Strength can be defined in many ways. Most of think of strength in the Herculean sense of the word. We think of muscles or force. Some dictionaries define strength as the power to resist attack or the ability not to succumb to social pressure when we know it is wrong. Sometimes this is difficult for humans not to “go along” with the crowd even when we know they are wrong or see them hurting someone who is weaker or for personal gain.

Paula was an aging firefighter. Her department had many firefighters that neared or reached the retirement age. Many were having a difficult time with changes in the department and/or accepting their role changes because of the physical effects of aging. They still had usefulness within the department but some of their “brothers and sisters” did not see their value.

Some of the firefighters valued the knowledge of the elders and respected not only what they still had to offer but respected what they had done for the department and the community over the years. Some looked around every corner to try to get rid of some of the older firefighters.

Pablo felt threatened by the comments that Paula made at the meetings. Especially those comments that questioned his authority. Anna didn’t like that Paula didn’t think that money should be spent on certain things that she wanted. Some of the firefighters agreed with Paula and were then criticized and harassed by the “in” group. Many times Paula and the firefighters who agreed with her were not included in department functions. Things got so bad that several firefighters left the department. Those remaining were in constant turmoil.

Mary and Cole saw the wrongs of the “in” group. They knew that the fighting could destroy the department. They went to church every week and knew that they should intervene but wanted so much to be popular and liked. So they sat back and allowed the cruelty to continue.

Times like these are when it is hard to do the right thing and be a person of strength. Jesus told us that whatever we do to others is like doing it to Him. Sitting back watching and not standing up for those who are treated badly isn’t any different than inflicting the pain directly. It is our responsibility as people of God to be honest to God and ourselves and defend all people and their rights whether we agree with them or not. We can’t always do it alone. We must ask God to help us no matter what the personal costs. Strength is also be able to give our troubles to God when we are on the receiving end of evil. To be able to forgive and let God lead us instead of seeking revenge. That’s what strength is all about in everyday life. The strength of God helping us to live a life worthy of Him by doing what is the right thing and not necessarily the popular thing.