It has been said that life isn’t always a walk in the park, and that certainly is true. Sometimes the park is closed and it seems as if all detours lead through seedy neighborhoods, wretched landfills or other unexpected, undesirable places. Difficult situations can overwhelm you and make you cry out, “WOE IS ME!”
If you linger too long in these places, it’s easy to get lost. And, waiting in the shadows are merciless thugs who want to intimidate you, beat you up, and leave you for dead. With names like Fear, Depression, Loathing and Hopelessness, they puff themselves up and threaten to rob you of your joy. But while they may seem ominously powerful and unable to be defeated, the truth is, it’s all a front. None of it’s true. They hold no power over you.
You may not have control over your situation, but your situation does not have to have control over you. It does not define you. You were not made to aimlessly roam around in the slums of life’s challenges.
“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character; and character, hope.” —Romans 5:3-4
There is strength is realizing that things could always be worse. There is power in perseverance. There is peace in perspective. And though it may not seem the case, you are stronger than you might think.
When you focus on your blessings (even the tiniest of them—and there are many), Fear, Depression, Loathing and Hopelessness dare not mess with you. They see your strength and are confounded by your joy. Gratitude is the fuel of perseverance.
When you realize that your character and hope have power over this gang of hooligans, instead of crying out, “Woe is me!” you are able to confidently shout, “WHOA! IT’S ME!” as you walk the road out of Hopelessville.
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