Along a winding dirt path, the blind Belisarius carries his young guide. The boy has been bitten by a snake, which remains coiled around his bleeding leg. With his right arm wrapped limply around Belisarus's neck and his eyes closed, the youth balances precariously between life and death. Belisarius's eyes are also closed, but guided by his stick he moves forward with determination and purpose. He raises heroically against the spectacular sunset, a monumental figure creating a powerful outline against the sky.
Belisarus was a popular Bysamtome general of the Roman Empire whose promising career was sabotaged by the jealous Emperor Justinian I. He was blinded and reduced to begging. The prominent helmet hanging from Belisarius's belt emphasizes the general's heroic past and underscores the injustice of his fall from favor.
Have you ever felt wronged? Passed up for a promotion, falsely accused, ousted by some family member of loved one? Or have you ever felt defeated and beaten down by what you feel are unfair circumstances? I sure have. Too fat, too poor, too short, too old, too young, lacking in the necessary advantages needed to win.
this can be a truth or a perceived truth, does it really matter?
What matters is our attitude that can move us back up the hill.
I saw this painting an became captivated by the images. I read the caption and couldn't stop thinking about Belisarius and his steadfastness to stand strong and keep doing what his heart told him was the right thing to do.
I just wonder if he wasn't following his faith in God. Where else can you get the strength to persevere under such difficulty?
Your thoughts welcome.
And this is where I count my blessings. I have had few times where I felt passed over for something--rather, I feel I have had many opportunities that I am grateful for. I always seemed to fit in and have many chances for success. If anything, I feel that I have not always made the best of things. I could have worked harder, accomplished more...but often made other, easier and less healthy choices. I do remember one time, coming back from vacation, and losing my job (illegally of course) to a very pretty young lady...the same exact person I used to admire in Jr. High. I could see why they wanted her hanging out there in the grocery store--she was stunning to look at and also very kind. I remember not only feeling a familiar pang of jealousy, but also one of injustice. Nearly 30 years later, I'm over it...even talked to her briefly recently on Facebook. She's as nice (and beautiful) as ever! The grocery store, however, is out of business. :)
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