“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Irish novelist, Oliver Goldsmith

When I ran track, there were meets where I didn’t think I’d be able to finish. The only way I’d finish was by singing Philippians 4:13 to myself, (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”) Granted, I was taking the verse out of context, but it helped me make it to the finish line.

I don’t think I ever won first in the mile, but I never gave up.

There are things in life I have failed at: Physics in college; Not loosing my temper; Making my mother-in-law’s chicken. But every time, I force myself to get back up. I found a major in college that was a better fit. I ask for forgiveness and try to keep my patience next time. I… let my mother-in-law make her yummy chicken and make my own recipes. 🙂

Mistakes don’t make a person a failure. Failures come and go – that’s what makes us human. Strength comes from standing back up when we fall. Wisdom comes from learning from our mistakes.

Mistakes don’t have to define us. What we do after our mistakes is what defines us.

All of us have challenges in our lives. All of us have moments when we don’t think we’ll be able to continue on, but that is when we need to dig in our heels and persevere.

Grab someone’s hand who is stumbling and pull them up. When you stumble, grab someone’s hand who is secure. Together, we can make a chain to encourage each other forward. Let’s persevere together.