Zoro Teaches Teamwork
Be a good teammate by being you
Happy Friday, my fellow anime lovers!
Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of new adventures! What are your plans? I hope you’re diving into some exciting anime! Recently, I stumbled upon a powerful lesson about teamwork that struck a chord with me. It reminded me of a profound quote from one of my all-time favorite anime. But before we dive into that, let’s explore what the Bible has to say on this intriguing topic.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (ESV)
The series One Piece is full of great episodes and arcs featuring teamwork, but one of the most memorable to me is during the episodes after the crew lands in Alabasta. During their walk through the desert, ship doctor Chopper asks Zoro why he joined the crew despite Luffy being such an unusual captain, one who isn’t very cooperative with his crewmates.
I’ll never forget Zoro’s response:
What is teamwork really when you get right down to it? Is it just about protecting each other and helping each other out? I guess most people would say so, but they’re just fooling themselves. I think teamwork is more than that in the end. It’s about individuals taking individual risks if you ask me. We work together by working separately. You stand up to risk your own life. You do what you can, the best that you can, then you turn to the others and expect the same from them. When you think about it that way, what’s so wrong with everyone on the crew having their own agenda?
Imposter syndrome often strikes when I’m in a team setting, and perhaps you feel the same way. Negative thoughts can quickly flood my mind: “I shouldn’t be here,” “What if I let everyone down?”, or “Am I not doing enough?” Zoro's insight helps us focus on just doing the best we can, though, and trusting others to do the same. And it matches our verses today from Ecclesiastes: For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow”.
Each of us has unique, God-given gifts and abilities that enable us to contribute. Whether we be on a mission trip, part of a team at work, part of a family unit, or a pirate on Luffy’s crew, we all have a role to play. By doing our assigned tasks, we contribute to the team and can dismiss some of the concerns that may arise, like those that fuel imposter syndrome. The very act of joining with others in work is valuable and encouraging.
Weekly Mission: This week, I encourage you to sign up for or partake in a group activity. Keep an open mind and observe how you interact with others. Journal and think through what you bring to the table, and pray about when is the best time you can use those skills.
Memory Verse: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” - Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)
BtT in Review
Mike continues his series on the book of Job by looking at Rascal Does Not Dream… and Lex Luthor (!) on The Power of God and Anime podcast! Here’s a snippet:
We’re once again covering the famed animation festival, and we’ll be at the center of it all, covering interviews and watching lots and lots of animated films, including a bunch of anime! Check out our master post for an introduction and return to it throughout next week as we post updates frequently throughout the festival!
Don’t forget that our Taiga giveaway contest is open for one more week! Just like, share, and reply to our previous newsletter!
On this week’s Reader’s Corner, Twwk shares his thoughts on the latest volumes of Oshi no Ko and From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman, new releases The Bugle Call: Song of War and Kill Blue, and more!
Have a wonderful weekend, friends, and God bless!