So a few weeks ago at karate, a 7th degree sensei from the form I take came to do a 2 hour workshop with us. In a word, "ow." He showed us many new techniques and ways to become even more sore and bruised. Not that I'm complaining. I love karate mostly for the danger it involves. And if there's pain too? Perfect. Who knows what you'll need such training for in the future? At one point in the night, I'm thinking close to the end, he told us of another technique he wanted to demonstrate. He scaned the room, and his eyes landed on a friend of mine, Casey. I havn't known her very long, and if anything, we're more team-mates than we are friends. But as soon as she stepped forward, I felt a sudden wariness for her. This sensei was rough. He had nearly ripped off a 2nd degree's wrist/arm countless times in demonstration. Casey was a brown belt, but still.... this guy was crazy good at what he did. And he knew it.

I would like to interject that I have found when masters from different schools come to teach for a night at others' dojos, they are often much more intense. Call it "showing off" if you will. It probably sounds whiny of me to say so, but I'm being totally serious. They become MUCH more formal than they usually are. Who can blame them though? They're representing their school.

Anyway... Casey stepped forward. Nobody knew what he would do. He instructed her to turn around, and as she did, he grabbed her hair (which was in a ponytail) and yanked her backwards. Everyone in the room wasn't surprised, he was simply demonstrating another way people fall prey and get caught. But as soon as he grabbed her hair, every muscle tensed. I jumped forward and it was literally all I could do to stop myself with the obvious logic that I couldn't take down this guy, no matter how much this odd beast was raging inside of me to help her.

Now, you're probably wondering why I'm telling all this. You don't know these people, and you certainly don't know me (well.... except for those of you who do ^~^) So I'll get to the point.

It doesn't matter who you are, what you've done, or what you think of me. If somebody is trying to kill you, I would take your place without a second's hessitation.

I never really realized I was this way, and seeing my aquaintance, Casey, being harmlessly atacked so, I realized I'm just naturally the kinda freak that will protect anyone that is in need of it, through force (preferably XD). So I thought.... how much more so would I step into that protector role if it was one of my closest friends, those whom I consider my sisters, in that line of danger? If it was that great of a beast rearing up in me over a team-mate.... yeah I'm thinkin I'd probably just simply explode if it was one of my sisters.

Of course it sounds like a rediculous statement to say that I would die for someone, no matter who they are. And I wouldn't blame you for not believing me. But I know and feel it's the simple truth. Why? Because the One I follow and love and believe in with all my heart, came to this earth to do just that. Jesus Christ came to this disgusting sin-ridden planet to die for those who needed it. In other words, everyone. From the richest to the poorest, the strongest to the weakest, the socially accepted to the lowliest outcast. He died for all of us. Is there any greater love than to willingly die for those in dire need?

I find myself of late asking myself if I really would willingly do just that for anyone. It's sad to think that any of us would even hessitate depending on who the onein trouble was.

Would I trade for my sisters? Without the shadow of a doubt.

Walking along a dark pier the other night, I passed a homeless man playing the guitar for money. My friend and I stopped to talk and even gave him two strings for his dying and much loved instrument. As he restrung his instrument, I found myself asking myself, "would I die for this man?" (cuz yes, I am just that morbid and think about death THAT much XD) And I was ashamed that I hessitated. I actually had to stop and look at the way he was dressed, the length of his long dirty tangled hair, the way he coughedshowing he wasn't spending the tips made on the best of things. I was ashamed at my hessitation. But then he looked up and he smiled and I forced myself to look past his outter appearance and I thought, "This is who Christ came for. Not to heal those who were already well, but to those who were sick." And this man was sick...
Anyway, I realized that there should be no difference who it is I'd want to save or give my life for. If it was in God's plan for me to do so, it would be for the greater good in His perfect plan. as I heard in a song before, "Jesus paid far too great a price for us to pick and choose"

However, with all this thought of sacrifice, I had a very startling realization. Surely to give one's life for another would be one of the best types of witnessing. But why am I finding so easy to willingly die for someone? But there's the path even harder....

Christ died for me. I am willing to die for Him.

....but am I willing to live for Him?

(just a thought....yes I have a morbid mind.... and my passing thoughts, I'm finding, are rather long XD sorry...)