June 2, 2009

  • I'm finally all caught up with the Naruto manga. That means no more manga to read to escape reality, but that's ok. I think I'm done escaping.
    Now that I think about it, Naruto is a pretty old manga series. I started reading it back in my senior year of high school. Back then I was such a misfit. So much has changed since then. And in the manga too, so much has changed as the characters developed.



    (issue 426)

    Freaking Naruto... this part almost made me cry. When I was first started reading Naruto in high school, the story begins with the protagonist as someone who is mischievous, unaccepted by society, rejected and alone. Having been an outcast myself, I know something of rejection and loneliness. As the years progressed (both in the story and in real time) the story focuses on Naruto's adventures, his triumphs, his failures, and his dreams. This is the first time the story has brought the focus back on the villagers perspective. Over time, they began to hear of all the things Naruto did. The villagers started to show concern for Naruto and eventually it was apparent that everyone cared about him. In the end, the villagers all protected him. They began to see his strength- not just being a strong ninja, but Naruto's true strength- his indomitable spirit and strength of his dreams.
    For me, it's been five years since I started reading Naruto. In that time, I've gone from never really belonging anywhere to finding a community in AAIV. Even going through crushing times, as I have been recently, I can no longer ignore that I have a lot of friends who care about me and who support me in prayer. Although sometimes I feel like I'm still struggling with the same things as I was five years ago, some of these friends have affirmed the change that God has done in me. Because of that, I am reminded again of my own dreams and vision. I find the encouragement I need to press on and not give up.

    I'm being reminded of so many invaluable lessons even through reading Naruto. It's as if even though I'm trying to escape, God won't let me go.

    6-2-09(4)
    (issue 403)

    Through Naruto's unrelenting commitment to what he says, I am reminded of the power of a person's words, and that promises should be kept; to say what you mean, and mean what you say.

    6-2-09(5)
    (issue 439)

    This story does not minimalize pain or trials, but very straightforwardly presents the reality of pain and the temptation associated with being hurt. Sometimes it does seem easier to give our hearts over to darkness...

    6-2-09(6)
    6-2-09(7)
    (issue 379)

    There are so many responses to being hurt that will just lead to more destruction, even if it's just self-destruction.

    6-2-09(8)
    (issue 373)

    But whenever we suffer, we must remember how much He suffered on our behalf... and that compassion we received, combined with the suffering we experience, allows us to understand others who are hurting and extend compassion to them. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

    6-2-09(9)
    (issue 448)

    What makes the character Naruto so unique is the strength of his dreams. Naruto has a vision that he believes in so strongly that he draws other people in. Even his enemies come to respect him and even support him and believe in him.
    When reading this story, I am reminded of the kind of person I want to be. I am reminded that if you have a vision, you have to have faith to back it up. I had always aimed for the stars. I have always been idealistic. But I want to grow into a person who does more than just daydream but gives up when I'm hurt. I want to pursues my vision so passionately that others would be drawn in, inspired, and encouraged. I want to endure with such persistence that my perseverance would be a testimony of God's faithfulness.

    My name is... 颖恒 (Ying Heng; Perseverance)