“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”~Unknown

Strength gains a larger meaning as one ages. In youth strength typically shows its meaning as in the body such as muscles. As one matures life offers lessons in which one can develop a long lasting type of strength such as fortitude which is defined as courage in pain or adversity. I am grateful for and depend on this gift of strength to deal with the surprises and challenges of life that can overcome best intentions.

I know a person who deals with adversity of great proportions. These challenges are not of her or his choosing. I have observed this person deal with a range of issues from minor to overwhelming. Sometimes it is not pretty the choices that are made. Often times I am blown away by the strength and goodness of this courageous individual. I am humbly grateful that I was given opportunity to cross paths and walk for a time with this individual. God places people in our lives for a reason, I believe, and for that I again am grateful.

At first glance this image might not appear to represent fortitude or strength but take a closer look. There are two elements of nature in this image, water and flowers. Water can weaken the strongest rock over time and with great force it can damage anything in its path. Flowers have a softer strength with their beauty and scent but can hold up fairly well to the elements within nature. We offer flowers to loved ones in time of celebration and pain.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Peace.