You did it...you found the next clue!
You are well on your way to becoming a Maasai Warrior!
Did you know that every Maasai Warrior must face several tests of his physical strength? One of them happens when he is young, right around your age. The tribe elders call him to a special meeting and he is asked if he wants to become a warrior. If he answers "Yes!" they lay him down and pull out his front tooth!
Another test for the young boys is to spend 3-4 months out in the "bush" (which means far away from the village) protecting their cows from predators. They must find ways to feed themselves and stay alive.
All of this requires what the Maasai call ushujaa, which means bravery. And there is no better symbol of ushujaa than the "Heart Stone."
You have already read the legend of Jiwelamoyo. Now it's time for you to discover your own "Heart Stone."
On the outside, the stone is hard and dull. It's formed by intense heat and pressure. But on the INSIDE, the Heart Stone is beautiful. The Maasai know that bravery is formed by a lot of heat and pressure - many tests that prove we are strong and brave - and the outside may look hard and crusty. But God's design for men is to be true and brave on the inside.
In the west, this Heart Stone is called "Tanzanite."
Learn More by Watching this Video.
God has given every true warrior a strong and brave heart.
Just as heat and pressure form this amazing blue gem, God also gives every one of his warriors a heart of bravery. True bravery is on the inside.
Did you know you can't be brave without first being afraid? Yes! To be brave means you first take steps toward something you are afraid of and then you discover true bravery!
When a Maasai Warrior goes out to hunt lions, of course he's afraid! But, because he found his heartstone of bravery, he's able to pull out his spear and hunt!
You can't be brave if you don't face your fears. Just like these gems...they don't exist if they don't first go through the fire.
Take a moment and talk together about these questions (dad, you answer them too!):
- What are some things in your life you are afraid of?
- When you are afraid, how to you make it through?
- What does it mean to be brave?
- What do you have on the inside that can help you make it through hard times?
Now it's your turn to discover what gems are inside you.
"Jiwe la Moyo" is the Swahili word "Heart Stone." Deep in the heart of every warrior lives a heart that is strong and brave.
Just.Like.You.
