Labyrinths and Labels (Christianna Soumakis) - Carter Jobe

In Christianna Soumakis' class discussion, she pointed out the major differences between a labyrinth and a maze. This being that a maze exists for the traveler to get lost in, and the labyrinth exists for the traveler to make their way through and find themselves in the process. This is exactly like the challenges in our life, where along our journeys we are tested in order to grow spiritually, physically, and in character. It is important not to become lost, which can be challenging along the road of life which does not make itself easy.

Christianna also discusses how she grew up with special needs which were debilitating in her early years. While she eventually grew into a far more capable adult, she admitted that the insecurities and wounds from this time never healed, as she to do this day felt like sometimes there was a barrier placed above her, the label of being different and incapable. She labeled this feeling "the third-grade feeling" in reference to a particularly helpless memory she has from third grade.

In a way, these labels limited Christianna and made her feel as if her life was a maze made to be a living hell whilst other people thrived in labyrinths. The truth is everybody has a different labyrinth lied out in front of them. She brought up the metaphor that everybody has a different set of steps in front of them, it's the idea that some of us have a harder path in life than others. However, hyper fixating on these challenges makes them permanent, something that cannot be tackled. In understanding that one can lead themselves through their challenges like a labyrinth, they build meaning out of their success through building themselves. The road of life will certainly not get any easier, but the traveler can become much stronger.