BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

Out of the night that covers me,

      Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

      For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

      I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

      My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

      Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

      Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

      How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

      I am the captain of my soul.

RESPONSE:

I NOT the Captain of my Soul. My LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ is. While I understand Henley’s sentiment, I must take his meaning one step futher.

Walking in the Light of Christ one has no fear. Having the creator of the Universe walk side by side with you who can be against you? Romans 8:31 reminds us of that fact.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Invictus means unconquered. You and I, mere mortals, on this journey called life are conquered every single day by doubt, fear, uncertainty, lust, and overall sin. Jesus IS Invictus. Jesus IS unconquered. While it seemed that He was defeated at Golgotha, His VICTORY was fulfilled at His ressurection. HE overcame death. HE overcame Hell. HE overcame the world and HE did it because He loves YOU.

This world can be dark and harsh at times. The struggles we have endured up until this point have forged us into who we are today. You can remain beaten, battered, and broken. You can accept defeat. That choice is yours. But there is another path. A path where you RISE and walk with Jesus. A path where ministering Angels mend your wounds and protect you until you are able to stand. A path where, despite all uncertainty, you always have HOPE that is unconqerable. The hope that is Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Forever. INVICTUS.