The Three Warriors: Sabali, Time, and Prayer

The Three Warriors: Sabali, Time, and Prayer

by Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

Life doesn’t come with a rulebook, and it sure doesn’t play fair. One moment, you’re steady, and the next, you’re grappling with blows you didn’t see coming. But here’s what I’ve learned: the real triumphs in life aren’t about brute strength or quick reflexes. They come through the guidance of three subtle yet powerful allies Sabali (patience), time, and prayer. They’re not the noisy, dramatic forces that steal the spotlight, but rather the quiet, steady companions that anchor you when the world feels unsteady.

Let’s talk about Sabali. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill patience. Rooted in the Bambara language, Sabali resonates with depth, embodying a patience that feels almost sacred. It’s not about sitting idly, twiddling your thumbs, and waiting for things to magically fall into place. No, Sabali is active; it’s intentional. It’s the ability to trust the unseen and hold onto hope when nothing about the present makes sense.

Sabali isn’t just waiting it’s how you wait. I’ve had seasons in my life where I felt completely stuck, like I was walking in circles with no destination in sight. Frustration and self-doubt crept in, whispering, “Why bother? What’s the point?” But deep down, Sabali countered with a quiet voice, “Hold on. This pause has a purpose. Don’t rush what’s being prepared for you.”

This kind of patience isn’t passive it’s powerful. It’s a quiet strength that allows you to breathe through the chaos and resist the urge to force outcomes. Sabali is standing firm when everything around you is shouting, “Hurry up!” It’s trusting that delays aren’t denials, but divine reroutes to something better. When you embrace Sabali, you begin to see waiting as less of a punishment and more of a gift a sacred opportunity for unseen growth.

There’s a hidden beauty in patience. It’s not about passivity or weakness but about resilience and trust. It’s about knowing that even when life feels like it’s standing still, something is shifting beneath the surface. Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is lean into the stillness, take a breath, and trust the process.

Then comes time the second warrior. Time works hand-in-hand with Sabali. It’s the healer of wounds and the revealer of truths. It doesn’t rush, yet it never fails to show up when it’s needed. Time is a master alchemist, turning pain into wisdom and disappointment into clarity.

I’ve carried my share of heartbreaks and losses. There were moments when the weight of it all felt unbearable, and I couldn’t see how I’d ever move forward. But time has a way of softening sharp edges. It showed me that what seemed like an ending was really a beginning in disguise. Time doesn’t erase the scars, but it does help us see them for what they are proof of survival, growth, and transformation.

However, time’s magic only works when paired with Sabali. Without patience, time can feel like an enemy a ticking clock that reminds you of all that’s missing. With patience, time becomes an ally, turning struggles into stepping stones. It teaches us to embrace the seasons of life, knowing that even the harshest winters give way to spring.

And when patience feels thin, and time seems to stretch endlessly, that’s where the third warrior—prayer steps in. Prayer is the bridge, the lifeline, the connection to something greater. It’s not just about asking for things to change; it’s about releasing your fears and anchoring yourself in trust.

Prayer has carried me through nights when my heart felt shattered. I’ve knelt in the quiet, pouring out my worries, anger, and confusion, only to be met with an unexplainable peace. It didn’t always give me the answers I wanted, but it reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Prayer isn’t about bending the universe to your will; it’s about aligning yourself with its rhythm, trusting that the Creator’s plan is far greater than anything you could imagine.

Together, Sabali, time, and prayer form a powerful trinity. They teach us how to endure life’s storms, how to trust the process, and how to find beauty in the unseen. These warriors remind us that the battles we face aren’t there to break us they’re there to shape us into something stronger, wiser, and more compassionate.

So, when the weight of the world feels too heavy, lean on these three. Let Sabali teach you the art of grace in the waiting. Let time remind you that healing is a journey, not a sprint. And let prayer anchor you to a love and wisdom far beyond what you can comprehend.

Sabali is your quiet strength, your gentle reminder that every storm will pass, and your guide through life’s most challenging moments. Trust it. Embrace it. And watch how it transforms not just your circumstances, but your very soul.