A Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Discipline

“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”– 2 Timothy 1:7

There is a tendency, I think, to equate strength with courage. We sometimes look at the person with the biggest muscles, loudest mouth, or most aggressive personality as a hero, our savior.

I think the opposite is true. I believe vulnerability is our greatest asset. Let me explain.

When I was younger, I was a pretty good runner. I won some age group and masters awards at races, got some recognition for my running abilities, and even took home some cash prizes. Running made me feel good about myself, strong and powerful.

Then I was struck with an injury that would not go away, despite all of my many desperate attempts to find healing. My running times slowed, but, even worse, it hurt to run. What once brought me joy was now a source of pain and frustration.

Even so, I should have looked at the injury as a gift. The injury exposed my weakness, which ultimately caused me to search inside myself for a reserve of strength and authenticity I didn’t realize I possessed.

No longer feeling the pressure to run for the accolades of others or to live up to my own expectations freed me to open my heart. It forced me to acknowledge my vulnerability. Dependence on an external source of validation is a chancy proposition at best, as I found out.

It is far better to cultivate inner strength (or Strength, if you prefer, and I do). The thought that I have within me, right here, right now, everything I need to handle life’s roller coaster is much more powerful than depending on race medals and fleeting finishing times.

You have that same strength inside of you right now. You don’t need to wait until a calamity forces you to find it, as I did. If you look into your heart, you will find a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. Our might is in our vulnerability.

*It is my plan to document the arrival of spring here in this corner of Southeastern Pennsylvania through the progression of blooming flowers. This is the fifth picture in the series. The flowers pictured above are Pansies (Viola tricolor). These were found in a planter outside a local brewpub I pass on regular walks with my hubby and dog.

I am linking with Cee’s FOTD Challenge, Welcome Heart for Let’s Have Coffee, Soaring with Him for Recharge Wednesday, Debbie at Dare 2 Hear, Reflections From Me for A Blogging Good Time, It’s a Small Town Life for Thankful Thursday, Crystal Storms for Heart Encouragement, Rachel Marie Lee, Knit by God’s Hand for Thankful Thursdays, Jessica and Amy at Live Life Well, Raisie Bay for Word of the Week, Crystal Twaddell for Fresh Market Friday, Susan B Mead for Dancing With Jesus, Embracing the Unexpected for Grace and Truth, Counting My Blessings for Faith ‘n Friends, Lyli Dunbar for Faith on Fire, and Worth Beyond Rubies.

Please click on the following link to read more funny or inspirational one-liners. One-Liner Wednesday.