inner city

||25.|| The Test of Real Strenght

The Test of Real Strength

Fr. Bob

"It's really amazing what you can do if you have to."

These were the words of Garry Green, a New Zealander, who, together with three companions, spent 13 days on a raft in the pacific before being rescued. During that time, they survived mainly on water and will power.

Garry Breen is correct. It is amazing what we can do when we have to. Problem is that when we don't have to, we don't perform. We are born lazy. Perhaps it's because we spent nine months in our mother's womb doing absolutely nothing. And during our childhood days we were spoon-fed and cuddled by our parents who did everything for us.

Perhaps now that we have become adults we carry over some of the same expectations we had when we were still children. Maybe we feel that society should treat us as our parents did. There are countless people who feel that the world owes them a living. They demand much while giving very little.

However, when the chips are down and there is still little choice left, it's amazing what even these polled individuals can do. One of the great tragedies in this world is that there are so many people who can do so much, but never get around to doing it because they lack self-confidence and faith in themselves. And because many individuals are able to steer clear conflict or duct it when it makes its appearance, they never get the chance to test themselves and discover their hidden potential.

I believe in the old saying: "Fire is the test of gold; adversity, the test of strong men." The test of strength of a man or woman is conflict, hurt, pain, be it physical or emotional. Until and individual can be tested by adversity, he will never know his strong points nor his weaknesses. He will forever be doubting his ability to cope with conflict and these doubts will eat away at his self-confidence until he becomes a man of many fears that are groundless.

On the other hand, he who has met crisis after crisis and survived with dignity has a self-confidence that radiates about him and seems to tell everyone that here is a man who can deal with hardship and pain because he has done so many and survived. He walks in a way that reflects his strong will and ironically determination. His manner is that of the mature man who has dealt with countless difficult situations and now expects the unexpected without getting nervous about it.

In a way, it's sad how we ran from difficulties so quickly. It's tragic to watch people constantly taking the easy way out running away from harsh reality that could bring out the best in them. We are often afraid to be tested because we expect to fail. If only we tried hard enough and believed in ourselves and in God more strongly, we would be very surprised at the number of battle we would win.