In the spirit of “April, showers bring May flowers,” I am reminded of the adversity that our men have faced in their lives as they rebuild their lives to become whole, stable, and productive citizens. Our men have had negative encounters with people, places, and things beyond their control, some of which have had lasting effects. When someone is not taught how to manage adversity, they are left to cope on their own. Their choices came from a place of brokenness instead of responding in a way that encourages growth and positive outcomes. Temporary feelings cloud our judgment and control our thinking.
Adversity is difficult for all of us, and we all cope differently. Along our journey, we strive to recognize the difference between logic and emotion. This helps us better process adversity, resulting in stronger outcomes. When men come to us, most think they can’t overcome adversity. While they may not recognize resiliency as one of their best traits, they could not have survived what life has dealt them without overcoming adversity. It’s about making a choice not just to survive, but to walk through adversity in a positive way.
This reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures that has kept me moving forward. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” Our men survived in ways that produced harsh outcomes, but we want to help them follow the lord because with him adversity turns from a negative to a positive outcome. Our men learn to gain strength in their faith and build their character, creating a life of goodness, integrity, and self-confidence.
When God builds a person up, they still face adversity but can appreciate and be humbled and grateful for their experience because just as April showers bring May flowers, adversity blooms a person’s character. As it says in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”
AMEN,
Opal
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