Even if where you are today seems hopeless, it is working in you.
You won't recognize it right now but one day, when you look back, you
will see it was within you all along. Learn to recognize it and carry it
with you. Then, learn how to give it away.
"... suffering
produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And
hope does not put us to shame... " Romans 5:3-5
In my early
twenties, life felt hopeless. I thank God that I've been spared physical
harm but danger made me fearful. Members of my family were victims of a
brutal crime involving assault with weapons. I went through a divorce. I
lived in public housing. I didn't have resources or support. What I
didn't recognize was that all this was perseverance. The definition of
perseverance is "A steady course of action, a purpose, a state, etc.,
especially in spite of difficulties (dictionary.reference.com).
During
difficult circumstances, we must carry on in order to survive. There
may be frustration but we work through it. What I did believe during
that period was that there had to be something better out there
somewhere and I was determined to find it.
The day I got fired as a
kindergarten aide, vowed to myself to go to school and take charge of
my life. Perseverance had developed character. Going to school was still
a process and I'm sure I provided entertainment for my professors. I
was on a mission of self discovery and loved to talk.
The day came
when I graduated from college. I had a sense of hope. I got a good job
that I was passionate about. From my experiences, I discovered that I
didn't have to be ashamed of feel unworthy of my place in this world. I
had something to offer. There were others still struggling. I began
encouraging men at a rescue mission by holding services for four years. I
mentored a young man from Sudan. I held sessions with women in a
detention center.
I began sharing hope by recording a CD, singing,
speaking and writing. My kids are now adults and beginning their own
journey of life. They won't be alone. I will lift them up and encourage
them.
Whatever you are going through today, know that you have
within you the greatest resource available. Hope is free. Grow from it
and share it with others.
Author, Laura Schroeder enjoys sharing her life experiences and
encouraging others. If her articles have been helpful, you may contact
her at laura@lauramschroeder.com. Please make any comments family friendly.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Schroeder
No comments:
Post a Comment