Let's talk about overcoming adversity. A broken relationship, a missed shot, a parent’s divorce, a failed test, or even a learning disability is enough to stop anyone. Yet, I believe that adversity is individualized. Here’s what I mean – what feels like an overwhelming obstacle to me may only be in a bump in the road to you. The uniting truth is we all deal with some sort of adversity – the challenge is – HOW DO WE GET OVER IT?
#1 – Evaluate your habits.
Our habits shape how we respond to challenge. Your habits will either help you evolve or revolve. You will repeat what you fail to repair. Once or twice is a mistake after that it is intentional. We have to train our minds to habitually look for the lesson in our tough circumstances, discover the truth, and work for what is right and not what is convenient. I read a quote that said, “If you are tired of going in circles – quit cutting corners!” It is ok to be upset about what happened but channel that emotion to be better not bitter. Scripture teaches us that all things work together for our good. If we aren’t looking for the good or how we can grow – the bad will overshadow what was meant to make us better.
#2 – You can’t trip over what’s behind you
There are things that I never want to forget. I have experienced hurtful things that have become my power to go harder and try more. The rapper Lecrae said, “Being broke made me rich!” But, just because I refuse to forget - that doesn’t mean I will allow it to cripple me. Instead of moving your problems out of the way – get rid of them!
In February, Joseph Oldendorf, an avid trail runner was out for a run in a remote national park in Washington. About 11 miles into his run, he fell and snapped his tibia in two. Determined to get home he began to crawl on his hands and knees. Only wearing thin running shorts and a t-shirt in frigidly cold weather, he knew his time was limited. Even the slightest break to stop brought on extreme shivering and cold. The rocky terrain tore away at the flesh on his hands and ripped the skin from his knees with each move he made. After seven hours of crawling he was finally able to get enough cell signal to notify help. While crawling, the pain became so excruciating on his knees that he removed his shoes and tied them to his knees to buffer the blow from each stride. He crawled for an additional 4 hours before he was rescued.
When Joseph was in the hospital, they asked him about his experience. He said when he fell he knew his only chance was to crawl all the way there. He went on to say, “I didn’t want my family to find out I died in the wilderness.”
In the end, you will regret less of what you did wrong and more of what you didn’t do at all!
Ladies and gentlemen – it is not a matter of if adversity will strike but when it strikes – how will you respond. Joseph had 2 choices - die or do everything he could to live. He crawled because he couldn’t walk. He covered his knees to pamper the pain.
Even after 7 hours he could have quit. Look for little victories on your journey – they are truly a good thing. Yet just because you get a little hope – your story isn’t over – fight until the finish. One scholarship offer, one good game, one big win isn’t the end – but it is enough to inspire you to keep fighting. It is a win and not the championship. The last thing you want is someone else to tell about your demise on your trail to your success. Work to tell your story! Live to tell your story! Play to tell your story!
We will recognize a star’s brightness way before we learn a star’s name! Shine on!
We all get knocked down – winners get back up
Hold on to what you want more than what is hold you back
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