The next day the man was back, singing and making what music he could with his bleeding finger stubs. This time the crowds were cheering. The guards dragged him away again and smashed his guitar. But the following day the man returned, singing with all his heart. The crowd joined in, and while the singing lasted, their hearts became as pure as his and their spirits as invincible.
Endurance produces character.
So angry were the guards this time that they had his tongue torn out. A hush descended on the camp, a something that was deathless. Soon everyone was holding hands and dancing around this bleeding, broken figure in the center, while the guards stood rooted to the ground in wonder. Character produces hope and that hope will not be defeated. We need a hope that will withstand a financial setbacks and devastating emotional losses, a hope that climbs over our shame-filled failures and discouraging illnesses.