Invictus

Invictus is a Latin word meaning unconquered.  It is the title of a poem written in 1875 by William Ernest Henley and it speaks to the unquenchable human spirit. The most well-known part of the poem is the last two lines:

“I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.”

Invictus is also the name of the international paralympic-style multi-sport event, created by Prince Harry, in which active duty and veteran armed services personnel who are wounded, injured or sick participate in sporting events. Sports include track and field; archery; powerlifting; road cycling; swimming; wheelchair basketball; sitting volleyball; wheelchair rugby and indoor rowing.

The Invictus Games were in Orlando this year (my hometown) so there was a lot of publicity on the local TV stations and news outlets. Although I had heard of the Invictus Games previously, seeing it every day on the news and watching snippets of the competition gave it a whole deeper meaning. And it gave me a profound appreciation for these brave warriors who have overcome so much mental and physical suffering.

Invictus (unconquered) is the perfect word for this competition. It embodies the fighting spirit of these athletes and what they can overcome. While you may never actually attend the Invictus Games to witness the competition in person, you can support these warriors through your prayers. Since this is Memorial Day, please join me in praying for all the brave men and women who put themselves in harms way. Ask God’s blessing on those who are in active service, the veterans, the ones who are healing from mental, physical and emotional scars and those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 

Evelyn Bean