Strength

In life, we all have trials. We all have tragedy, loss, pain, anguish, and anger.
We lose our parents, spouses, siblings, and children. It is never easy to accept, especially within the first year of the loss. On the anniversary, each month, then each year, a ripple of pain and fresh hurt washes over you, bringing back the most painful, vivid memories. Each person reacts differently. Some may shut down. Others may break into tears at the most random moment, unable to stop. Some may pop a pill. Others self mutilate. And some people, well, they're all one in the same. Yet, no matter how much the amount of pain, anguish and anger, it is important to remember to stay strong. Strength does not mean how muscular you are, how many pounds you can bench press, or how well you can fight. True strength comes from within. It's forgiving the person who hurt you the most. It's stretching yourself beyond your own means in order to help another person. It's when the whole world seems to be crumbling around you, but you get your ass out of bed and KEEP GOING. That is true strength. Sometimes, one cannot be strong by themselves. It takes friends who won't turn their back on you, even though everyone else has. Meditation and prayer also seem to be helpful.

In my time of need, one person in particular helped me to keep my head up and move forward. Grace Whitworth has been one of the best friends that I could ever ask for. For her, I am truly blessed. You see, we barely knew each other, but she spent every waking minute with me when I thought I was alone. I tried to shut everyone out, but she kept pushing in. She refused to leave me alone, even though that's all I wanted. She still calls on the 20th of the month, to make sure I'm okay.
True strength comes from within, yes. However, sometimes, it takes someone else to brave the war within you, and help you find it.

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."
Phillippians 4:13

Signing off for now,
Simply Sam.