What does it mean to be resilient? Over the course of approximately, 2 to 3 years, I have heard people complain about the economy, lose houses to foreclosure (some on purpose, others by default, and some by unforeseen circumstances), lose jobs and some actually walk away from one. Nonetheless, there have been still many more to buy houses and land at amazing prices, get jobs that they didn't think they would get, others get in the best shape of their lives (mentally, spiritually, physically, financially, and relationally). Still yet, others lose businesses while many more start ones and others grow in leaps and bounds. So, what does it mean to be RESILIENT?
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from unforeseen, unformidable, and some form of destruction, misfortune and/or challenging experiences. I have had a rather challenging schedule and way of life for the past several years myself. People who observe my life many times say "You are busy" or "You are always on the go" or "You need to rest" or "I don't see how you do it." To all of them, I understand why they think the way they do and how their perception is what it is. It actually reminds me of Nehemiah. He was this guy in the Bible who was diligent about the call, task and mission God had him on. He didn't have time to stop and take in what the people were saying, though at times he did hear of it...yet he remained diligent!
So, while others may describe my life as aforementioned, I ascribe it as diligent for good and not evil, productive, building a legacy, preparing to leave a mark that cannot and will not be erased, and fulfilling the call that God through Christ Jesus has for me. I am fueled by His love and His grace because it wasn't so long ago that I could only wish I could go back to school, get my business off the ground and doubtful of myself because I thought that because I had failed previously in the same business that I have now in a different location even with the same name, I wasn't certain that I could do it again. I remember needing food stamps and praying to have the money to pay my bills. God is great and His mercy endures forever! So, while the onlookers are saying what they are saying, I pray God is saying, "Oh, I am so proud of you!". He sees I am using the energy, wisdom and talents in such a way, that He will have a return on His investment when He returns. This is what resilience really mean and look like. Be encouraged and get on to doing the thing(s) that you have in your heart to do that will make God smile and you know that your life matter.
