Years ago, a single mother faced what seemed like an overwhelming future. Her children were young, their challenges great. Though our personal trials may be different from hers, we can sympathize with her distress. Who among us has not faced a challenge or difficulty with some uncertainty and misgiving? Are we strong enough, wise enough, brave enough to carry on?
It’s been said that “old age is not for the weak,” but neither is young or middle age. Whatever you face right now, remember, you’ve faced other problems, and you made it past them; you’ve gone through trials before, and you came out stronger on the other side; you’ve learned and grown, and now you have the wisdom that comes of experience.
And you’re not the only one. Most everyone you see has had to face trouble and adversity. What you’ve witnessed your whole life, whether you know it or not, is courage and strength and faith. And none of it was acquired in a day or month or year. It comes little by little, over time.
Eleanor Roosevelt, one who was resilient in the face of heartache, said: “Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier. We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it is not as dreadful as it appeared, discovering we have the strength to stare it down.”1
Usually, what seems difficult just takes some time. What seems impossible takes a little more time. Courage is often demonstrated by those who are stronger than they think, more resilient than they once imagined.
With faith, hope, courage, and some help from kind people, the young single mother made it. Her children are now grown, those difficult days now past. Like so many others all around us who face challenges and problems, she became a hero one step at a time.
1. You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life (1960), 41.
Program #4204
Musical Selections
1. In Hymn of Praise
Alfred Beirly; arr. Ryan Murphy; Arrangement Unpublished
2. If Ye Love Me
Thomas Tallis; Public Domain
3. The Lord Is My Shepherd
Howard Goodall; Howard Goodall
4. Come, Ye Children of the Lord (Organ solo)
Traditinal melody; arr. Carolyn Hamlin; Fred Bock Music Co
5. Did You Think to Pray?
William O. Perkins, arr. Mack Wilberg; Jackman Music
6. Spoken Word
7. You’ll Never Walk Alone, from Carousel
Richard Rodgers; arr. Arthur Harris; Arrangement Unpublished
8. Sing Praise to Him
Bohemian Brethern’s Songbook, 1566, arr. Mack Wilberg; Oxford University Press