Keep Going

The Art of Perseverance

By John Marshall III

Reviewed by Angela Hutchinson

Spirit-Works.net

Lakota elder and author John Marshall III comes from a strong cultural tradition of passing down great ancestral wisdom through the art of story telling.  In this four disc set, he brings this meaningful custom alive in a truly extraordinary way.  Now with this set available, a larger audience may benefit from the spiritually rich, Native American wisdom.  In opening ourselves to their words, our spirits are nourished. 

“Jeremy” is distraught after learning his father has cancer.  He does not understand why life has challenged him in this way.  He seeks the counsel of his grandfather, “Old Hawk”.   His grandfather shares stories of life and difficulty, about how in this world there is duality; in order to know the good, we must experience the bad.  When we can accept that life will bring difficulties, we can move through them and continue forward, not becoming stuck in our own minds.  Through this touching conversation, Marshall speaks of lessons that are timeless and valid in this society.  As “Old Hawk” speaks of fear, the value of choices, and balance in life and nature we are brought back through time feeling as part of an elder circle where wisdom is given and accepted.  Marshall embraces the listener and provides a strength and comfort not found easily in a society that is long disconnected from elders and the ability to listen.

We all have experienced difficulty in life, and some challenges may have brought us to our knees.  If we keep going we come out stronger in mind and spirit.  We gain from adversity because life is a journey of learning.  “Old Hawk” continues to share with “Jeremy” the value of hope and how it brings you through the deepest despair.  We learn “there will be another sunrise.”  “Hope induces effort to take one more step.”

In the shade of the cottonwood tree, insight is given story after story.  The grandfather’s love pours out through his comforting words giving his grandson the encouragement and support he deeply needs.  Jeremy learns no matter the circumstance, perseverance is the key to living a life of purpose.  If we keep going, life brings us what we need.

 I felt honored to listen to this set of stories passed down from those great spirits of the past.   Through the talent of Marshall, they continue to support many who are wise enough to listen.  Keep Going is a gift from our history to our future as we support each other along the journey.