Atlas

Throughout life, we often feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. We carry something with us that is greater than ourselves. Whether we know it or not, it is our responsibility to hold our world together, to stand strong, and never falter. Is it a punishment or an honor? That's for the individual to decide.

In our lives we are faced with circumstances. Let's call them trial and tribulations. Events that are meant to test our strength and will. Whether it be financial, health, relationships, career, or many other possibilities. We expect ourselves to come out, unscathed. That however, is not an option. Take it as you will, it's not.

The old adage goes, "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." False! What doesn't kill us, gives us a choice. A choice to let it conquer us, or enable us. Enable us to be better people, more convicted, more passionate, more understanding, more persistent, and more insightful than we could have ever imagined. On the other hand we can allow it to destroy us. We can give tragedy the strength to define us, to own us, and to prohibit us from living.

It's up to the individual. When confronted with tragedy will you falter, or shrug and reposition the load? They say, "God only tests those that can handle it." So, I see it not as a punishment to go through this, but an honor. God knows the strength of my heart, along with my mother and siblings. God knows that there is nothing that can break us down.  God knows that no matter what hardship is sent our way, that we WILL overcome it. We will come out stronger, on the other end.

Many may not know me as a religious man, but I am. I've read the bible, cover to cover. Since I was a child, my favorite book has always been Job. I won't get into it here, but whenever you are struggling, read a passage from The Book of Job. You'll soon understand that you are not being punished, but honored.