Friday, October 23, 2009

Being Strong...

You've heard it many times (and maybe, like me, you tell yourself..)- BE STRONG.

I've seen strength in people's faces - making an extra effort, staring down fear of what has happened and what is to come, holding back emotion to "show" acceptance, holding back emotion with the knowledge that God will provide.

Strength can take many forms.. so what does it mean to be strong?

To me it means- accepting the truth... facing a hardship.. having faith that God will get you through it... enduring the long wait for something you have strived for... making it through each day... caring for your spouse and your family AND yourself... giving all you can to make someone else's world a little bit brighter... sharing a talent and inspiring others to find their talent as well...
staying positive- something good will always come along.


Here are some thoughts from a guy named Gary Guwe that I found at: http://garyguwe.wordpress.com/2008/02/28/what-does-it-mean-to-be-strong/
Thanks to Gary and Han Ying for sharing their thoughts on strength...

Being strong does not mean not crying – it means daring to cry and being willing to carry on after that.

Being strong does not mean avoiding the truth – it means accepting it, learning about it, and dealing with it head on.

Being strong means recognizing the things you can’t change, realizing the things you can do, and having the perceptivity, fortitude and wisdom to tell the difference between the two.

Being strong does not mean getting stuck in the moment, but being able to get on with one’s life despite the constraints...

Being strong means juggling sacrifices whilst pushing for progress.

Being strong means having the capability and fortitude to stand steadfastly despite the blows of change.

Being strong means being the pillar of support for yours, when yours breaks down...


What is YOUR defition of strength, and what/when are the instances you saw that “strength” being displayed?

Share them on this blog! Who knows it might be a lamp onto the paths of those still trudging in darkness?

Grow in Strength!
Follow in Fortitude!

Comments»

1. han ying - March 1, 2008

Being strong means…

having the discernment and flexibility to know when to yield, when to sail with the wind & when to sail against it rather than drift about.

having the tenacity to keep going even when our souls are confused of the direction.

not losing hope, no matter how tough the going gets.

& most importantly, not neglecting yourself, your health, your priorities for the sake of you & your love ones.

last but not least, here’s a quote that i find particularly meaningful –
“There’s a trick to being strong, and the trick is that nobody does it alone.” ~ Elizabeth Edwards ~

What does "being strong" mean to you?
Love you all,
Suzy

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I read The Shack recently and it has changed my perception on a lot of things. Being strong to me is acknowledging I don't have control and accepting that. Whether it's school, family, or me, it doesn't matter. When God is at the center, there's no need for me to be in control. However, that is VERY HARD for my human brain to accept. I like having control, but have come to realize I don't always know the best way to go. Strength comes through faith in God and willingness to let go of that control. "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." - Charles Swindoll.

Beth said...

Strength comes from within.... within our inner core - our hearts. I believe we draw strength from other Christians and Christ for use in future events and situations. I searched and found "Strength" 237 times in the NIV version of the bible.

Isaiah 12:2
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

Psalm 68:35
You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!