Many of my heroes faces seriously rough patches. As I consider the challenges and difficulties, it is hard to suggest that anyone should wear a mantle of shame for not being able to endure. Most did not survive. Yet, there were the few who came through and went on to accomplish what many considered impossible.
Captured, castrated, and confined and from this foundation because one of the highest counselors in the land. Abused and given up for dead by his brothers only to find himself in a dungeon on a false charge by his rescuer. Not only did he survive but he went on to rescue a nation and his family during a time of famine. Then there was a rich kid who lost his way with twisted thoughts and ideas. His time came as he was forced to walk naked across 600 miles of desert with a ring in his nose connected to his keeper who rode ahead.
There are other heroes closer to home. While their stories are their own, the reality of overcoming is a force which fills me with a call to purpose and rejuvenates my soul. With each recounting I hear a cry echoing the Psalmist’s words; “They’ve kicked me around ever since I was young, but they never could keep me down.” (Psalm 129.2)
Life reminds me of the following.
Painful, difficult, debilitating events in one’s life rarely last as long as one expects. This is not to minimize the experience or their magnitude. Each can take a piece of who and what we are. These pieces cannot be replaced. However, life is more than what we lose; it is also what we do.
Our primary calling is to take care of ourselves. We are no good to others if our heart is not in harmony with truth, compassion, and kindness. We will struggle to contribute if we are not taking the time to nurture our inner self. There is a warning; accepting the gift of forgiveness and acceptance can be very difficult.
Endurance is a process not a destination.
