Thoughts on Strong.

A right sidekick

I have been involved in martial arts on-and-off for the last several years, and so far, it has not transformed me into a supremely disciplined, indefatigable version of my former self. In fact, sometimes I get to class and barely have the willpower to stand and say our pledges. But somehow, there hasn’t been a class yet where I had to bow out. There are times when I think I just can't do it, but I know deep inside (sometimes, I have to dig deeper than others) that I am not as fragile as I feel.

My first time using a bo staff



Sparring with my instructor

 

My New Blue Belt

 

I am strong. Not because I don’t have weaknesses, but because God is alive in me, and I have everything I need to pull from in Him.

I don’t want to be the kind of person who gives up when something bad happens. Because bad things will happen. Anyone can keep going when life is flowing smoothly… but what about when it’s not?

 

I cannot count the times I have failed to put forth my best in difficult situations, but I keep going. I keep trying. I keep seeking, even if I'm only inching my way forward. My progress is slower than I would like it to be, but sometimes I just have to relax and let it go.

 

I am not perfect. But I believe in a God who is. In Him I am strong, and through Him I am getting stronger.

 

Instead of letting my problems overtake me today, I am going to try to lean into God a little more, because He is all the strength that I need.

 

He's all that you need too. And that's a promise.

 

Love,

Ireland