William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once said “The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.”  I’ve held this quote close to my heart to balance out the other well-known, but more cynical ones on power (this one that also stands out – “Every man can handle adversity but if you want to test his character, give him power.”)

Surrender is a difficult concept to wrap one’s mind around much less implement.  The word conjures up visions of retreating (a legitimate tactic at times), giving up, etc.  Not such a valued idea in modern society.

I haven’t fully understood the concept myself.  But an example I found instructive and captures it well is from the first Star Wars movie “A New Hope” when Darth Vader is in a lightsaber duel with his former master Obi Wan Kenobi.  Vader is bigger, younger, and stronger, Obi Wan an old man by now.  But Obi Wan still has game – he goes “You can’t win.  If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”

I don’t usually like to talk about the New Testament portion of my faith very much, more of an Old Testament guy.  But the parallels to the crucifixion and resurrection are inescapable.

I’ve had to practice surrender quite a bit, usually after struggling and exhausting all other options.  It does work.