Creator’s Promise To Guide Us Through Fear
SUNDAY, Novmber 8
Wise Sayings (Proverbs) 3:25-26
“Do not live in fear of sudden disaster or the storm that will come on evildoers. For Grandfather will be your courage. He will not let your foot stumble onto an enemy’s trap” (vv. 25–26, First Nations Version).
As Yakama people, we have a virtue called yaych’unakł. This virtue describes being courageous and never giving up, no matter how hard life gets. Xwayamá (eagle) isn’t afraid of a storm—she just rides the winds. Nusúx (salmon) isn’t intimidated by the waterfall—he keeps jumping and never gives up. Today’s proverb teaches us to have courage when trouble comes. Life is full of storms of sickness, loss, conflict, and broken treaties and promises. Tamánwiła (Creator) is our courage, like the strong root of the cedar tree keeping us grounded when the winds roar.
When the hard times come, remember eagle on the wind. Remember salmon at the waterfall. Take courage that Creator will keep you from stepping into the traps of life.
Prayer
Tamánwiła, Life-Guider, stay beside me on every trail. When hard times come, give me courage. Guide my steps, and keep me safe from unseen traps.
Creator’s Promise Of Peace With Our Enemies
Monday, November 9
Wise Sayings (Proverbs) 16:7
“When the ways of human beings please Grandfather, he will even make their enemies to be at peace with them” (v. 7, FNV).
Our Yakama people have a virtue called itma’aaksha. This virtue describes being restrained, peaceful, and responsible in order to be in harmony with all people. The beat of our drums and the footsteps of our dancers remind us that all life moves together in a sacred circle—like the heartbeat of one family.
I once heard a story of two warriors from different tribes who met in battle many times. As one of those warriors lived honorably, the other eventually put down his weapon. They became friends, and their people learned peace.
This proverb reminds us that our greatest power is in walking in a good way with Creator, so that even those who are at war with us may find themselves drawn into the dance circle of peace.
Prayer
Tamánwiła, Giver of peace, guide our steps so they bring honor to you. Soften our hearts, and teach us to walk humbly in a good way.
Creator’s Promise To Protect
Tuesday, November 10
Wise Sayings (Proverbs) 12:21
“No trouble crosses the path of those with good hearts, but the path that evildoers walk is filled with danger” (v. 21, FNV).
Our Yakama people have a virtue called timnak’nik. This virtue describes showing compassion, kindness, and care to others in the way we listen, speak, and help them.
I’ve been on plenty of trails in the mountains that have led me to a stream of fresh water, but those same trails also had thorns and jagged rocks that could, and often did, trip me up. This proverb speaks the same truth: those who walk in the way of timnak’nik are protected, while those who turn away from this virtue often stumble into trouble.
This proverb calls us to choose the good path each day, walk in honesty, live in kindness, and share compassion. Like a fire that keeps you warm on a cold night, timnak’nik will guard your heart and guide your steps.
Prayer
Tamánwiła, Keeper of our lives, thank you for guiding our steps on a good path. When storms beat against us, wrap us up in the cup of your hands.
Creator’s Promise Of Blessing For Blessing
Wednesday, November 11
Wise Sayings (Proverbs) 11:25
“Bless others, and blessing will come back. Those who give a drink of water will be given water to drink” (v. 25, FNV).
Our Yakama people have a virtue called wapitat ttawaxt. This virtue describes serving others by offering help, being generous in everything. We are taught that all life is a circle. What we give comes back to us, just as rain falls to the earth, rises again as mist, and returns to the sky—only to begin the cycle anew.
Inchi Wana (the Columbia River) doesn’t drink her own water. Instead, she flows, always quenching the thirst of animals, trees, and people, caring for the salmon and other creatures that live in her waters. In return, Inchi Wana is replenished by rain and snow from the mountains. In this way Creator shows us that giving and receiving are woven together. When we are generous, we are shown generosity.
Prayer
Tamánwiła, Giver of every good gift, teach me to walk with an open hand. Let my life flow like Inchi Wana, which never runs dry.
Creator’s Promise Of True Wealth
Thursday, November 12
Wise Sayings (Proverbs) 10:22
“It is Grandfather’s blessing that makes one rich. He adds no sorrow to it” (v. 22, FNV).
Our Yakama people have a virtue called ataw pina shuukt. This virtue describes knowing who we are—our family tree, our ancestors, and the gifts of love and life left to us as their descendants. This proverb tells us that when blessings come Creator brings real wealth without the heavy weight of sorrow that can be tied to stuff.
Our elders teach us that when Creator blesses us, the gift is meant to be shared. When our young men get their first kill when hunting, they have a feast with the community. Everything is given away—even the gun the hunter used, because the hunt is about learning what it is to be a man and providing for the people. In this way, the blessing of Creator strengthens the whole community.
Prayer
Tamánwiła, Giver of every good gift, teach us to see wealth in the blessings you provide.
Creator’s Promise To Guide And Protect Us
Friday, November 13
Wise Sayings (Proverbs) 2:7-8
“Grandfather is a medicine shield to those who walk with firm steps on the road of life. He watches over the path of those who bring harmony and balance and keeps his sacred followers safe from harm” (vv. 7–8, FNV).
On our reservation in south central Washington State is an area we call Mool Mool. At first glance, this place looks like a desert. But we know that four natural springs give life to that land.
In this translation, the proverb compares Creator to a medicine shield, painted with sacred images given by Creator to remind us that we do not stand alone. To walk with firm steps (integrity) is to carry such a shield, made of Creator’s own power.
Let us seek to walk in harmony and balance even when others choose a bad way. The One who made the earth and sky promises to protect you like a medicine shield, and Creator doesn’t break promises.
Prayer
Creator of earth and sky, be our medicine shield on the trail of life. Help us to walk in balance and harmony with all things.
Creator’s Promise To The Wisdom-Keeper
Saturday, November 14
Wise Sayings (Proverbs) 10:13
“Wisdom is found on the lips of a wisdomkeeper, but bruises are found on the backs of those with no desire to learn” (v. 13, FNV).
Among our Yakama people we are taught not to throw words around carelessly but to carry the virtue of tma’aakni (respect). This virtue teaches us to keep a spirit of harmony and cooperation with all people.
We live in a dry area where there are a lot of wildfires in the summer. One flick of a cigarette out of a car window can set the mountains ablaze! Similarly, one bad word can bring so much destruction. But when wisdom fills our heart, then it is wisdom that spills out from our mouths.
When an elder speaks at a community event, people listen. Their words often bring peace, direction, and healing. Let us seek understanding from Creator and listen to our elders, so that our hearts may be filled with good things that spill out from our lips.
Prayer
Tamánwiła, place understanding in our hearts so wisdom will flow from our lips. Let what we speak bring life, peace, and truth.
