Bear Up

Vintage Navajo Rug, Zuni Bear Stone Fetish and Bear Claw Glass Bead Necklace, Reclaimed Wood Cross, Hand Cast Iron Nails, 1800’s Bible, Nepalese Paper, Waxed Linen Thread, Ethiopian Coptic Stitching
16"W X 24"H X 3"D

Within the Native American culture, the Bear image was important as it symbolized courage, protection and physical strength. Native American Tribes hunted bear for food, clothing and kept the claws to be used in jewelry. Because of the Indians' beliefs that the bear had some spiritual power, wearing a bear claw necklace would mean protection and good health to the one wearing it. Bear claw jewelry is a tribute to this all-powerful beast and provides lasting courage, strength and protection for the wearer.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul assures Christians that God offers the strength and courage to “bear up” under the pressure of temptations: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." Paul learned by experience that God will allow us to face circumstances “beyond our human ability to endure” but that He will provide the means to endure it as we rely on Him.