Your Struggle is Your Strength Waiting to Happen

“The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but those who win battles we know nothing about .”  – Unknown

 

9-quotes-struggle

 

Life is full of unpredictable seasons.  There are times when it seems as if we are flying high and moments when we are literally crawling on our knees to just get through the day.  Like you, I have experienced many moments of great victories and others times, huge disappointments.  One thing that has remained true in these seasons, is once I got through the hard times I discovered a new strength and an ability to endure more than I thought I could, but experiencing the many seasons of struggle were essential for me to truly grasp this lesson.

A struggle will cause us to do one or two things.  Dig deep to withstand the storm or give up.  There really are not any other options.

So what happens when we decide to stand?  There really is not any magic to it, but when we say, “I’m going to fight this one until the end”, something inside of us rises up to face the challenge.  This choice doesn’t necessarily take away the feeling of fear, nor will it always lay out a clearly defined pathway for success, but it will allow for our faith to take action and give us the impetus to believe again.  

 

The Bible says all we need is faith the size of mustard seed to move a mountain, but what do we need faith for if there is no mountain to be moved?

 

So if our struggle is represented by the mountain, here lies the opportunity to exercise our faith.  Not in a religious way with man-made rules, but in a way that connects directly with God.  The type of faith that Peter (according to the Bible) had when he walked on the rough seas.  

The word struggle means to contend with an adversary or opposing force.  This typically means that something or someone is coming against you.  These are times when most people have left our side and we are forced to face the circumstance(s) alone.  For sure it can be a scary season in our lives and perhaps everything in us is saying, “run to the hills, quit, or give in to whatever your facing”, but there is also that small still voice telling you to plant yourself and charge on.  

I am not here to judge you on any decision that you have made in your past, because I have been in both shoes.  The standing and the quitting shoes, but I have learned when I did chose to quit or give up, it just delayed the lesson, so eventually I had to face it again at some point.

One of my greatest stories of strength is about my new wife.  Monique is a kind-hearted woman, with a calm and icky sweet demeanor.  For years, as much as I appreciated her warmth, love and compassionate disposition, if I am honest with myself, I also felt it was a weakness.  I thought she was too nice and didn’t stand up for herself, but I learned later from her that when you chose to love, there are things that you willingly surrender and when people think they are getting away with something they really are not because you already chose to freely give that “thing” away.  Sometimes this can be a harsh reality, but I am learning it truly is the best way to live, because it allows you release people and focus on the bigger issues.

 

First dance at our wedding. February 20, 2016
        First dance at our wedding. February 20, 2016

 

I have also learned that my wife has an ability to stand during duress like no one I have ever seen.  She will plant herself and become immovable.  I am grateful for this characteristic she possesses, because it is probably the one thing that allowed us to become husband and wife today.  Despite every odd and what anyone had to say, this woman truly believed in us.  She has taught me a great deal about strength and struggle and I am thankful for who she is and very blessed to be her husband.

I recognize there can be no real appreciation of light without darkness and no gratefulness for joy without experiencing some pain along the way.  It causes the fight to be all the more worthy and winning the battle much sweeter.  My marriage is an example of a battle that was won.  We have both endured and came out stronger, better and much more beholden to one another.  Our relationship, which was bound to be doomed has become rock solid, and it was through the darkness of our struggle that our strength and love was able to take root and become something that we can be proud of and tell the world that good things don’t come to those that simply wait, but to those that endure and go through. 

Now I certainly do not look forward to the next struggle I will face, although I realize they are all a part of life. But I do know that in them can lie treasures of knowledge and wisdom, essential self-discovery and a courage that I have no idea exists within me.  

So what are you struggling with today?  Yes it is hard, yes it will test you and even possibly bring you to your knees, but it will also reveal a strength in you that is just waiting to be discovered.  Not just by others, but by you as well.

 

Keep Pressing,

Hank G

 

 

 

 

 

10 thoughts on “Your Struggle is Your Strength Waiting to Happen”

  1. Thank you, my Sweet Husband!! I LoVe you more and more…..
    I’m truly honored to be your wife:-)

    We definitely have over came!!!! Lots of tough roads but We Did it!!!!:-) I’m humbly thankful for our LoVe, commitment to each other and our children. *Most importantly, our commitment to God. Thank you, God for showing us what your favor feels like. Thank you, for continuing to strength us. We are blessed. Looking forward to sharing more of our story.

    Blessings, Hugs & Love

  2. From: Timina Walton

    Sent: Mon, Mar 21, 2016 12:58 pm

    Subject: Re: [New post] Your Struggle is Your Strength Waiting to Happen

    Not only was it a beautiful post, as you said it was worth reading. I’m
    still trying to absorb the post. I will surely read it again tonight.

    Henry’s reflection on struggling was a testament to God’s Word,
    that the battle is God’s and all struggles are designed to grow you in
    faith & spirit. With sharing both of your struggles and H’s
    thoughts on your kind-heart, it shows the purity of his love for you.

    As I heard Iyanla Vanzant said, Marriage should be a reflection of
    God’s Love..(Expert from Iyanla on ” Its not you, it’s me”) O Channel.

    Keep being you and love, love and more love

    Sent from my iPhone

  3. From: Patricia

    Sent: Tue, Mar 22, 2016 9:33 am

    Subject: Re: [New post] Your Struggle is Your Strength Waiting to Happen

    Monique
    this is a very loving tribute to you and the authentic nature you share
    with all whom have had the pleasure to come into your aura…

    As
    the spiritual guru of my journey as indicated, “Obstacles indeed lead
    to jewels of Enlightenment”. Henry’s reality is well versed and
    indicative of his awareness.

    Expanding
    one’s capacity for compassion and making the happiness of others the
    core of one’s life..a challenge in terms of action as well as intention
    and awareness. The difficulties confronting a person progressing
    forward can be arduous to say the least but very rewarding. There is no
    easy path, only the choice to root ourselves firmly to reality, taking
    on difficult challenges, and forging with our souls to achieve
    unconditional love (Nirvana).

    I’m
    so proud and happy for you both, this form of conscious awareness has
    evaded many who have been walking their journey in search of these seeds
    for many decades. Rejoice and indeed keep pressing….ON!

    Thank you for sharing you!!!

    Love, Blessings and Light!

    Namaste!”.

    Patricia

  4. From: Carol Snyder

    Sent: Tue, Mar 22, 2016 9:02 am

    Subject: Re: [New post] Your Struggle is Your Strength Waiting to Happen

    Such an awesome post I can definitely
    relate to it. We all go through seasons of struggles. It’s how we
    manage the time is what’s important! Thank you for sharing I
    really appreciate it.

    The photo of you both is just Beautiful❤️ Best wishes in your marriage

    Love you?

    Sent from my iPhone

  5. Loved this post – and I love reading about the shared love with Monique… Can’t wait for more insight into what you two share, the perspective is so beautiful.

    I identify so much with Mo in this post, she is my spirit sister – “For years, as much as I appreciated her warmth, love and compassionate disposition, if I am honest with myself, I also felt it was a weakness.” … I have been having this conversation in my personal life about me!!! But with great “softness” comes great strength – it’s a kind of flexibility that bends and does not break when difficult times come. I am so glad that you were able to discover this secret power to Monique’s love <3

    1. Thank you Sarurah! I actually enjoy sharing our story. It’s therapeutic and keeps me focused on what’s important.

      It is true that strength does not necessarily come in the form of brawn. I learned this when I was in need of this type of strength, and she graciously gave it to me. I truly admire it and have never met a woman like her. I’m blessed to be her husband.

      I too am happy I have discovered her secret power. :).

      Thanks again for sharing.

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