(Again, if you are just starting to read about Much-Afraid, go back a few days in the blogs and read the story from the beginning. You can tell which they are by the titles.) Now, from the very beginning the way up the mountains proved to be steeper than anything Much-Afraid had supposed, and she was forced to seek the help of her companions. Each time she took hold of the hand of either Sorrow or Suffering a pang went through her, but she found they had amazing strength and seemed to be able to lift her upwards over places which she would have considered impossible to reach. Without their aid, she would have been a goner. She also began to realize how much she needed their help in another way, for it was not only steepness of the climb that was difficult, but her own lameness and weakness which caused difficulties. And to her surprise and distress she found enemies who she met on the way who would certainly have succeeded in making her turn back had she been alone.
Of course, the family back in the Valley wanted to go to the mountains themselves, they were full of envy and it was intolerable that Much-Afraid should go without them. It was decided that by some means she must be brought back, that the hated Shepherd would be robbed of his success. After consultation, it was agreed that she was under the protection of the Shepherd, so it was a certainty that she must be beguiled into leaving of her own free will. But how could that be accomplished? Their plan fell on Pride, strong and powerful, and also a handsome young man. He would feel no scruples against exerting all of his powers of fascination to coax Much-Afraid away from her goal. To confess defeat and return empty handed? No. Pride would not allow himself to fail.
So, one morning barely into their day's journey, the climbers saw Pride striding toward them. Much-Afraid was surprised at this unexpected apparition, but not unduly alarmed. Pride had always ignored her and it never occurred to her that he would even speak to her. Yet Pride approached her quite affably, stopping to greet her with, "Well, cousin, here you are at last. I have had such ado to catch up with you." Well, our poor simple girl who should have known better, greeted Pride pleasantly, and reached out her hand, after being snubbed by him for years. Pride continued, "I have made this journey on purpose to try and help you. I do beg you to allow me to do so and to listen very seriously."
And he went on, "You must give up this extraordinarily fruitless journey and come back with me to the Valley. All those promises the man made about bringing you into his kingdom and making you live happily ever afterward will prove false. He will abandon you altogether, and you will be put to lasting shame." Poor Much-Afraid tried to pull her hand away. She had begun to understand why he was standing in her presence! This was Pride! He is the hardest thing in the world to throw off! She hated the things he said, but with her hand in his, they seemed true, horribly true. Had not these thoughts come to her before, yes, but she had thrust them back. Could it not be true that as the Shepherd allowed Sorrow and Suffering to be her companions, would this not also bring her shame before her relatives? She was feeling weaker by the moment.
But it is a terrible thing to let Pride take one by the hand and Much-Afraid realized that his suggestions had an irresistible force. Now, he was urging , "Give it up before it's too late. You know what I say is true. This is a fictitious promise of living on the High Places! Is it worth the cost you will be asked to pay for it?" And feeling beaten, she simply let the words be dragged out of her, "I am seeking the Kingdom of Love." Pride sneered. "I thought as much! Seeking your heart's desire eh? Now, Much Afraid, have a little pride and ask yourself. "Are you not ugly and deformed? No one in the valley loves you, right? That is the brutal truth!"
Just then, before Pride could stop her, Much Afraid looked out and saw something was happening in the distance. There was a radiant vision in the distance and a soft humming sound, "Behold thou art fair, my love; thou hast dove's eyes. Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee." And Much-Afraid uttered a desperate cry for help and was calling up toward the mountain. "Come to me, Shepherd! Come quickly! Do not tarry, O my Lord." There was a sound of loose stones and a whish of a prodigious leap ,and the next moment He was there before her. His face terrible as he faced Pride. His shepherd's staff raised high above his head, but only one blow fell, and then Pride dropped Much-Afraid's hand, and he made off down the path and around the corner, slipping and stumbling on the stones. And then he was out of sight.
"Much-Afraid," said the Shepherd, gently, "Why did you let Pride take your hand? You must cling to the hands of your helpers." And of her own free will, she held out both hands to her two companions, and they grasped her strongly. She felt their love, and she felt her own pain, filled with her own sorrow.
If we can see this story as an allegory, we may find ourselves in it someplace. Isn't it possible that each of us at one time or another did perhaps just one thing that we might not have done if we had thought better about it or perhaps prayed about it? I confess that I have, and now have learned from it. At least, I pray that I have learned what not to do, and wait. For waiting helps me to pray, and praying helps me to know best what I must do. Oh, it is hard, as we try to live this life doing what we know is best to do for ourselves, our families, and for all. Yes, it is hard, but not impossible. I do not live among Fear-ful people. But, each of us can go through fearful situations in this life. I pray that you have some people around you that are not Fear-ful. But, if not, maybe you will have to be the new head of a new family, which could be a new part of the Shepherd's family!!
Hoping you are cheering for Much-Afraid!
Jo INMN
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