Image Credit: George Koronaios
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger except Bears, Bears will kill you." Ok, this is the lighthearted take on Friedrich Nietzsche's "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Grammy award winner Kelly Clarkson turned this into the song "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)."
So, when we think about it, bears aside, is it true - "what doesn't' kill you makes you stronger?" I think that it's a pretty broad generalization that has strong elements of truth. Scripture, Romans 5:3-4 specifically, addresses this:
"Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character, and character, hope."
All of us carry our own crosses - our sufferings. It's a good thing to reflect upon. We've probably seen it time and again where our only response to suffering was perseverance. A perseverance that led to character. And ultimately character that led to hope.
These are good lessons. Winston Churchill, one of history's shining lights, put it another way:
"If you are going through hell, keep going."
My practice focuses on estate, trust and elder financial abuse litigation matters. Clients sometimes tell me that they feel like they're going through hell. Sometimes there's not much that I can say except to persevere.
I'm glad that wiser minds than mine have the same advice. With this in mind - may we all have hope, character and perseverance.