WE NEED TO CHOOSE PERSEVERANCE OVER DEFEAT

by Mary Frances Hansen

As we know, life has its ups and downs and is full of unexpected circumstances we didn't choose.

Regardless of our circumstances, we can choose our attitudes, and we need to choose perseverance over defeat. A positive quote by Pastor Joyce Meyers, “A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you!” How promising is that?

Perseverance (often translated as endurance or steadfastness) is the steadfast and patient continuation of faith and obedience to God despite experiencing trials, suffering, or temptation. It is a conscious, persistent choice to remain rooted in God—not giving up—with the assurance of future reward and spiritual maturity,

Attitude to me is everything! We must try and dwell on the positives and not the negatives, and our goal is... “Never Give Up Choosing Perseverance Over Defeat! Each day comes with new thoughts and strengths. The adversities and challenges we face teach us lessons, and we can become much stronger through them. A person with a strong will and determination can overcome any obstacle or challenge. You never know how strong you are until the only choice you have is to become stronger with a positive attitude. Some of the strongest people I know have faced serious health challenges, loss of loved ones, financial problems, and family problems, and they have overcome their adversities through perseverance.

I lost my oldest son, Michael, two years ago to liver cancer, and as his mother.... I had to be positive because he was a very positive person during his illness and didn't want people to feel sorry for him. He would always say to me, “Mother, there are people much worse off than I am.” He was a blessing and an inspiration to many because of his perseverance and attitude. I am a religious person, and my faith grew so much stronger during his suffering. His last words to me were... “Mom, don't cry... I am in God's hands, and He has a plan for me. Now get the brush and brush my hair.” A very comforting quote from the Bible, 1 Corinthians 10:13, ”God never puts more on us than we can bear!” God is our daily refuge and our strength.

There will always be challenges and adversities in our lives. We are human, and sometimes we become overwhelmed and discouraged, but we have the “can-do” power to change our attitudes from negative to positive. Learn from the adversities and live for today! Positive thinking is designed not only to motivate ourselves but also to motivate the people around us.

Change your attitudes, and it will change your life. Our attitude is like a smorgasbord. We have choices, and we need to choose a positive attitude over a negative one, choose perseverance over defeat, choose being humble with humility over pride, choose faith over worry, choose forgiveness over bitterness, choose love for others over hate, choose repentance over guilt, choose socialization and companionship over loneliness, and choose kindness over being rude.

I love reading many positive quotes from different people that inspire me. Positive thinking is being optimistic and will help lift your mood. Maya Angelou, a poet, author, activist, and scholar, said, “Try and be a rainbow in someone's cloud.” Texas Country singer Willie Nelson says, “Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you start having positive results.” The Dalai Lama, teacher of love and compassion, said, "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Friedrich Max Müller, a German-born British philologist, says, “A flower can't blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love!” His quote highlights the essential need for love in human life, comparing it to the necessity of sunlight for a flower's growth and survival. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. And love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Mother Teresa, a Catholic Missionary, says, “We can accomplish something extraordinary doing ordinary things with Love.” Love is definitely a universal need! I am most grateful to have the choice to fill my mind with positive affirmations, regardless of my circumstances!

Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep the Faith.