Do you think the saying, "Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is true in all situations?
I'd love feedback. After a few days I'll let you know why I'm asking, but for now I'd just like to know what you think.
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4 comments:
Hmm, good question. I think in most situations I would agree with that statement. In the moment of an experience we might feel as if we can't overcome something and that in fact it feels like it will kill us. But usually in the end we can look back and see how getting through the experience does make us a stronger person. Are there circumstances where that is not the case? Possibly. However, I believe we can learn from anything that we go through and thus making us stronger by getting through it. Just my thoughts. I am interested to know why you posted this. =)
Yeah, I love that saying. It's a bit harsh, but it gets the job done.
Most sayings become popular because they contain some truth, but very rarely can we find one that is true in all situations. I take issue with this statement on various levels. First of all, one's interpretation of it depends on his or her definition of strength. If strength means having tough-skin, being stoic in the face of difficulty, etc., I think the statement becomes less true. If strength can be widened to include empathy, humility, or vulnerability, then I would tend to agree with the statement more. Secondly, I think this saying takes for granted that difficulties automatically make us stronger or better people, without any effort on our part. When facing difficulties, we always have choices. I'm so thankful that we have a God who--though not willing harm to come to us--can redeem any experience for His glory. But we also have an adversary who also wants to use every situation in our lives to bring greater harm and destruction. I actually think the default result of suffering can often be destruction. Haven't you ever seen a person completely devastated by the suffering they've experienced, whether externally or self-imposed? With Jesus, we have hope for transformed lives, but I think this transformation is far from automatic, as this saying implies. Perhaps a more true statement would be "Whatever doesn't kill you has the opportunity to make you stronger." Finally, I take issue with the underlying tone of this saying that tends to belittle the suffering in people's lives. People's difficulties are their pearls; they are tender, precious, and profoundly impact our formation. And the truth is that whatever doesn't kill us might make us stronger, but it might just hurt us deeply, too. We need to acknowledge the pain difficulties bring, rather than just flippantly dismissing the hurt and admonishing people to "get stronger." So there's my diatribe on the issue! :-) Perhaps it was better suited to an email or topic of conversation at Quiznos tonight than a blog comment :-). Love ya, Bec.
I agree, it's a harsh statement, but there is some truth within that. I believe the learning that comes those particular experiences, does indeed make us stronger. I would also venture to say that, it's a quote filled with hope.
The human spirit is one of the most resilient things I've come across in my 23 years of living.
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143.
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