How does your culture shape your perception of strength? My culture often defines strength as physical or as the ability to control emotions (to have no emotions). If you look at the women portrayed in movies these days the heroines are all physically strong (able to do what the men can do), and there is a stoicism about them. They do not smile as often because not smiling makes them look tough. I recognize that is not the only form of strength. And yet I see myself and others want to be seen as tough, as an equal, as capable, as non-emotional. It is a struggle to see the examples portrayed in the media and not want to be like them. But at what cost do we strive to be tough, to be physically strong, to not ask for help because it makes us look weak, or hide our emotions?
What keeps you strong in times of trial? Knowing that this life is temporary and my God is good.
Kyrie’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? A friend of mine recently lost her husband and is now the sole breadwinner for her now family of three. Her husband left them with a brand new house and no way to pay it off. She had been on my heart as I knew they were raising money to move back home to live with her family and start over. My heart went out to her and I gave her the full $100 in an effort to help with the transition. I could not imagine being in the situation she is in and feeling so helpless.
What was the ‘Intentional Act of Kindness’ process like for you? It was quite simple really. She clearly needed help and when I received the $100, I used it right away. Anything I could do to help a friend in need.