"Wade In The Water"- Issue 5 (The Audacity of Strength)

“Wade In The Water”

By: Gourjoine M. Wade

Issue #5: 10.12.16

The Audacity of Strength

Webster’s simple definition of strength is “the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force; or, the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way. You may have recalled a time or two when someone has said to you “be strong”. In life, far too many of our struggles and challenges have been defined by our human ability to be strong; to show strength. History tells us that we always overcome adversity and struggle, when we are “stronger” or project strength. As superheroes, we have unique strengths and abilities, in addition to having weaknesses and challenges.

Our challenges serve as reminders to help us embrace our inner strength. Knowing there’s a big midterm exam that you were not prepared for, yet you buckled down, missed the parties, and studied all weekend long; that takes a special kind of strength. Even as a working professional, it takes a special kind of strength for me to dig deep within my spirit to fight those daily battles with adulthood!! It’s important to note that as a student in college or as a professional who works at one, we overcome something each and everyday; and it makes us stronger; it makes us unique; it makes us better.

It’s not a question of overcoming and showing strength; it’s about pressing your way through, and having the willpower, determination, and hope that there is victory on the other side of your struggle, and that your strength and perseverance will pay off! So the next time you ponder about not going to class or you lack the will to finish your work day; seize your inner strength, and press your way through! Remember: “the strongest people in the world aren't those most protected; they are the ones that must struggle against adversity and obstacles- and surmount them- to survive”-Unknown.