Strength
1. The quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigour.
2. Mental power, force, or vigour.
3. Moral power, firmness, or courage.
4. Power by reason of influence, authority, resources, numbers, etc.
Who or what defines strength really? Who says that the way you react to a given situation is about strength. For example is it a weakness to cry?
I was once told that it takes more strength to walk away from a fight, yet to some this would be seen as cowardice.
Amazing how different people’s perceptions can be!
I try not to cry in front of my children, but then I question if I am doing the right thing. What if they learn crying is a weakness, what if they become ashamed to cry. This won’t be doing them any favours.
Situations arise in life when it would be best for all to move forward yet is it a weakness to move away from a situation, to draw a line under it. Or should we stay and fight to the bitter end.
Last week I witnessed incredible strength. The reason behind this strength was pure love. This I believe is the defining factor in deciding what is strength or a weakness. The reason behind it!
If you cry because you love, that is not a weakness.
If you walk away because you love that is strength.
I often wonder about the incredible strength of Jesus. How when he could have easily run away and avoided capture he stayed knowing what the future held for him.
Discussing the trial of Jesus with my daughter, she asked me why he didn’t defend himself. Why he didn’t fight back? I think she thought of this as a weakness as we do teach her to stand up for herself.
How do I show her the amazing strength of Jesus? By reminding her of his great sacrifice. His incredible love for us! Jesus knew he had to suffer for our salvation. Jesus showed unlimited strength, he stayed quiet in strength because he loved us.
He who shout’s the loudest, fights the hardest is not necessary the strongest.
To me strength is determined by the reason behind it. Convictions, dedication, loyalty, love.
In Jesus you can find strength.
Psalm 28: 7
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped; therefore my heart exults”
<p><a href=”http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=879″>Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Walking with Angels 
What a great post. Such a good reminder.
Be blessed,
Laura
“Open the Door To Your Fear”
Jesus himself also ran – or rather “slipped away quietly” – when it was not yet his time. And did confront many people when that was necessary too – I look at his overturning the tables in the temple as an example of Righteous anger.
There’s a time to cry and a time to swallow the tears. There’s a time to run away and a time to stand fast. Figuring out which is which; now that’s where things get trickier. I think you’re right though – stick with Love at the centre of the decision and you can’t go far wrong.
A beautiful post Sara. I stopped over from (in)courage and am very glad I did. I also love that your daughter is asking questions and you’re strengthening her faith. Kudos to you!