My beautiful Tewahedo Orthodox sister, when life feels heavy and everything seems to be going wrong, take heart. Remember: even a tortoise can win the race as long as it keeps moving!
Sometimes the weight of the world feels like too much to carry, and the path ahead looks impossibly steep. In those moments, it’s easy to feel defeated or even forgotten. But do not lose courage, because in Christ, every small step you take has meaning.
The following story of the tortoise and the hare teaches us an important lesson. The race isn’t always about who is the fastest. It is about who is faithful to keep going. Enjoy…
A Hare was making fun of the Tortoise one day for being so slow.
“Do you ever get anywhere?” he asked with a mocking laugh.
“Yes,” replied the Tortoise, “and I get there sooner than you think. I’ll run you a race and prove it.”
The Hare was much amused at the idea of running a race with the Tortoise, but for the fun of the thing he agreed. So the Fox, who had consented to act as judge, marked the distance and started the runners off.
The Hare was soon far out of sight, and to make the Tortoise feel very deeply how ridiculous it was for him to try a race with a Hare, he lay down beside the course to take a nap until the Tortoise should catch up.
The Tortoise meanwhile kept going slowly but steadily, and, after a time, passed the place where the Hare was sleeping. But the Hare slept on very peacefully; and when at last he did wake up, the Tortoise was near the goal. The Hare now ran his swiftest, but he could not overtake the Tortoise in time.
The same is true in our spiritual life. Progress is not measured by how quickly we seem to “get there,” but by our persistence in prayer, repentance, and trust in God.
The Bible tells us: “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong… but time and chance happen to them all” (Ecclesiastes 9:11). What matters is that you stay steadfast, even if your steps feel small and slow.
You are not defined by your struggles but by your faith and resilience. Even the very act of rising in the morning to pray, to fight another day, to whisper “Lord, have mercy” is a victory in itself. God sees your effort, even when the world does not.
So, when the future feels uncertain, lift your eyes to Christ, for He is your strength and your light. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to the finish line where eternal joy awaits. And remember, you are never walking this journey alone. The prayers of the Saints and the intercession of our holy Mother St. Mary surround you and strengthen you every step of the way
Keep moving, my beautiful sister. Victory belongs to the one who endures in Christ.
“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:1–2
Selam Seyoum
Tewahedo Orthodox Girl 