The Phoenix

For many people, thoughts of a phoenix evoke images of red, gold, and fire. For me, it evokes images of my sister, Johanna.

Let me explain.

Niki Fosters explains on www.wisegeek.com: “The phoenix is a legendary bird based in Egyptian mythology that burns itself at the end of its life, followed by a new bird rising from the ashes. It is also extremely long-lived and able to heal itself spontaneously. The bird is a symbol of immortality, resurrection, and regeneration. In ancient times, it was incorporated into the mythologies of many cultures, and in the medieval period, it became a symbol of Christ.” 

In the Marvel Comic series, X-Men, we become acquainted with the fictional character of Jean Grey, a mutant with superpowers whose alias is “Phoenix.” Wikepedia describes Jean’s character formation as follows: “Under the authorship of Chris Claremont and the artwork of first Dave Cockrum and then John Byrne in the late 1970s, Jean Grey underwent a significant transformation from the X-Men's weakest member to its most powerful.

In an attempt to save her fellow X-Men by piloting their damaged shuttle back to earth, Jean was exposed to fatal levels of radiation. Dying but determined to save Scott and her friends, Jean's love pushed her to reach her full potential as a psychic and telekinetic. The ship landed in Jamaica Bay, with the other X-Men unharmed. Jean then surfaced wearing a new green and gold costume and adopted the codename Phoenix, having gained immense powers.”

I've had a kid sister for nearly 30 years. In fact, she has an upcoming birthday soon and is far from being a kid.  Interestingly enough, while she is my youngest sibling, I respect her greatly and look up to her. Her strength and resilience in life has much to be admired.

It’s possible she may not see herself in such a reflective light. Her list of erroneous past choices and regrets are possibly longer than she’d care to name. She still has a way to go to reach her desired destinations in life. But while she sees mostly goals before her, I see accomplishments trailing behind her.

I have been a close witness to my sisters' transformations. Somehow, for some reason, her seasons in life seem to shift like the ferocity of a wildfire. She’s moves forward, and unexpectedly the wind her life changes and shifts. Embers get blown up and grow in strength and out of nowhere she appears to be consumed by a situation that leaves her drained, spent, and burned out.  Yet time and time again I have witnessed the transformation from ashes to new life. She has an amazing ability to shake the ashes from her skirts, regain new vision, and move forward with renewed purposes. She is fierce with determination, and it shines around her like the green and gold costume of Jean Grey’s Phoenix.

Likewise akin to the Egyptian mythological creature, she is able to regenerate spontaneously and not let life’s hard knocks keep her down. She doesn't spend her energy looking back to the past and her old life. She doesn't get stuck in anger and regret. Instead, her love for her children, her family, and others push her forward and enables her to begin to reach her full potential.

I am in awe of the grit she is made of. She’s been amazing to watch. I have seen God make a significant transformation in her life from one of the weakest members of the Body of Christ to one of the strongest.

While I am sorry that she’s had so many difficult challenges to face, I am proud of her for continuing to rise, spread her wings, and fly.