A Hero’s Journey
In Joseph Campbell’s book, Hero with a Thousand Faces, I am reminded that those things that I strive for in the area of fulfillment and satisfaction in life will nearly always lie outside of my comfort zone. Campbell cleverly uses mythology to walk the reader through three life stages common to all “heroes” – and not only heroes, but humans. These stages are the Call, the Quest, and the Return. [1]
Speaking of the Call, this is the time in the hero’s life when adventure begins. [2] For the Christian, it can be a time when God speaks to one’s heart about a particular ministry. Campbell says that the hero can choose to respond or NOT to respond. This makes me think of Jonah and God’s call on his life to go to Ninevah. Jonah chose to run away. God pursued him anyway. For me also, it was a call to missions during a revival service when I was still a teenager. My heart pounded within me as my adventure in following after the heart of God began at a young age.
After the Call comes the Quest. [3] Matthew Winkler, in his video, makes reference to a quote of Joseph Campbell’s …
“In the cave you fear to enter lies the treasure you seek.” [4]
Winkler goes on to explain that in our quests we face symbolic caves. These caves could be anything that we fear to face. He gives examples to get you thinking. My own caves are things such as loneliness on the mission field overseas, my health when it is poor, the welfare of my family at times…
The final stage is the Return. [5] It can be the return to the original starting point. It can also be the fulfillment of your purpose, and the marking of the end of your journey. In that sense, it may even mark a transition from this life into the next life. I work with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. They still keep many of their ancient traditions alive. One of them is that of the “Shilombesh” – or “Spirit”. They believe when a person dies, the shilombesh of that person will wander around unless guided into the next world by a bright light / fire. Thus, from the time of death until the burial they burn a bonfire to light the way for the spirit. They clean the house and give it fresh paint, and even pack a bag for the journey. No detail is overlooked.
All of this is to say that it is not just the heroes in Joseph Campbell’s book that are on a quest for fulfillment. We all as human beings are seeking satisfaction in life. God calls each of us to different things. In our paths lie obstacles to overcome. We each have our own challenges. It is up to each of us to rise to the occasion, and to be a hero on a quest!
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[2] Campbell p.41
[3] Campbell p.87
[4] ed.ted.com/lessons/what-makes-a-hero-matthew-winkler
[5] Campbell p.167
About the Author
Tonette Kellett
Missionary, teacher, Bible student, traveler ... Having lived in Kenya and Korea, I now live in Mississippi and work with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.16 responses to “A Hero’s Journey”
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Tonnett, I appreciate your connection of Campbell’s Hero’s Journey with your story of responding to the call to missions. This is certainly a step out of the known, status-quo world into the unknown. An major part of the hero’s journey is the involvement of a guide. As Frodo had Gandalf as a guide, and Luke Skywalker had Yoda, who have been some significant influences in your life who have played the role of a guide in your own adventures?
David,
I don’t think reading the book actually changed me, so to speak, but it did inspire me to face my challenges in leadership more as “quests” along the way… divinely placed.
Thank you for your question.
Tonnette, I’m reminded by your thoughts of Paul’s words in Romans 5 to rejoice in our sufferings because they produce endurance, character and hope. In the world’s and life’s hardships, I can’t think of something I would rather cling to than hope. And yet, I’m immensely afraid of suffering. Maybe the next time we’re all together again, remind me to ask you to share a cave that you were scared to enter yet found treasure within.
Caleb,
I can share just one now … I got very ill while living as a missionary in Kenya, nearly died, and had to come back to the States. I was depressed and felt lost. I didn’t understand what God was doing then in my life because I understood my calling was to Africa, and not the States.
What I didn’t see then was that God was using that illness to bring me to work with the Choctaw people in Mississippi – who I have now been with for 21 years. So many have made decisions for Christ as a result. And my own life has been changed as well.
It was a dark cave, honestly, for a long time, as I made the transition. But when the door opened, so did my understanding. And my thankfulness for God’s constant provision in my life.
Wow! I am so sorry that happened but would love to hear more details on your transition to the states.
I immediately thought of you when I read Campbells book knowing of your missions in Kenya. I know there is more to be said, and I would love the opportunity to hear more about your life.
Hi Tonnette
Great summary and connection to your heroic journey!
I’m curious what redemptive myths or symbols you notice with those you serve and how these are helpful to you love and serve them?
Chad,
I think the fire at the time of death can be a symbol of redemption if looked at that way. Just as the fire lights the way for the spirit and never goes out, so Christ is our eternal Light – the Light of the world and is never extinguished.
Great question!
Tonnette,
Thank you for sharing about your cave experiences:
“My own caves are things such as loneliness on the mission field overseas, my health when it is poor, the welfare of my family at times…”
I am curious what kind of treasure came from being in these caves? You stated: “In the cave you fear to enter lies the treasure you seek.”
I am sure there has been great treasure for you as you have entered many caves, serving Jesus in the many roles you have had!
I always enjoy learning of the Choctaw Indians in your blogs!
Kristy,
Great question … When we first planted a church here in Mississippi, unfortunately the Choctaw were not welcome because I was bringing way too many of them every week. We live in a segregated society, sadly. So even our new church plant held prejudices that I knew nothing about until it was too late.
My fear was that the Choctaw would become aware of their feelings and get hurt. Then they wouldn’t continue going to church anywhere.
In the end, a handful of us started fresh with a new church plant where everyone is welcome, no matter what. The Choctaw came with us. The treasure was that in our new church plant we have baptized so many new Choctaw believers. They feel truly welcome and a part of the church in every way. That’s the treasure.
What a treasure! Thank you for sharing Tonette
addendum-
I just read Caleb’s comments. We are like minded and curious about treasure! 🙂
Hi Tonette, I so enjoyed reading your post and appreciate the way you wove everyday examples from your life and the lives of others into your explanation of the Hero’s Journey.
I like the words with which you ended your blog: “God calls each of us to different things. In our paths lie obstacles to overcome. We each have our own challenges. It is up to each of us to rise to the occasion, and to be a hero on a quest!” Has reading Campbell’s book changed the way you will face your challenges? Has it added to or changed the way in which you will do leadership?
Thank you, Tonette! I appreciate your wisdom!
Jenny,
I don’t think reading the book actually changed the way I will do leadership so to speak, but I do think it has inspired me to think of my challenges and trials as divinely placed “quests” along my journey. I like that idea better.
Thank you for your question.
Thanks, Tonette, for your response. I like your understanding of the trials and challenges as divinely placed quests. I’m so thankful for God’s presence with us as we journey through those quests!
Tonette,
I watched a two minute video of Campbell being interviewed by Bill Moyers. (I didn’t use the clip – but a comment stood out to me.)
In it Campbell stated that anything that we say “I can’t do that” is a dragon in our life that needs to be slayed. Is there one thing in your life that is currently a dragon?
FYI here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AmIpprjMjU
Audrey,
“Dragons” in my life come and go. Right now, at this moment, I am not facing one. But I am quite sure there lurks one around the corner for me. There is always the possibility of “dragon” in one shape or another. They are like trials. You have just gone through one, you’re going through one now, or you’re about to go through one.