…I must Live as Jesus Lived
by Leslie Daniel
The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked.
1 John 2:6 (CSB)
Growing up on a remote island in Southeast Alaska, I was immersed in the rich culture of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. This upbringing fostered a deep respect in me for Alaska Native traditions. Recently, I received my first kuspuk—a beautifully handcrafted garment made by a dear friend from the Upper Yukon Region. Whether for berry picking, fishing, dancing, or weddings, the kuspuk is a treasured symbol of culture and community. Mine even came with a hood—who doesn’t love a hoodie?
Alongside these cherished traditions, I’ve always been captivated by the oral legends passed down through generations. One such story, famously written by Velma Wallis, is the tale Two Old Women. In a time of famine, two elderly women—seen as burdensome—are abandoned by their tribe. Known more for their complaints than contributions, they are left to die so others might survive.
But they don’t die.
Instead, they rediscover strength, resilience, and skills long forgotten. Against all odds, they not only survive but thrive. In the end, they are better prepared for the coming winter than the tribe that abandoned them. What seemed like a death sentence became a powerful journey of rediscovery.
This story speaks volumes about human nature. The two women carried walking sticks to symbolize their ailments, drawing attention to their limitations. It makes me wonder—how often do I do the same? How often do I carry my flaws like a badge, ensuring everyone knows my struggles?
When God calls me to act, how quickly do I retreat behind excuses?
"I’m not qualified."
"I don’t have the education."
"That’s not my spiritual gift."
"I don’t think it will work."
"I just don’t want to forgive... or stop gossiping."
But if I truly claim to be a follower of Christ, I must live like Him. That doesn’t mean perfection—it means surrender. It means trusting the Holy Spirit to work in and through me, even when I feel unqualified.
I’m reminded of a sweet memory with my mother-in-law during the early stages of her Alzheimer’s. One evening, as I helped her into her coat, she leaned in and whispered, “When I get home, do I scream and holler, or do I act like a lady?” I looked into her eyes and gently said, “Norma, you act like a lady.” She smiled and marched out the door with dignity. That moment stuck with me. I often think, maybe one day I’ll write a book titled “Do I Scream and Holler, or Do I Act Like a Lady?”
I don’t want to be like the women in the legend at the start of their journey—focused on complaints, not contributions. I want to be part of the survival of my tribe—the Body of Christ. I want to let the Spirit work freely in me.
Jesus Himself had the highest view of the Holy Spirit. He once told His disciples “It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
That means Jesus thought it was better for us to have the Spirit within us than to have Him physically walking beside us. We often envy the disciples who walked with Jesus, but He paved the way for something greater: the Holy Spirit, living in us—guiding, convicting, and empowering.
Titus 3:5-7 reminds us that the Spirit has been generously poured out on us. That generosity leaves us without excuse. So, if living like Jesus truly is my priority, I must stop pretending I’m in control.
I must stop carrying my flaws like a crutch and instead lean into the strength of the One who lives in me.
