Have you ever watched a mighty tree, swaying from side to side on a day where the winds are gusting at high speeds? Whilst the branches and leaves are flapping vigourously in the relentless wind, the roots are deep, and the trunk stands firm. No matter what the weather delivers, it is able to stand firm in the face of any conditions. It is my greatest desire and encouragement this week that you will stand firm in the face of the storms in your life.
The actual fact is, not all trees stand firm in a strong wind. I went to visit my dad the other day, after a night where the wind was gale-force. As I got out of my car, I glanced and saw that a tree had actually been uprooted as a result of that wind. It was lying on the ground and clearly, its roots weren’t strong enough and it wasn’t able to stand firm. However, you and I are, if we choose and take root in things that are most important.
Last week, I spent an inspiring couple of days with Justine Martin. She’s working hard to finish her book, ‘Moxie’, and I spent some time with her to go through it chapter by chapter. I knew Justine had been through a lot in her life, including a challenging childhood, abuse, sickness, and many other undesirable situations. However, as we were reading together through her book, I really had no idea to the extent of what she had endured over many years.
I read about the challenging relationship she had with her mum and her dad. I read about her dad that left at an early age and was really not in her life. I read about a narcissistic mother who treated her poorly for much of her childhood, and beyond. I read about her lack of self-worth as a result of regularly being told and treated that she was never good enough. I read about the sexual abuse she experienced, the narcissistic relationships, and physical and emotional abuse she endured over many years. The thing that inspires me the most about Justine is that no matter what she went through in her life, she always stood firm. She believed she would find a way through the storm to live a life of joy, abundance, and happiness.
We didn’t even get to the part in the book when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, when she was diagnosed with multiple cancers, when she had her arm broken by an abuser, when she found her partner dead, and many other things that she withstood throughout her life. As we were reading the book together, and as I looked at her, I saw vulnerability, but I also saw incredible strength. I saw a woman who had stood firm in her power, and who had used her adversity to make a massive difference in this world. She inspired me in many ways, as I know her book will do for many others.
So, what does it mean to stand firm? It means, to know what and who you believe in. It means, to not be swayed by the negativity of the world. It means, to not be influenced by the opinions of other people. It means, to not be distracted by things that could take your attention if you allow them to. It means, facing all adversity knowing deep in your heart that something great will come of it.
What is it you need to stand firm on and in right now? Do you need to stand firm to regain your health. Do you need to stand firm to resolve conflict.? Do you need to stand firm to ignore opinions of other people and do what is deep in your heart? Do you need to stand firm and be confident to be authentically yourself and not have to change your personality for the sake of others? Do you need to stand firm and grow personally to build a life of joy and abundance? Whatever it is, I encourage you to stand firm today and every day moving forward.
This week I speak with a wonderful Marita Littauer, in a podcast called ‘Wired that way’. We discuss many things, including personality and understanding the personality of others. I also speak with David Libby in a podcast called ‘Faith and food heals’. When we understand who we are, what our God can do, and what our strengths are, we can stand firm and live our best life. As you finish this week’s blog, I hope you’re inspired and encouraged. I hope you will see yourself as a valuable and worthy human, and you will stand firm to take back that which is rightfully yours and live the life you’re created to live.