The Strongest People I Know

Every so often, one of those exceptional people crosses your path and it's like a lightning strike. Maybe not so much in the initial impact but stop to think about it and --BABAM!! Lightning. The rape victim, just a child herself, but determined to give life to the baby so violently conceived. "It's not her fault," she says of the innocent in her womb. Or the father who launches an all-out assault on school boards and city councils whose progressive policies eliminate safe spaces for his daughters in bathrooms and locker rooms. His rage and vigilance embolden other parents to join the real fight for women's rights. These are the stories that may or may not make the news. These are the people who leave an impression. But there are others who live next door or cashier at the local market or gather to pray once a week. Though their stories are not as unique or may not have gone viral, though their characters may not be as revolutionary --at first blush, anyway --these are exceptional, strong, tenacious people.

I write this today because of a woman I know. She has been praying for her husband for many years. Though I've never met him, he appears to be a man too intelligent, too successful for his own good. He seems to have compulsively married himself to the workplace because he needs to be needed, leaving his wife alone much of the time. But whatever flaws he refuses to acknowledge, this woman loves him and prays for him vigorously. She wants him healed. She wants him to experience eternal life. She wants him saved --from himself, from the lies on which he has built his identity, from hell. And she simply will not give up. She is faithful to him. She is faithful in her prayers for him. And she is a superhero!

I write this today because of another woman who grew up in fear. She experienced extreme violence stemming from bigotry in her rural upbringing. In her heart, grew a spark of hatred for those different from her, those who tormented her days of innocence and barged through her little girl dreams each night. Today she visits with anyone who will open their door to her. She will talk, she will serve, she will be the Light of Christ to those of any and all races, classes, and creeds. Within her petite frame and from the fount of her cheery voice is the strength of a thousand. She is David, small of stature and facing down spiritual giants with her prayers, her kindness, and her refusal to bow to hate. She is Mary calling out while the hearts of others leap because the very Spirit of God is near. (My heart leaps each time I see her! It's always a time of refreshing and worship, even along the busy streets of my neighborhood.)

I write this today because of a young man who is struggling. He's been placed in a home he is told is forever, to parents he is told are his, given a name other than the one he's been called most of his life, and has been officially "severed" from the system that has supported him for years. What would that look like for you? I've often wondered how I would respond to such a lack of autonomy. And still, he's willing. Like any typical boy, he balks at wearing his school uniform, he complains about homework, he tries to get as many snacks as we allow, but he gets up each morning in an effort to have a better day than the one before. And --most nights --he tries to go to bed with a positive attitude. Strength. 

Who are the strongest people you know? I encourage you to look around for them. I encourage you to pray for them. I encourage you to be one! 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

~ Ephesians 6:10