Recently, while reading a trilogy, I found myself increasingly frustrated with a character named Zelie. From book one through book three, her decisions often felt impulsive, emotionally driven, and, if I’m honest, immature. I yearned for Zelie to start acting with wisdom, to pause, and to choose differently. Each time she didn’t, I felt a disappointment that lingered far after I closed the book.
Today, I heard about the concept of ‘embodied cognition,’ and everything shifted.
Embodied cognition suggests that we don’t merely observe stories; our brain actually physically and emotionally experiences them. We absorb the actions, emotions, and decisions of characters as if they were our own. This explains why Zelie’s choices felt so deeply personal. I wasn’t critiquing a fictional heroine; I was responding as if someone I loved, like one of my children, was making risky, childish decisions right in front of me.
Acting With Wisdom
This concept was profoundly insightful to me. Scripture often reminds us that wisdom is not merely something we know, but something we do. “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says” (James 1:22). James reminds us that wisdom is embodied through action, repetition, and experience. Luke tells us that Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature” (Luke 2:52). Growth implies time. It implies learning. It implies grace.
I realized that I wanted Zelie to possess a fully formed wisdom without enduring the process that shapes it. I wanted her to learn from previous missteps. God’s word describes wisdom as a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105). A lamp gives enough light for the next step, not the whole journey. Discernment is wisdom practiced and embodied over time.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.
Proverbs 4:7-9 ESV
Perhaps my frustration revealed something deeper in me: how quickly I want resolution, maturity, and right choices, not just from fictional characters, but from people I love, and most importantly, from myself. Proverbs invites us instead to cherish wisdom, to walk patiently with her as she unfolds in our life choices.
Maybe stories move us so deeply because they invite us to think, dream, and imagine the what-ifs of life. And maybe our frustration is actually Wisdom calling out to us. Asking us to discern, guiding us toward gentler expectations, and inviting us to extend greater grace to every soul as they begin their journey of acting with wisdom.
*For those of you who prayer walk, ponder the phrase, ‘Acting With Wisdom’ as you walk. Listen closely to what the Holy Spirit reveals. For this week’s screensaver click here. To access my newest YouVersion Bible App devotional plan click here.
Good evening Ms. Alida~
I have just come to the end of the reading plan that you wrote. Did I fast consistently? No.
The fasting was a “hit and a miss” as far as me being consistent is concerned; however, I am
believing God that I will improve. I also read your latest blog. Although I don’t know the character
that you were referring to (Zelie), I can relate to her character. What makes me relate is the fact
that she has made unwise choices, been as well. Wow, that’s been me for
most of my life! But, the good thing, is that God is intentionally, even through all of the tangles.
He’s still teaching me to rest, to relax (not give up). He shows me that when I relax, the tangles begin
to become less constricting and easier to manage, and eventually untangle; as long as I stay focused on
my relationship with Christ. Well, anyway, I just wanted to say to you that I am very grateful for your perspective of “keep on keeping on”. These things were my”take away” and I am very glad to have come across your Bible plan and blog.
Your sister in Christ,
Lynda
P.S. If you don’t mind, could you share with me the title of the book that you were referring to as far as
Zelie the character is concerned. I might want to read it too. Thanks again 🙂
Hi Linda, Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We are all works in progress and have so much to learn from God.