Our Strengths Are Often Discovered In Our Weakest Moments

C.S. Lewis teaches us that we can conquer our cowardice and slay our fears when we accept life's challenges.

I am currently reading the first and arguably best book in the Narnia series with my students. As we read about “Peter’s First Battle” in chapter twelve of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe this past week, I asked my students why they thought Aslan, the brave, mighty lion, sent a boy to kill the wolf instead of doing it himself. It was a great conversation about why we must do hard things in life and what we learn about ourselves in the process.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Chronicles of Narnia, it is a fantastical series of children’s books written shortly after World War II. The author, C.S. Lewis, created the magical world of Narnia and introduced us to the four unsuspecting but curious children who would eventually rule from their thrones at the castle of Cair Paravel. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are siblings who learn much about themselves and each other through their adventures in Narnia. Readers of this beautiful story benefit from those lessons as well.

Aslan, the lion, is the central figure in the first book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The children do not meet him until halfway through the story, but they hear much about him from some of their new friends in Narnia. Aslan is a wise, benevolent, and powerful ruler. He alone can break the curse of eternal winter that the evil White Witch has cast over the realm. However, he is not driven by personal glory. His mission is to help the children discover their gifts and abilities so they can become the type of kings and queens that Narnia needs.

Just before “Peter’s first battle," the children encounter Father Christmas, who bestows unique gifts chosen specifically for them. Peter receives a sword and shield, Susan is given a bow, a quiver full of arrows, and a small horn, while Lucy’s gift consists of a small bottle that appears to be glass and a dagger. Edmund does not receive anything because he was not with them then. As a prisoner of the White Witch, he learns that temptation can lead to real danger.

Shortly after encountering Father Christmas, they meet Aslan for the first time. As Peter gets acquainted with him, they hear Susan’s horn signifying danger. Aslan sends Peter to manage the situation, which turns out to be one of the White Witch’s wolves attempting to harm his sisters. Without hesitation, he brandishes his new weapon and slays the wolf. Only afterward does he consider the level of danger he and his sisters were in.

I paused here and asked my students to consider why Aslan sent Peter to slay the wolf instead of doing it himself. We discussed that Peter needed to understand he could face challenging and frightening situations with courage. Those citizens of Narnia he would eventually rule over as king also needed reassurance that he was willing and able to protect them from danger. He had to prove to himself and others that he could be brave and selfless when necessary.

After focusing on Peter and the lessons he learned about himself, we talked about what we’ve had to “conquer” in our own lives to prove to ourselves that we could. My students mentioned things like learning how to ride a bike and swim, reading challenging books, memorizing math facts, and speaking in front of a group. While those things may pale in comparison to slaying a wolf, each provided my students with opportunities to learn what they were capable of and gain the confidence to try the next hard thing that came along.

There are numerous lessons to learn from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, as well as in the subsequent six books of the series. If the thought of reading seven books seems overwhelming or intimidating, consider Peter’s courage and perseverance in slaying the wolf and be inspired. You never know what you’re capable of until you try hard things.