If it is true that strength is the child of effort and pain, then most of us will have the opportunity to learn strength. . . . Effort is standing up to the storm. Pain comes from enduring the worst the storm can throw at us. But then so does strength.

Joseph M. Marshall III

Categorized in : Children Pain Adversity

Success is rarely the result of one swell swoop, but more often the culmination of many, many small victories.

Joseph M. Marshall III

culmination victory results

We are all afraid of something. But that shouldn't stop us from going on every day. We should not always walk in fear of the shadow while we are in the light. It is certain we will not know when or how the difficult and bad times will come, but if we accept that they will come, then they are easier to face when they do. And always remember that anything that causes the shadow is smaller than the source of light.

Joseph M. Marshall III

shadow light fear

Life can give you strength. Strength can come from facing the storms of life, from knowing loss, feeling sadness and heartache, from falling into the depths of grief. You must stand up in the storm. You must face the wind and the cold and the darkness. When the storm blows hard you must stand firm, for it is not trying to knock you down, it is really trying to teach you to be strong.

Joseph M. Marshall III

grief strong fall

Weakness and strength are necessary for balance. No one or nothing is only weak or only strong. But some of us overlook our weaknesses, and even deny that we have them. That can be dangerous, because denying there is a weakness is in itself a weakness. Likewise, accepting that we have weaknesses becomes a strength. And by the same token, overestimating strength is a weakness. You should not be blinded by your strengths. The feeling of strength is not the same as having strength. Neither should you ignore your weaknesses. Know them well, too.

Joseph M. Marshall III

being-strong strength native-american

When our spirit tells us it is time to weep, we should weep. It is part of the ritual, if you will, of putting sadness in perspective and gaining control of the situation. . . . Grief has a purpose. Grieving does not mean you are weak It is the first step toward regaining balance and strength. Grieving is part of the tempering process.

Joseph M. Marshall III

sadness grief mean

The strength of a tree, the old ones say, comes not from growing thicker in the good years when there is water, but from staying alive in the bad, dry times.

Joseph M. Marshall III

tree water years

Life is a circle. The end of one journey is the beginning of the... by Joseph M. Marshall III

Life is a circle. The end of one journey is the beginning of the next.

Joseph M. Marshall III

next circles journey

You can think whatever you want, say whatever you want, and do whatever you want, as long as you are willing to face the consequences.

Joseph M. Marshall III

want long thinking

When a storm blows, you must stand firm. For it is not trying to knock you down, it is really trying to teach you to be strong.

Joseph M. Marshall III

storm strong blow

What you are comes from the blood of those who set you on this journey. That is likewise unchangeable. What you see in the reflecting pool of truth is who you are. You cannot change that, so it is wise not to curse it. The wiser choice is to embrace it and make it your strength.

Joseph M. Marshall III

acceptance journey wise

... Our ability to reason has not given us special status, only a... by Joseph M. Marshall III

... Our ability to reason has not given us special status, only a greater responsibility.

Joseph M. Marshall III

responsibility special reason

Accepting that we have weaknesses becomes a strength. by Joseph M. Marshall III

Accepting that we have weaknesses becomes a strength.

Joseph M. Marshall III

weakness accepting acceptance

Bravery is a requisite virtue because life demands it. by Joseph M. Marshall III

Bravery is a requisite virtue because life demands it.

Joseph M. Marshall III

demand virtue bravery