Strength

I admire the people I see lifting weights, running marathons, performing muscle-ups, and doing countless burpees. It takes skill, determination, and strength to marshal on when you’re tired and just want to quit; these are personal goals you’ve set for yourself, your choice. I don’t discount the dedication required to reach their objectives, but let me tell you about another kind of strength. 

The cancer is back. How far has it spread now? What chemo this time? How many cycles? What side effects? I thought I did everything right to fight this awful disease. I can do this. 

None of the chemo is working. I’ve exhausted all treatment options and it’s still spreading. What do I do? I keep fighting. 

There are no more options available. I can continue with chemo even though it’s really not helping, but it might help. Quality vs quantity—which is more important to me? Quality of life for the time I have left. 

This is strength that most people rarely see and is gut-wrenching to watch. This is mental, emotional, and spiritual strength that comes from the depths of a warrior’s spirit. (Isaiah 41:10)