Strength is not always measured in physical ability

Life is such as beautiful combination of contradiction.  One moment we feel we are at the pinnacle of happiness, the next we are at the base attempting to climb to the top again.  We look at the world with the eyes of how we are currently feeling, and sometimes not of what is clearly in front of us.  We exaggerate, belittle, overwhelm, and excuse ourselves when needed, yet also offer these same qualities to others we have briefly met.  We face our greatest strength at moments we feel our world is collapsing around us, and we are unsure of our next step or steps.

I look at the people in my life and am absolutely amazed at their ability to handle grace under pressure, peace in the midst of a storm, and the ability to continue on.  The strength they offer those on a daily basis that cannot be measured by distance, by earthly ties, or heavenly bounds.  They have strength that is not always measured in physical ability, but rather the mental, emotional, and spiritual abilities.

Strength is not always what we may think.  It is not something regarding our physical ability to carry our own weight in addition to the weight of something else.  Strength is our ability to offer our presence, offer our hearts, offer our love, and know if needed, we will survive beyond all measure.  It is our belief in ourselves, in those we surround ourselves with, and where we place our faith.  If our faith is weak, we will be weak.  If our belief in who we are is shaking, we will be shaking as well.

Strength comes from our perseverance to adversity.  Strength comes from wanting more, believing deeper, and loving regardless of the outcome.  Strength is a new mother holding her newborn, unsure of what to do when the baby cries. Strength is watching your child grow, knowing you are not as needed as you were the day before.  Strength comes from watching your parents grow older, siblings face adversity, and you are there to hold their hands.  Strength comes when you are offering yourself to others, taking on their pain, and simply praying for them from a place within your heart only true love exists.  Strength is taking care of someone as they are ill, whether temporary or terminally.  Strength comes from just sitting next to the person you love, day in and day out as the world feels dark, knowing you are together.  This is strength.  These are the moments you define strength to others, even if you never share your own fears while facing these moments.  Strength is not a measurement of physical ability, but what you do with every other ability you have in the world.