"Change" ((Inuyoko Mass #46))

"Change"

by Inuyoko

Originally read in deoch 219 on the 25th sun of the 8th moon.

((04/30/2026))

Hello, everyone. My name is Inuyoko T’Alveni. I am a Priestess of this Shrine, and a member of its clergy since deoch 53. Last double-moon, I read a poem that I wrote for you all as part of an ongoing effort to show that even if you are fearful of being judged, or don’t think you are “good enough” at something, there is still value in taking the chance and creating something. Today, I’d like to follow a similar lesson and talk about change.

In some ways, Deoch is a god who represents change. A change of heart. A transition. A transformation. And oftentimes, along with change comes the terrifying unknown. When Deoch chose to defect from Chadul, He had no way to know what His ultimate fate would be. He believed in the radically different vision of the world that Danaan was trying to institute, and failure would certainly have meant His own bearing of a terrible fate in Chadul’s world. But therein lies an important lesson for us as we make changes in our own lives. Perhaps the stakes are not always so high, but it is true that to jump into great change with both feet is scary. Fear is a natural emotion, but it is also one that can paralyze us into indecision. To give into that is to give in to Chadul’s ultimate goals. That is why we must embrace this aspect of what Deoch’s faith represents. All progress is achieved through change. A sculptor’s work is a slow transformation from nondescript material to incredible art, but the emerging beauty is not always visible during the process. 

One has to believe in it, to trust it, to reach the other side. But even should we reach the other side of whatever process we engage in and find out that we failed, then we are still better for it. We look back to ourselves before and realize we have changed. Perhaps a lesson has been learned, or perhaps we are simply saddled with grief for a time, but regardless we are different. And for me, that is something worth celebrating in and of itself. I think Deoch would agree. We have been given the spark so that we can try new things, and achieve greater things. We are part of many cycles in life that should they cease to turn, our world would die. So I encourage you all to keep that in mind as you move through your lives. Be brave, and bold. Whatever it is you do, do it with your whole heart, and embrace your spark.