Are you strong?  I think many of us would say a resounding “YES!” to that very question.  There are a few who might waver before answering with a timid, “maybe” and others who would probably shake their head no.  What category do you fall into?

Strength can come from a number of sources.  Our faith, a rock-solid career, a happy marriage – all can contribute to giving us the power to continue striving each day.  Some may find strength, both literal and figurative, in physical activity, setting and achieving goals.  Bigger muscles translate to more power which equals stronger.  Our granddaughter loves when we say, “Big Strong!” and she instantaneously flexes her muscles.  When facing something she is unsure of, the phrase reminds her of the strength and bravery she truly has within herself.

If you’re lacking the confidence to say you are strong, what would need to happen to give you the boost to be convinced?  Hearing words of encouragement along with feeling the support of others goes a long way in helping someone realize they have strength to accomplish their dreams – or even just the day-to-day routine.  If we aren’t receiving reinforcement how do you fill the vacuum?  I have discovered if I practice giving encouragement to others, in turn, I reap the benefits of being cheered on as well.

How do we continue to motivate ourselves to feel powerful to undertake what lies ahead?  Looking back on accomplishments can build strength and perpetuate momentum to continue forward.  Have you ever taken a moment to review your journey and see the enormous strides you’ve taken over days, months or years?  It can be a huge reinforcement of the strength you have within. Take that inspiration from past accomplishments and apply it forward.  You’ve done it once; you can do it again!

When we are so deep in the quagmire of hopelessness, and we feel utterly alone, everything seems too overwhelming.  In those moments, we need something greater than ourselves; something larger than human interaction.  If you have a foundation of faith, spiritual rescue is the ‘go to’.  Prayer, journaling and surrounding ourselves with worship music brings difficulties back into perspective.  We discover, we do have the strength, drawing from the power of our Lord and Savior.  If you’re unfamiliar with such a freedom, seek out a contemporary Christian music radio station, find a local church or tune into a church service online.  Start the discovery of doing life with a power unmatched by anything found here on earth.  Tap into an immense strength available to anyone willing to seek it out.  Big Strong!  Flex your muscles.  You’ve got this!