The Hand That Keeps You Standing

This week didn’t go as planned.

I aggravated an old back injury. My Army unit shifted our reporting to an earlier time than usual. The mornings—when I do most of my Artist Hour drawing, writing, and tattoo practice—disappeared. The blog fell behind. The sketchbook stayed closed more than I wanted.

That happens.

What matters is what you do after you realize you’re behind.

The sketch I’m working on right now says it better than I could:

Two warriors. One kneeling, shield still up, exhausted but unbroken. The other standing, sword in hand—not pulling him forward, not dragging him, just offering a hand.

That image isn’t about rescue.

It’s about resolve.

The kneeling warrior hasn’t quit. He hasn’t dropped his shield. He’s still in the fight, even if all he can do right now is stay upright and breathe. The standing warrior doesn’t shame him or rush him. He just reminds him: You’re not done.

That’s where I am this week.

Traveling to Texas tomorrow to stand on the land where our forever home is being built puts things in perspective. Long-term work—whether it’s a house, a body, a craft, or a life—doesn’t move in straight lines. Sometimes progress looks like momentum. Sometimes it looks like endurance.

There’s a lie floating around that strength is constant motion. It isn’t.

Strength is not giving up when motion slows.

If you’re behind on your goals, your art, your training, or your calling—good. That means you’re carrying something real. Just don’t confuse a pause with surrender.

Keep the shield up.

Accept the hand when it’s offered.

Then stand when you’re ready.

That’s Honor and Ink™.