Week 187
Positive post Sunday, September 20, 2020- Week 187.
We are clearly living in unprecedented times with significant challenges both locally and globally. A few visible examples include the CV-19 pandemic, social justice concerns and the national election. These issues, accompanied by the many other complexities in our lives, have created much stress and anxiety and, in some cases, divided families, friends and coworkers.
I have lived a blessed life, but I certainly have not been immune from adversity and disappointment, especially during these polarized and divisive times in what has become a very complicated world. Here are two quotes that add perspective on adversity and disappointment. Dieter F. Uchtdorf notes, “It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop”. And, Dr. Martin Luther King said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope”.
I couldn’t agree with them more. I’m a firm believer that how we react to the tough times that bring adversity and disappointment in our lives determines our character and defines who we are. I can’t think of another time in my life where there has been a greater opportunity to develop character by turning adversity into hope through compassion and collaboration. This will require us all to look beyond our associations with social or political groups to a higher power, and appreciate, value and respect the diversity within our communities that makes us so strong and resilient.
I choose to be defined by my faith and integrity and judged not by how others perceive me, but by he who created me. How do you choose to be defined?