It's rough being the youngest son.

You know the story, you've got alot of work to do to live up to your parents expectations, brothers and sisters with all the success in the world and here you stand, looking up at them with big, wondering, childish eyes that can't help but fear what the future will bring for you. You don't want to be like them and you do at the same time, it's immensely confusing for your small mind to handle, but somehow you put on this facade that all is fine as you run around gleefully, playing with others of the same age group as you.

Of course, in a land of war it's pretty damn difficult to handle being a child nowadays...for no matter how young you are, there's always the chance that you'll be made into something you're not supposed to be just yet: a warrior.

My job was simple around here, I was to tend to my father's sheep and make regular trips to the Bethlehem market, where I would get things such as fish and grain--essential things for our survival as a family. It wasn't easy, of course...I often ran into street thugs whom tried to mug me.

They never did take my money though--after all, I could trust in God to deliver me from danger and keep my years safe from those who would do me harm.

Many don't consider me all that much of a threat, truthfully...and I do not blame them. My small stature, arms and legs which bear an uncanny likeness to twigs, and the look that I may fall at a strong gust of wind lead them to these conclusions. I simply continue to try and prove my worth on this land, however, and ignore their claims of my weakness.

There are few who know my story, and it truly is a shame. If they were to know what I've done then perhaps they wouldn't be so rash in their judgements upon me...but then again, their understanding isn't truly of significance in my life. Their words don't hinder my faith in the Lord, I'll always trust in him to make me strong when the time is needed.

Did you know that I have, in fact, slaughtered a lion?

It was a day long ago, when I was tending to the sheep. A lion had came to our humble land and sought to bring with him a lamb to his home, and when the young lamb's cry was heard by my ears, I came running to protect it's safety. The lion came at me with a vicious intent, but I struck it down with my trusted sling.

Did you also know that I have toppled a bear?

It was carrying away a lamb, much as the lion had intended to. I made sure that it would not get far, and my sling brought it down with a mighty crash. To tell you the truth, there are many wild animals who wish to partake of my father's sheep...and to this day not one has succeeded.

My time with these sheep has made me strong and fearless, as has my faith in God. These are the times in which fear can bring upon your downfall, so I am glad to say that I am in fear of nothing.

However, despite my fearless nature and strong faith in the God which my land worships...I am still not allowed by my father to travel to the ring.

The ring is a land just at the outskirts of Bethlehem, a square-shaped battleground in which the greatest of warriors face off in a war against our land and theirs. To this day, a war has been fought between our men and the Philistines without victor. I do not understand why our men fear the Philistines...for if they simply looked to our Lord then perhaps they would find the strength to defeat them.

Above the ring on this day the sun shines brightly, bearing down on all the lands it watches over. Shielding my eyes I stare off into the distance, before letting out a small sigh and carrying the basket in my hands onward to the marketplace. Today I am to purchase food for my brothers in the war, whilst my sisters watch over my father's sheep.

I just hope they hold the faith in which I do, and are strong if an animal is to try and attack the sheep once again. After all, one of the greatest things to hold strong in a battle against incomparible odds...is your faith.