Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking about strength and courage. Over the last eight years I have heard a lot about them. To be honest, I would kick strength AND courage to the curb if someone would tell me my cancer is gone. It makes me wonder if people always have them or if they somehow develop within you when you don't really have a choice.
Several weeks ago our neighbors and good friends lost their son in a automobile accident. Through the weeks that have followed, I have watched them become a true example of strength and courage. His sister gave the most beautiful tribute at the memorial service. I sat there thinking that I could not imagine speaking to that large group of people during such an emotional time. As a parent, I cannot imagine losing a child no matter how old or under any kind of circumstance. It just seems unnatural. His parents, though, through their grief, were open and honest about his stuggle with addiction in hopes that their message would reach another family working through the same issues. I really can't imagine being in such pain and having the strength and courage to think about trying to help others.
I was sitting with them a couple of nights ago, enjoying the fresh evening air and talking. His sister said something to me that really made me think. She said, "it is funny, but by him dying I have found my faith." I have thought a lot about her comment and how it makes sense to me.
After giving it lots of thought, I think faith sets a foundation for strength and courage. Faith becomes your building block that gives you the strength and the courage to fight through the tough times in life that no one warns us about. And that is why faith is one gift I am really trying to give my boys. I hope it will give them the strength and courage that they will need to navigate this thing we call life...just as it has for me.
