The world needs more warriors. Flipping through the channels the other day, I happened upon one of those magazine shows. You know the kind where they seem way too excited about something devastatingly sad. I saw two segments and then remembered why I don’t watch the news.
I just can’t take it. Story after awful story about things I can’t fix. Unstoppable storms and earthquakes, wars and rumors of wars, mothers kidnapping their children, and children killing themselves. It’s dark and overwhelming and unstoppable. So, I don’t listen to the news.
Part of a Broken World
I realize not listening doesn’t change any of it, but it does allow my heart a chance to hope. Maybe I should force myself to listen to the worst of humanity. Sometimes I feel like it’s unfair how I walk around in blissful ignorance while others carry the heavy burden of knowing on their backs.
But I have some knowing of my own. If you’ve lived any length of time, you understand pain, sadness, loss, and the brutal spikes of a fallen world come to pull you further down. I don’t need to listen to the news to know how unstable the world is or that tomorrow could bring the iron rain of unimaginable loss. What I really need to know is what my part is in this story of humanity. Because we all have a role to play—a purpose.
Warrior with Love Needed
I think (mostly) our purposes have to do with the people sitting next to us; the guy taking his sweet time in front of me; the woman digging through her purse for a few more cents to pay the cashier, the kid on the subway who just needs someone to look him in the eye and be kind. And the person who, like me, has thousands of questions plaguing their heart and mind every day. The hopeful warrior who suffers when doubts creep in and pluck at their resolve. And the wayward apprentice who dismisses her gift as it simmers in the soup of her insecurity.
The world needs more warriors. I thought being a warrior meant being on the front lines, fighting evil like a superhero. Now, I think being a warrior is more about figuring out why you’re here and then simply doing it.
For the longest time, I’ve been waiting for a sign to show me my exact purpose—my brand, my audience, my path forward. I wanted GOD to spell it out—tell me exactly what I’m supposed to do and how to do it. And then to clear the path and waltz me right into my destiny.
Finding My Purpose
Jim Rubart, a friend, mentor, and incredible writer, teaches about how the truth of our purpose can sometimes be found in the themes running through our favorite movies. It’s not a science or anything, but it can be very revealing. You take your three favorite movies and you dissect their commonalities. Are they about overcoming? Do they focus on finding freedom? How do their themes mesh together to point to you? I did this exercise years ago, and I didn’t see it. I saw common themes, and some of them even felt right, but I couldn’t settle on any single one, until now.
I hadn’t been thinking about purpose. But the mixture of the stories from the news and the despair of a world careening toward chaos led me to a full stop. And in this stop, the sad state of things combined with my nagging questions and doubting heart to form the oxygen of my purpose.
I write because the world needs more warriors, and those warriors, who may appear to be average, have the potential to shine like stars in the universe. I write because maybe, in some small way, my stories will be seeds of hope and offer courage when someone feels weak. Maybe a blog post or skit will remind them that the answers are out there and they should keep searching. I write for Neo, Will, and Rick—for them to realize who they are and let go of the lies and loss pinning them down. For them to embrace life the way they were meant to.
Are You a Warrior, Too?
The world needs more warriors, and maybe my stories can help them see the truth of who they are and how thoroughly they’re loved. This is my story, but just the same, I believe you also have a story, a purpose, a distinct reason you’re gifted the way you are. And I believe God will show you what he has for you if you just give him time.
I’m curious. How many of you are searching for a purpose? And how many of you are right where you should be, doing exactly what you were meant to do? Write me back or, better yet, leave a comment on this post and share with others where you are in your journey.
And happy 2026! Despite all the bad news, maybe it will be our best year yet!
You are a warrior! My sweet friend, courageous warrior, sister in Christ to be exact! I remember doing Jim’s exercise and learned a ton about myself and what makes my heart smile. May God bless you and all the warriors who lift His banner and face this world with hope and love!
So happy to see your name pop up! I miss you bunches! Long talks, a kind friend who’s not afraid to push a little, and who’s always up for deep thoughts and exploring hope.You’re a warrior too, and I’m pretty sure you have helped me stay the course more than once when I wanted to fold in on myself and give up. The world needs more Tammy’s too!
Love Jim’s exercise and look forward to trying it! I think I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing in this moment, but also processing that that may change at any moment!
Very curious what you’re three movies might be!