Preferring action movies that incorporate history and a compelling story over the science fiction Marvel-esque films of today, one of my all-time favorites is the 2000 film Gladiator. Perhaps the attraction relates to the intriguing history of sport which compels me to reference the movie in the sports facilities’ class, not only to emphasize the characteristics of the coliseum still in use today, but also to underscore the evolution of sport and its purpose of entertainment. However, one of the most captivating aspects shown in the film, at least for me, is related to the efforts of cultivating a culture of teamwork led by Maximus in the fight against the enemy. It is only when the gladiators have experienced being Face Down in the Arena that they unite, brandishing their shields for protection, and are able to triumph together.

The visual imagery of being covered in blood and dust while Face Down in the Arena brings to mind, as have several authors lately, the quote by Teddy Roosevelt which speaks to me personally about resilience, perseverance, teamwork, and having a close group/tribe/posse in whom you can place your trust. A close group that has your back in tough situations.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Many readers may find it odd to connect this imagery of being bloody and dusty and lying Face Down in the Arena to the context of creating a flourishing life, but I offer that humans will not thrive until they have struggled through something hard, persevered, and become stronger as a result of the floundering or failure. In her book Rising Strong, Brene Brown shares, “But I’m learning that the process of struggling and navigating hurt has as much to offer us as the process of being brave and showing up…in the midst of struggle is where our courage is tested and our values are forged…Rising strong after a fall is how we cultivate wholeheartedness in our lives; it’s the process that teaches us the most about who we are.” Adding to Brown’s insight, I would encourage those within my sphere of influence to carefully consider engaging in personal and professional relationships with others who have been Face Down in the Arena either beside us or before us. We will often need others to help us stand up from the floor of the arena because we can’t do it alone.

Returning to Roosevelt’s quote, I find several other connections to creating a flourishing life, in addition to the need for team members who have experienced hardship together and can empathize with the struggle, that I will hopefully address in future posts. From being Face Down in the Arena, I see applications to times when we need to be armored for battle and times when the armor must be removed so we can be vulnerable. Other applications include being covered in dust, hopefully the Dust of the Rabbi, along with the importance of pursuing goals of significance. So many pearls of wisdom from former presidents, Scripture, leadership authors, and yes, even fictional movies.

We will be called upon in this world to Do Hard Things if we are fulfilling our God-given purpose. Creating relational equity in and with others means that when the time comes to fight through the battle in the arena, we will have a team by our side who can celebrate the triumph with us whether it comes in this lifetime or the next. Perhaps there is imagery that comes to mind for you when considering those Face Down in the Arena moments, whether a personal experience or a scene from a movie. Feel free to share those experiences or resources in the comments below.

References:

Brown, B. (2017). Rising strong: How the ability to reset transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead. Random House.

Goodreads. (2020). Theodore Roosevelt > Quotes > Quotable Quote Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7-it-is-not-the-critic-who-counts-not-the-man

Wick, D., Franzoni, D. & Lustig, B. (Producers) & Scott, R. (Director). (2000). Gladiator. (Motion Picture). United States: DreamWorks Pictures.