The Kingdom of Heaven

Recently, I watched "The Kingdom of Heaven". The story is set during the Crusades of the 12th century. The movie is a fictionalized portrayal of a brave knight Balian of Ibelin who goes to aid the city of Jerusalem in its defense against the Muslim and Kurdish leader Saladin, who is battling to reclaim the city from the Christians.

What's really inspiring about Balian is, the strength of character he shows, the gift of discernment that he possess and the ability to be uninfluenced by popular beliefs.

Another interesting scene in the movie was when Balian was ordained a knight by his father. "The Knight's Oath" is the central principle around which the life of a knight revolves.

THE KNIGHT'S OATH

Be without fear in the face of your enemies...

Be brave and upright that God may love thee...

Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death... 

Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong...

And the newly ordained knight is then slapped hard across his face, just so that he remembers the oath.

I figured "The Knight's Oath" would be a perfect principle to live by, that would remind me how we are all called to be brave knights in this exciting battle called life. :)