Do you ever feel like you’ve had it and want out?
I’m guessing we all feel that way at times, if only for a moment. Or a day. Times we feel a bit, shall we say, wimpy.
That’s when I often turn to this Winston Churchill quote that hangs above my desk. It came with a blurb that explained the Prime Minister spoke those words in a speech he gave during October, 1941. The United Kingdom already had entered World War II, while the United States formally joined the War effort in December, 1941.
I once knew a British war bride who lived in that harrowing time. She told how as a young woman she spent her days doing secretarial work in downtown London. Every night she and thousands of other Londoners crowded into the tunnels of the Tube (the Underground) and tried to sleep in the dank cold while Hitler’s Luftwaffe bombers rained bombs overhead.
Each morning my friend and the others would drag themselves up and out, blinking in the daylight. They picked their way around and through piles of rubble and suspicious-looking debris to get to their work. Churchill’s slogan became their battle cry.
When anyone seemed dejected and hopeless, they would call out–or mutter, “Never, never, never give up! Remember?”
Hitler had one goal: to break the spirit of Great Britain and conquer
Churchill had a far different aim, to keep the citizenry united in their determination to survive whatever the Nazis hurled at them. Throughout World War II he frequently broadcast pep talks and status reports, often over short wave. Old and young strained to hear.
Churchill had a way with words and his Nation clung to them for hope.
No wonder he so often was credited with keeping up the morale and determination of the British nation.
His words hang above my desk for a reason
Sometimes I need that reminder, too, and his words prod me to keep on writing. If that surprises you it’s probably because movies, TV and novels usually depict the carefree, romantic life of a writer.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but that’s fiction for most.
Every writer I know tells a similar tale. First we brainstorm for ideas. Then we struggle for words that do more than lie there limp as a shoelace out of its shoe. Next we mentally try on points to make and practical take-aways we hope will fit possible readers.
We stare off into space a lot, too, wondering whether our words will ever connect, ever touch hearts.
You see, sometimes (often) I wonder what else could there be to say, or who might read what I write, much less remember any of it.
Times like that Churchill’s quote reminds me to just get going and write something.
Down days come along now and then, for every one of us
We all prefer the bright and sunny days, don’t we? Most of us know what it feels like to have times we barely manage to “gut it out” and pray we can make it through.
Winston Churchill’s parents may have felt that way as young Winston got expelled from more than one school. Too uncooperative. Too rebellious. Too independent–you get the picture. Somehow he made it through school. Perhaps his “Never give up” motto stemmed from his own years of struggle.
Who could have predicted that many of the qualities that kept Winston in trouble as a youngster were exactly what he needed as a leader during World War II? I think there’s a message here for you and me:
We cannot know now what our lives will be like in the future, or how all along God is equipping us with the qualities and learning we will need then.
Words I treasure even more than Churchill’s
His words, as great as they are, indicate the courage to keep going has to come from within myself. Just between you and me, I’m not that strong.
I do know where to find courage and comfort and peace when I’m troubled. Too often I try to work it out on my own first. It’s so much better to first talk it over with God (pray) and find the Bible verses that speak to my heart. The Bible is full of them!
Here are a couple of the verses I treasure.
[God says] “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” –Joshua 1:9
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. –Psalm 34:4
We can talk to God about our fears and inadequacies, our innermost feelings any time of the day or night. He never slumbers or sleeps, remember? Any time is the right time to lay out our cares before Him.
One truth I learned from living: When life challenges us to our limits, no matter how weak we feel, He enables us to “never, never, never give up”
Dear friend, I pray you would know the truth of this and the joy of this for yourself.
Lenore
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