Some pressures and problems cave in our weeks more than others. The cares of this week left me feeling as if I have little fight left in me. Surprisingly, fighting words pocked up a few days. I won’t drag you into the drama that started with a stranger at the park sizzling my ears with his expletive-filled rant.
Apparently, he thought Maisie and I were walking too close to his Frisbee-throwing zone for his two dogs. Long story short: dogs are supposed to be on leash in this public park, but I was the *@$#!! bad guy. Whatever.
Some people have short fuses, and I refuse to let them singe me with their disgruntled self-centeredness. While some people are looking to start a fight, others of us are looking to find the fight still left inside us.
A Lot of Fight Left
This reminds me of Kayla Mueller. Islamic State terrorists kidnapped the 26-year-old aid worker from Arizona in August 2013. ISIS captured Kayla outside a Syrian hospital staffed by Doctors Without Borders.
Kayla’s captors allowed at least one letter to her family in spring 2014 in which she wrote: “None of us could have known it would be this long but I know I am also fighting from my side in the ways I am able + I have a lot of fight left inside of me. I am not breaking down + I will not give in no matter how long it takes. . . Please be patient, give your pain to God. I know you would want me to remain strong. That is exactly what I am doing.”
Kayla epitomizes a life that bends and digs deep even while imprisoned by heinous killers. Even while separated from loved ones and the conveniences so many of us take for granted. Kayla’s fight left in her spurs me on in my own obstacles. Her refusal to “give in no matter how long it takes” are fighting words I’ll carry into any skirmish.
ISIS confirmed Kayla death in February 2015. The radical group emailed her family three photos of her dead body wearing a black hijab. Many still mourn the loss of this young, compassionate humanitarian.
Your Own Set of Challenges
It’s unlikely that Islamic terrorists will kidnap and kill us, but we still encounter our own set of challenges that press us to surrender and give in. Parenthood is exhausting. Our finances slide closer to zilch. The doctor orders more tests. COVID-19 refuses to back down. The company plans to reorganize and downsize . . . again. It’s a juggle to stay current with family and friends. Strangers at the park unleash their anger.
Even as you read this post, you may sense your inner fight fading. You may be tempted to throw in the towel. But I encourage you to hold to the words of Kayla: “I will not give in.”
I know you’ve got a lot of fight left inside! Kayla, the fearless American aid worker reminds me of Paul of Tarsus who battled through imprisonment, beatings, and according to many scholars, eventual death at the hands of his captors too. “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race,” Paul reminds us before concluding with, “I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7, NIV).
Learning about the bravery of Kayla Mueller, I’m inspired to look past this earth to eternity and remember that death does not end the fight, it wins the battle. Keep bending. Keep digging deep. You’ve got a lot of fight left inside.
What an encouraging story! It Totally lifted me up this morning. Thank you Beth! Always a pleasure to read your writings and gain a new and often an uplifting perspective of life.
Thank you so much, Daria. I truly enjoy sharing stories that encourage and uplift. It helps my perspective too.
This is one of your best Beth????❤️Always seems to hit home, keep up the good work, you have no idea how many people you are helping get through the daily situations that arise, thanks again, Petey
Oh, Petey, THANK YOU so much for your kinds words and your encouragement to stay the course. I sure do hope I am helping others “get through the daily situations that arise.”
Oh, Beth. Praying that unpleasant altercation fades quickly from your memory. Some days I’m not sure how much fight is left in me, but thanks for the encouragement to look for it. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Nancy, that altercation was definitely not pleasant and I could have held my own lips a bit after he launched his tirade. Good learning experience to be aware that some people these days are extra heightened about just about everything. So glad to know that the Lord is our Deliverer for us and can give us all the fighting strength we need.
All I can think of is wow! When I hear stories like Kayla’s my heart hurts for the victims and families left behind in sorrow. Thank you for this reminder of the fight we have left inside all of us.
Terry, I just think about Kayla’s family and friends. Kayla stayed strong and I know she honored the Lord right to the end of her life on this earth. I am so glad that God never leaves us without His strength and hope.
Beth, I’m so sorry someone was unkind to you. Plus dogs off leash are no fun, I have to agree.
It is easy to become discouraged with all the turmoil in society right now. It seems to be coming from every angle.
Your words are an encouragement to me today.
Marsha, thank you for empathizing about my angry dog owner experience. It was a good reminder to not let someone else’s anger ruin my day or make me afraid to walk Maisie in this beautiful public park again. I am grateful that my words encouraged you. YOU encourage me!
Beth, as you well know, I should have read this 2 days ago instead of today. I somewhat “gave up” this weekend and felt my fight leaving me….in tatters. But a merciful Savior placed you and Maisie at my door on Sunday and you left me with incredible strength and a plan to carry on. God bless you for your wisdom, timeliness, and sweet friendship.
Awwww…you’ve had so may things squelching your inner fight and your hope. Maisie and I are glad we could provide a little calm and perspective. 🙂