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speakup

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. ~C.S. Lewis

Paul Kearley

As you look at John, the first thing you see is a peace on his face that encourages and uplifts you to want to get to know him. Friendly, humble and determined, he takes all things in stride and seems to not be affected by circumstances. John is the kind of person you instinctively want in your corner because, first he is an encourager, and second, you know if a way is to be found, he has the ability and the determination to find it.

A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that he didn't show up for class one morning, so I asked around and found out that he was sick and decided to stay in bed rather than go to class. I figured this was normal, as at that same time, I was in day three of a seven-day flu and I wished I could have been home in bed as well.

The next week, John came in early to catch up on the work he had missed and I asked him how he was feeling.

"I'm ok now. I wanted to come in last week" he said, "but my doctor said that I had to rest in bed for the day. You know, this chemo treatment is worse than the cancer."

"Cancer?" I asked, shocked.

"Yeah, but they think they have it all. They just want me to do my stream of chemo to make sure, but I'm fit and eager to get back to living. It's been a real battle, but I've won."

His unstoppable determination frees me to be more confident in living life to the fullest.

Then there's Derek.

Four years ago, on his way home to Michigan for Christmas, he was in a serious car accident in which the doctors said that he wasn't going to live, or that if he did, he would be a vegetable for the rest of his life. Well, here it is four years and seven surgeries later, and he is married, became a father in January and speaks to many groups cross culturally (Canada and US) about his experience and what they can learn from it. His unbelievable spirit makes me brave when doubt attacks me.

And Fern...

I don't think there's a gentler more genuine person alive today. I've known her for years, as we go to the same church, and she has an unwavering, seemingly unquenchable belief in life and its possibilities, and she makes everyone feel that same way.

She recently had major surgery for her cancer, and I was talking to her a few days after she got home, and if I didn't know what had happened, I never would have guessed. She was enthusiastic, bubbly, encouraging and confident: the same Fern that I knew. She's not letting anything get in the way of her living a full and abundant life. She knows that she is well, and is living as if what she envisions is happening now.

Her unwavering faith encourages me to come out from behind my excuses.

All of these soldiers of life are facing their own battles. Some of which have been mostly won and they are looking at it from the other side of the operation, and the other holding her head high as she looks the enemy square in the face and declares her own victory... even before the battle starts.

The enemies of fear and doubt are all around us and are constantly knocking at our gates looking for the slightest opening or crack with which to sneak in. Once it's established itself, if we are not careful, it will take sniper shots at all other parts of our life with thoughts like:

"People die from this all the time."

"Who do you think you are? You can't beat this."

"We've never done this before."

"I can't do that."

"We just don't seem to get along."

"Poor me: This always happens to me."

"Why did this happen to me?"

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed because you have problems of your own that are causing you grief? Do you struggle with problems with relationships, finances, career or even your own health? Do you often wonder how you are going to get through them?

Of course you do! We all do.

What I'm saying to you today is simply this: When we take the time to recognize that there are people out there who have had it much harder than we do, it is through them that we can draw strength to reach success in our own struggles.

If you are feeling down about something, take some time and visit with someone who is courageously fighting cancer or someone who is recovering from an accident and is proving the doctors wrong when they said that they should be dead or that they would never walk again. Find out where their strength comes from and put it to use in your own life.

You are bigger than your problems. So, stop focusing on them and how they make you feel, and focus instead on how they are making you stronger, and when you do, you'll find that the gates of pity and selfishness will be tightly closed, and you will be winning the battle for success in your life.

Make this your best week ever!

For 22 years, Paul Kearley has thrived in the personal development and coaching business. As a Master Business Coach, Paul's passion is in developing and creating increased potential, and coaching people to create success.