How we are raised is extremely impacting upon how we approach life. That goes without saying. Even if we are raised in a negative environment, the struggles we overcome to survive that situation will alter how we approach most of what life throws at us. Each generation, we see the great stories of those who overcome challenges. Either the hero has grown up in a home without funding, or family, or freedom or the hero has made a decision to place others above themselves. Each story is different. Each story is empowering.
Challenges bring character. Challenges vary upon what you’re capable of processing at that moment in time. Challenges determine future. Most importantly the way in which the challenge is presented is not really the observation to be noted. The reaction and response to the challenge is from what we learn. By studying historical figures, awe and intrigue is exposed by the way that life presented challenges that seemed impossible to overcome; yet they prevailed. George Washington’s ride across the Delaware is not just inspiring because of the great leader, but because of the men who sacrificed and followed him across that icy cold waterway late in the night. Rosa Parks’ determination was not just empowering for both blacks and women, but also, the people who committed to follow her were mesmerizing as they gave up convenience to pursue justice.
Somewhere in the raising of great figures such as these, there was a voice of encouragement and strength. There was a voice whispering hope. There was an urging of endurance and success. There was someone or something that gave them the boldness to try something that was unthinkable at that time. A parent; a grandparent; an aunt or uncle; a teacher; a coach; a minister; a sports hero; a friend; an enemy even can be an instrument that brings about great victory over adversity. To just try. Pause for a minute and ponder the things that you have not tried simply out of fear or pessimism. That list can become extensive. My list makes me embarrassed.
Our society today promotes a current motto of YOLO – You Only Live Once. I have heard some leaders of respect discredit this motto as it tends to empower the liberal behavior of trying things that can be harmful. Yet, there is another way to look at this same statement. You only have one chance to make a decision that could alter your future and/or the future of others. That is powerful and often completely ignored. If I live a life that is afraid of trying things because of fear of failure or because of fear of rejection or because I just don’t think I can, then I am living a model for my children to behave the same way.
The greatest generation is called so for a reason. They modeled for us endurance. They modeled for us sacrifice. They modeled for us commitment. They modeled for us love. They modeled for us sacrifice. They modeled for us excellence, valor, hope, persistence, joy in all circumstances. They modeled greatness.
More than looking to history to see how we should live our lives, we must observe the obvious.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4-5
The greatest generation was the greatest because their endurance brought unity, just as Paul emphasizes here in Romans. We no longer have that unity as those who are committed to endurance are few and far between.
Yesterday, I wrestled this beast in my own life. I am a play through the pain kinda gal, for the most part. However, I am far from strong. There are events that happen in my life that cause me to give pause or even give up or fail. I have tried to not be a person that is of questionable endurance or perseverance, but I will not deny that it is a daily challenge.
My heart was filled with humility and awe yesterday as I watched my child embrace endurance. The mothering side of me was in helicopter mode as I tried to prevent injury, but at the same time, God was constantly telling me to be silent and sit down. If I hover, I will not allow her to experience the challenge that brings about endurance. If she doesn’t develop endurance and perseverance, she will not be able to establish commitment and sacrifice. If she does not establish commitment and sacrifice, she will never understand true joy and love. She will not experience greatness. She will not add to the unity that is to be expected of those who are in Christ Jesus.
May we learn to try again…even if failure is possible. May we learn to commit to something greater. May we model so that others will bring the same commitment to excellence. Who can you be a hero for? Just try.
2 Corinthians 1:6
2 Corinthians 6:4
Colossians 1:11
1 Thessalonians 1:3
1 Timothy 6:11
2 Timothy 3:10
Titus 2:2
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