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Strength to Endure
Even when broken, it can stand
This last week was a very difficult time for my family. It was an emotional rollercoaster as my mother was admitted to the hospital. One day she’s feeling better. The next day we get a diagnosis that shook the entire family. She begins treatment and feels worse. She needs to do a procedure but the doctor is worried about seeing her on the other side.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been reading 13 things mentally strong people don’t do and The Obstacle is the Way. The books focus on how to work through or process through tough situations. As I went through the highs and lows of the week, I had to remind myself of the things I read and the things that I believe in. What encouraged my family and I the most was the constant prayer and affirmations from friends and family. I know that the situation I am in and the situation my mom is in is hard but I can rest assured in knowing who my God is and what His promises are.
When I reflected on that, I thought of how many times people pray prayers that are so conditional on the end result that they ask for. “God, let me pass my test or I’ll know that you aren’t real.” I think of all the people that fall away from faith because God doesn’t provide in the way that they thought or asked for. Here’s the thing though: God never promised to answer all of our wishes. He promised He would be with us through our trials, not that He would save us from the trials.
So as I prayed and pray over my mother, it’s not conditional. I do not follow God based on the outcome. I felt such peace over the situation because I knew that God was with us and sovereign over all. I pray with faith and hope of incredible miracles but my faith is not dependent on the end result. Or better yet, the desired end result is our family connecting on a deeper level and that God be glorified.
As my mother and her doctor went in for the procedure, both apprehensive, numerous people from across the states and even the world were praying over them. My mother did incredibly well and the procedure was successful. While there’s still more to go, we trust and believe in a God that can do miracles and heal. And our desire is that He be glorified through this all.
Watch History
Finding God in a Broken World
George Janko has had quite the rise in fame with his (relatively) new podcast. Some may know him from his Vine days or YouTube days but over the last couple years he has taken to podcasting and made a name for himself - mostly as a humble man of God. His faith and conversations around faith have opened many doors for interesting guests and discussions on growing in faith. I think that’s what draws me to his content. He knows he is just starting his journey in really pursuing the Lord, but it’s that humility that makes him relatable for so many. That, on top of his connections to many people in the celebrity space, create conversations such as these where famous people can finally have an open discussion about their walk with God.
I really enjoyed this episode with Zachery Levi. He shares his heart as a believer in the industry and how he is looking to make a difference. He likens his walk to the story of Noah building an Ark - living in the realm of Hollywood but all to learn its pitfalls and shortcomings so that he would be uniquely positioned with the saving grace of God when the flood inevitably comes.
Add to Watch Later:
Psst. I made a Playlist on YouTube for the videos I’ve mentioned here so that you can always refer back to it!
Reading List
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin
This book has been a really enlightening and challenging read. Morin outlines 13 things that mentally strong people don’t do, mindsets that they have that allow them to withstand various situations in life.
Mentally strong people have healthy habits. They manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life. Check out these things that mentally strong people don’t do so that you too can become more mentally strong.
1. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves
Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn’t always easy or fair.
2. They Don’t Give Away Their Power
They don’t allow others to control them, and they don’t give someone else power over them. They don’t say things like, “My boss makes me feel bad,” because they understand that they are in control over their own emotions and they have a choice in how they respond.
3. They Don’t Shy Away from Change
Mentally strong people don’t try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.
4. They Don’t Waste Energy on Things They Can’t Control
You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over lost luggage or traffic jams. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.
5. They Don’t Worry About Pleasing Everyone
Mentally strong people recognize that they don’t need to please everyone all the time. They’re not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary. They strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people being upset if they didn’t make them happy.
6. They Don’t Fear Taking Calculated Risks
They don’t take reckless or foolish risks, but don’t mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision, and they’re fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.
7. They Don’t Dwell on the Past
Mentally strong people don’t waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they’ve learned from it. However, they don’t constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.
8. They Don’t Make the Same Mistakes Over and Over
They accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future.
9. They Don’t Resent Other People’s Success
Mentally strong people can appreciate and celebrate other people’s success in life. They don’t grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.
10. They Don’t Give Up After the First Failure
They don’t view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right.
11. They Don’t Fear Alone Time
Mentally strong people can tolerate being alone and they don’t fear silence. They aren’t afraid to be alone with their thoughts and they can use downtime to be productive. They enjoy their own company and aren’t dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time but instead can be happy alone.
12. They Don’t Feel the World Owes Them Anything
They don’t feel entitled to things in life. They weren’t born with a mentality that others would take care of them or that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.
13. They Don’t Expect Immediate Results
Whether they are working on improving their health or getting a new business off the ground, mentally strong people don’t expect immediate results. Instead, they apply their skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time.
I mentioned last week how some of these chapters or points I read and I felt like "I have this down” but, with everything that I described earlier, these served as reminders of what to keep in mind when trying times come. The more I read, the more I felt that everyone should read this book. Not because you’re mentally weak, but because knowing how to be strong is a great benefit to anyone.
The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday is one of the popular influencers on the topic of Stoicism. This is his first book and it’s been a great read to close out my nights - and actually a quick read! Topic-wise, it actually also closely ties to the previous book. The whole point of this book is that often times the Obstacle is the way to the outcome we truly desire. We all wish we could avoid it, but the principles in stoicism point out the benefit of working through the problem rather than around the problem.
The Growth Log Library
I’ve compiled a list of the books that I mention in case you want to pick any of it up. Full disclosure, these are affiliate links. Doesn’t cost anything extra on your end, I just get a kickback if you use my link to make a purchase.
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