

    ReplyDelete