A message of strength, originally uploaded by Thorsten Becker.
It never ceases to amaze me how artificial things can have a profound emotional impact. I often admire the ability of Japanese animation (see Anime) to really get the audience involved, creating a feeling of attachment and subsequent joy or sadness depending on the story. I tend to care about the characters even though none of them are real. It all comes down to the skillful way the protagonists are portrayed, their strengths and weaknesses. Those same principles of character development and depiction are found in many Japanese video games, for example the various Final Fantasy titles, Chrono Cross and Ico. It's been almost a decade since Final Fantasy VIII was released but I still remember key sequences due to the feelings attached. Hence I took a picture of my Squall and Rinoa figures from the aforementioned game to serve as the key image for this post. But how does all this relate to strength? It's all about the emotional impact.
Strength is often used in the context of power, dominance, and control as well as the abilities to overrule, overpower and subdue. From a protective perspective all of this may be a valid display of strength, for example a man subduing someone who is intend on harming his family. However, most situations in life will be far less dramatic and require a different form of strength, an emotional strength - to give, to cherish and to foster. To let go, give up, give over and enable is an admirable display of strength. To make another human being feel respected, valuable and loved is far more important than any vane display of physical or intellectual strength. For example my grandfather (my mother's father) was a man always concerned with the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of his family. For this I admire him to this day despite the fact that he passed away almost 30 years ago. This picture and post is dedicated to men like him and their spirit of strength (dad's, remember that playing with your kids is important - and it should encompass more than toys with guns).
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