Some Insights...
Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last warrior our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our fathers. ~ Tecumseh, Shawnee, 1808
Be strong. Scripture tells us John 14:27,"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful." Challenges are momentary, passing. To rise above is to keep your focus on God, to turn inward and pray. Prayer doesn't mean that you are passive, and a doormat. Rather, you are aware of your situation but choose to put your energy and focus into God so that you are not just reacting, or responding to emotion but relying on the wisdom and counsel of God for assistance, and working towards your own empowerment.
Another thought that has stuck in my mind is that the Chinese character for crisis means "danger" and "opportunity". One interpretation of the Chinese character for crisis is,"Crises bring out both the best and the worst in human beings. During life and death crises, peoples' "personas," the masks they wear during everyday life, fall away and their true faces are exposed for all the world to see. " (Bevin Chu, 10/1/99, The China Desk - Taiwan's Great Earthquake and the Mandate of Heaven). To rise above is also to see the blessing in life despite the hardship and pain. Those who are truly strong are able to take a negative situation and reshape it into an opportunity for growth, or to be angel to someone in need. I am working to do both.
My family is strong! Our faith, our family unity and our smarts have seen us through it all. And I have so many shining examples in my family to get me through any struggle as well.
Love & Prayers, Lynn
