Our weaknesses are always evident, both to ourselves and others. But our strengths are hidden until we choose to reveal them--and that is when we are truly tested. When all that we have within is exposed, and we may no longer blame our inadequacies for our failure, but must instead depend upon our strengths to succeed ... that is when the measure of a man is taken, my boy.
James A. OwenYour ability to shape your destiny is directly proportional to your belief that it is a matter of will and determination--however much or little that belief may be.
James A. OwenAstraeus,' Aven called out. 'God of the four winds and friend to sailors. Say a little prayer when you look at him, so he will give us what we need to keep our course.' A little prayer?' said Jack. 'To a constellation?' To what it represents,' said Aven. But I don't believe in what it represents,' said Jack. Prayers aren't for the deity,' said Aven. 'They're for you, to recommit yourself to what you believe.' Can't you do that without praying to a dead Greek god?' Sure,' said Aven. 'But how often would anyone do that, if not in prayer?
James A. OwenI know,โ said Peter. โPerhaps better than anyone. But you canโt stay a child forever. To choose to speak into Echoโs Well is to choose illusion. To choose to avoid the responsibilities of being an adult. The real trickโthe real choiceโis to keep the best of the child you were, without forgetting when you grow up. โIt is the best of both worlds, Jack. Being a child is to believe in magic everywhereโฆ โโฆbut even Peter Pan had to grow up one day.
James A. Owen