Every so often you meet someone who embodies the warrior spirit. You know the type. They are rugged, dogged and intrepid, and they possess a remarkable capacity to overcome obstacles and move through difficulties that would crush the ordinary man. Such men are rarely bellicose in nature, in fact, they tend to be pacifists at heart. That said, they never shrink from a battle.
I met one such man roughly fifteen years ago. His inner strength and will power will forever be an inspiration to me. This man – whose spirit and body parted company yesterday – taught me many lessons about life, chief among these lessons was a recognition of the value of the warrior spirit, when properly channeled.
The warrior spirit is a strong one. From it radiates a signature quality, an unmistakable intensity of life that pushes through even the most oppressive of circumstances. Poorly tempered, the warrior spirit becomes a destructive force, if not self-destructive. The energy and readiness to act can morph into a quickness to anger and the protective instinct can devolve into obstinacy, a stubborn refusal to let things change.
We are all faced with the necessity of cultivating the qualities of character and exercising the elements of virtue that resonate with the spirit that we are. We do this for two reasons. First and foremost, it is the only way to prepare the vehicle that we have – our bodies, minds and hearts – for the expression of the spirit who we are. Second, it is the best way to make sure that the power which radiates from within outward does so on a controlled and productive basis.
Humanity lost a warrior yesterday, one who inspired many yet demanded little. My desire today is to find a way to celebrate his life, to acknowledge the goodness and generation that came from it and to do my part to let him move freely onward and upward.
Gregory Hake 
Some of us were entrusted with the unequivocal privilege of providing surround for that indomitable warrior spirit. I remember the day so vividly when that responsibility passed to me, it was full of misty wonder and my heart rushed to provide complementation to the strength and passion that embodied that noble warrior. I join you Gregg in a concern to rightly surround the substance that we are still responsible for as it moves onward.
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Beautifully put, Milly. Putting first things first is so important in life.
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It is always wondrous to see qualities of healthy spirit in people, folks that have in one way or another done their job to let those qualities shine into the world for the world needs it so bad today. I too celebrate the warrior within, and with that thought a good night.
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Your tribute and encouragement to be who I am has touched my soul deeply. I too celebrate his goodness and surround him with love and God’s speed as he moves onto his next responsibilities, free and whole again unemcumbered by earthly restraints. I’ve no doubt there are Angels greeting this warrior this very moment. Thank you Gregg.
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For those who were friends with our friend in passing we all considered him to be our BEST FRIEND quite an acknowledgement for someone one to have many best friends. His loyal interest to look out for his friends was beyond human words and deeply appreciated. You articulated very well his warrior spirit which he has gifted us all to live the life we are meant to heartily live . I am with you in doing my part to let him move onward and upward.
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He was truly a warrior. Throughout a life of challenges, he was a beacon of constant energy and enthusiasm. I know I would not be the man I am today without him. Through the lessons he taught us all, his stamp is fixed upon the world, and will be for a long time to come.
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Gregg,
Hugs, my friend.
Char
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The beauty of the true warrior spirit is that the people that embody it are more interested in helping others than they are with their own personal issues. It is a spirit of service. We are always diminished when we lose a living example of the warrior spirit, but someone who exemplified it will continue on in those that remain.
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Thank you for this beautiful and deserving tribute.
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I love your description of the warrior spirit, I’ve known a few who that description would fit. They seem to arrive on Earth ready to face any challenge that comes their way, armed with a courage that inspires us all. The inspiration I’m pointing to is the one to bravely be who we were meant to be, by as you said, “cultivating the qualities of character and exercising the elements of virtue that resonate with the spirit that we are.” Then we each have the opportunity to inspire our fellows and fullfill our unique commission. Beautiful post, thank you.
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One of the characteristics of the Warrior Spiriit is Courage, and the person whom you are referring to Gregg had it in abundence. Of the many outstanding characteristics that he embodied, having the courage to forget himself and what he didn’t have and instead continue going forward and work with what he did have without complaint was to me the most significant.
It is so easy to fall into the trap of complaint, and we so often see folks who seemingly have everything going for them fall into that trap. Yet this man, who had obvious areas that he wished were different never once, at least in my presence or knowledge, complained. That took courage and desire to be of value, and therefore his life stood for something of value.
We will miss him certainly, but I for one will be forever grateful to have known him and to have been influenced in a very right way by him.
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It is a wonderful spirit, that of the warrior – courageous, fearless and undaunted. They also can be a great inspiration to others, being a catalyst for change. To have the friendship of someone who has the “warrior spirit” is truly a privilege and will surely make an unforgettable impact on your life. When tempered by the qualities you mentioned, that spirit is quite remarkable. We can all embody elements of the warrior and meet the challenges of every day with joy and strength. I join you and many others you in celebrating the goodness and generation that came from his life.
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It is always poignant when such a one takes his leave, and invariably a renewed challenge is presented to those who remain. The untainted spirit of the warrior is much needed in the earth, though seldom found. So vital that our lives should be kindled and purified in the spirit so represented!
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He was one of the most incredible men I have ever known. His spirit was indominatable and his wisdom profound. He touched many lives, and I am a better person for having been privileged to know him.
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It is rare to meet someone who can impact your life in this way. Those who choose to embody this particular trait can sigle handedly create such massive amounts of change that indeed, we can see the hope of making drastic changes in this world. One person can make a difference, and this man truely did! Thank you Gregg!
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Well said. He offered so much in the spirit of service. There is much to be celebrated for a life well lived. Thank you.
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