Monday Morning Motivator-GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

We've been deluged lately by people who seem to delight in taking the low road. Hissing, spitting mad, hitting below the belt, furious at the "injustices" they're sure they've been dealt, wanting some sort of retribution - whatever the cost - now.  Well, not everybody. There are, in the smoke and gloom, some bright, shining examples of grace under pressure...Hemingway's brilliant definition of courage. Really, you don't have to look very far because bingo! Up floats Gabby Gifford's lovely, smiling, optimistic face...a face without anger or cynicism, without a trace of "why me?" A face that radiates hope...and love. Her courage is breathtaking. There are others, too - wonderful, selfless, magnificent people to whom fate, inexplicably handed undeserved adversity - but who somehow find the courage not only to keep going - but to care about and inspire others. Like my beautiful friend, Jody. Jody's not a household word, she's never run for office, no one has ever interviewed her or had the chance to vote for her… But she's unforgettable. She personifies the true meaning of "grace under pressure." Jody has cancer...and it's spread throughout her body. Her doctors have stopped treatment - except for pain. But Jody's daughter is getting married. And Jody's attention isn't on herself, understandable as that would be, it's completely on her daughter: What will make her happy? How can she ensure that the day is complete perfection? Her doctors recommended they "push up the wedding...for obvious reasons," as one of them said.  But that's okay. Jody describes the entire process as "fun...and gratifying.” Jody only knows the high road. Maybe you know someone like Gabby or Jody. If you do, let them know how inspired you are by them. Tell them Hemingway would've considered himself lucky to have known them. That's what I'm going to tell Jody. As for those "low road" people? They don't matter. 

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