The theme for the photo today is "fortitude". Fortitude is defined as, "courage in pain or adversity." Some of us may have more fortitude than others. Naturally some are stronger than others when it comes to hard times, but during these times of hardship is when we all need to come together and support each other as much as we can.
A time of loss is never enjoyable or easy. It is never simple or timely. No one wants to encounter difficult times, but aren't these difficult times the instances that we appreciate when things are good? Without anything bad, everything would be bad. We would be underwhelmed by amazing opportunities and experiences that we have because there would be nothing to make us take a step back and say, "Wow, I am so lucky." God works in mysterious ways and putting us through difficult times is one of them. Many people argue that if God were so great he would make our lives perfect, but without pain, loss, suffering, and struggles we would not understand the triumphs. When God takes a life sooner than we think appropriate maybe he is teaching us a lesson. Maybe he is trying to remind us that life is short or maybe He intended to bring a group of people together.
In my experience, when things get tough, people come together. Communities are inclined to help those around them. Without pain and suffering these reality checks would not happen and everyone and everything to become more and more disconnected. This is why we must find fortitude within each other. Something I have learned is that it's okay to ask for help. I am not one to share my emotions easily, but when I do I find that those people around me are always willing to help out. Being strong during difficult times is not easy, which is why we must depend on those things around us to provide strenghth. We must remember that God is there to hold us up through every bump in the road. He will never throw something at you that you cannot handle, just experiences to help you grow as a person and as a Christian. We are resillient, which is what makes us such strong creatures. In pain and suffering we will find fortitude, whether is it easy to find or not.