Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Standing strong


‘Standing strong’ has a meaning that goes quite a ways back. In the Bible we find: Ephesians 4:14
So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. (©NET)

In other words, it is important for us to stand strong in the things we believe to be true. To not be swayed by ‘trickery and deceit’, or by other people’s opinions for that matter. To grow up and stand strong for who we are, with all our potentials unfolding in that unique manner that is truly ours. To stand firm as we let our inner light shine, and share ourselves with the world in a way that is loving and without judgement.

So, from its ancient meaning, standing strong doesn’t have anything to do with drawing a line in the sand and protecting our own ‘turf’. It is far from picking a fight for the sake of winning it, and in doing so proving that we are strong. That would be bullying.
Although there are references that say we should stand strong ~ and even fight the fight ~ when injustice is being done. When others are falling victim to trickery and deceit.

Pondering the concept there are two things that make it a bit tricky to see where we are at, when we choose to stand strong.
The first one is that there are two kinds of truth. The factual truth, and our personal truth. The factual truth can often be measured and observed. Our personal truth has to do with our personal experiences, our honesty and respect toward ourselves and others, and ultimately with how well we know ourselves.
Therefore, standing strong for a personal truth may well have to be accompanied by the question whether it will let our own light shine brighter ~ without judgement toward others who may have a different personal truth, or toward ourselves.
The second point is indeed discerning whether what we think is right and the best line of action in a given situation really is ~ or whether it is a judgement based on what we think someone else should do… When something has worked well for us in the past, doesn’t make the same thing automatically the best thing for someone else to do now. And even when we have the best intentions, judgements can slip into our thinking easily and without warning.

That being said, there may not have been any time when it is more true that we need to stand strong. That we need to grow up and be an example as we let our light shine all around us, without judgement.
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