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4.13.2014

Monday's Musings - What Does Tenacity Look Like?





by Mary Denman                  Twitter: @MaryDenman        Instagram:@MaryFDenman

We don't hear a lot about tenacity. 


Here's the definition: the quality or 
fact of being able to grip something firmly

We hear more about getting things done efficiently, being successful, playing well, maximizing profit. The list goes on.

But I witnessed tenacity. And that got me thinking. 


Do I give up and quit too easily? 


Do I give up before I even start the day?

I'm afraid the answer is yes. Way too many times.

But on Lake Como in Italy, I watched tenacity in all it's beauty.




Do you see the flowers growing out of the crevasses of the wall?

They don't have an easy life.

Waves from powerful boats pound them. 
Wash over them. 
Drench them.

Day after day.

But yet, there they are.

Clinging to the wall for life.
Withstanding the onslaught. 

Striking a contrast between the hard, lifeless rocks and the constantly moving water. 

It makes their beauty stand out even more. 

And it humbles me. 

You see, after losing my dear mother and father-in-law two weeks apart in May, 2013, I've had waves of grief crashing over me. 

Making me feel like I might drown. 

But here I am. 

Still hanging on.

I miss them terribly. 

Especially Mom.

But I hope my life brings joy to others and glory to God. 

He's the rock I'm clinging to. 

These simple flowers on a lake in Italy gave me a picture of what tenacity looks like in all it's beauty and power. 

So tomorrow, knowing that as I approach the anniversary of their deaths, the waves of grief will be ever near, I will remember that they won't drown me. 

That they will come and go. 

That I have the courage to hold fast. 

To keep trying. 

To not quit. 




To quote Mary Anne Padmacher: Courage Doesn't Always Roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."    









To quote 2 Cor. 4:8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;


7 comments:

  1. This is not only beautiful, Mary, but should become for us a way of living. And if we should grow weary and let go for a time, the Lord will keep hold. I'm reminded of Matt Redman's lyrics: "Oh, no, You never let go, through the calm and through the storm. Oh no, You never let go, in every high and every low. Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me."
    Thank you for sharing this. God comfort you.

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    1. Thanks so much Robin for your encouragement. That is a beautiful song. I'm going to print one of these flower pictures to hang in my bathroom mirror and office because even thinking about this post has made me realize how powerful a visual reminder can be of what the truth is. Thanks so much for dropping by!

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  2. Dear Mary, thank you for your message and your pictures. It's such a good reminder seeing those little flowers on the rocks. Praying for you during this time, and may a wave of God's grace wash over you and refresh you. Love, Katy

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    1. Hi Katy, I'm glad it spoke to you. I love your analogy of God's grace washing over me! Thank you for that! :) I pray for God's blessing on you today!

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  3. I didn't realize it's been a year already. Such powerful imagery there in the flowers hanging onto the rock for life and surviving despite all the waves and storms that batter them. You and Todd will make it too if you just cling to the Rock as you said.

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    1. Thanks Ellen. Yes, it's been almost a year. It's hard for me to believe. But I've found that I think about my mom a lot and it does feel like she's still with me. And God won't give us more than we can bear with Him. I have to trust Him on that. :) It was great to see you! Keep on writing!

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