July 26, 2026 Reflection

Intention: I am choosing faith over fear.

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

Nelson Mandela

Poetry was one of my favorite units to teach in 8th grade ELA. I could not always tell which students were inspired by the poem until the conversations began. Once we began discussing the deeper meanings, more students recognized the subtle nuances. The real magic happened when they connected the poem’s messages to their own experiences. They developed empathy and a meaningful understanding that they were not alone in their fears or joys.

“Invictus” was one of the poems taught, which was written in the late 1800s by William Earnest Henley. In 2009, a film was made with the same title telling the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Mandela was imprisoned for nearly thirty years but not because of any wrongdoing. Even through the injustice, this revolutionary deeply believed peace and democracy would eventually prevail. He chose hope over fear and created paths of unity and a process forward.

When grieving a loved one, it is reasonable to see the loss as an injustice. We were cheated from a life that could have been. Our hearts, once so full of love, now anger, disbelief, and hopelessness reside. However, Maya Angelou advised us that, “Hope and fear cannot occupy the same place. Invite one of them to stay.”

Mandela chose to use his suffering to serve a greater purpose, to hope and have faith in the promise of change and transformation. As we wrestle with our loss, take time to explore the contents of your heart. Ask fear to leave and invite faith to stay.

Although the poem and the movie are about two different tragic events, Henley’s and Mandela’s lives intertwine because they both suffered loss, yet chose courage, faith, and hope. Jesus reminds us in John 16:33, that “...In this world you will have trouble…”, but know that our suffering can also be transforming if we choose for it to be.

As 2026 continues, I am choosing:

I am choosing faith over fear.

I am choosing miracles over coincidence.

I am choosing love over loss.

I am choosing light over darkness.

I am choosing hope over despair.

StoryLight Transforming Pain Into Purpose Sharon M Wible

July 26, 2026 Reflection

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