How to "Lend Your Strength" to Others

Did you know you can derive “strength” from others? Of course, our ultimate strength comes from our faith, but have you ever noticed how others can “lend us strength”?

I have shared only fragments of this story before. Many of you may recall a fateful day in my life. My family suffered a near tragedy one September evening in 1992. My wife, Karen, and I were supposed to attend a formal event, and I promised to pick up our babysitter. When I ended up working late, Karen went in my stead.

Directly in front of our home was a stoplight. As Karen turned left, a speeding van ran the red light, striking her broadside. The driver had been drinking even though it was only 5:00 PM. My wife never had a chance. It should have been me in the car.

Pinned under the collapsed dashboard, she couldn’t move. The “Jaws of Life”** would later free her from the wreckage. Broken glass was sprinkled in her hair. The driver’s side door was thrust into her ribcage. (Photo above.) Seven ribs were broken, one pierced her lung—and would later fill with blood.

The next five days in the hospital were harrowing for us. Despite a strong faith, fear had its way with me as I pondered worst-case scenarios. Why do we do that to ourselves? In that dark moment, my older brother, Chris, lent me his strength.

 
“DIS means LOSS. So, DIScouragement means loss of courage.
Our words have the power to restore courage—
and lend strength to others.”
 

One night, after spending the day in the hospital with Karen, he and I went out to dinner. I was in the dumps—and sinking. Our conversation went something like this.

“I’m really worried, Chris,” I confessed. “Karen’s left lung continues to fill with fluid and she’s having trouble breathing.”

Chris nodded but spoke with confidence. “You’ve got skilled doctors, Jim—and now a thoracic specialist. I know you’re worried, I get it—but honestly, I believe she’s going to be fine.”

I rubbed my hands together and fidgeted in my chair. “How do you know that?”

“I don’t know it—but I feel it. She’s going to come through this, Jim. You’ll see. I’m confident she’ll make a full recovery.”

I felt the strength in his words—and in him. Slowly, my fear thawed, my shoulders relaxed, and I stopped picking at my dinner. Exhaling hard, I realized his words spoke to me—deeply—and rekindled my hope. His confidence restored my courage. And his faith strengthened mine. Although I knew he knew no more than I did—somehow his words—and his faith were enough for me.

It was a long haul, but Karen made a full recovery. And I am often reminded that we all have a powerful gift to share—we can "lend strength to others" with our words, our confidence, and our faith.

That night over dinner, when I needed strength, my older brother lent me his. And thankfully, I listened to the steady courage in his voice—instead of the doubt and fear in my own.

 
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SOMETHING TO CHEW ON: Who in your life needs to “borrow your strength” right now? Who will you “lend it to”? Perhaps a friend in the hospital? A grieving child? An aging relative? Look for a “moment” to give your strength away.

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** AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ironically, many years before Karen's accident, it was her father who fashioned the first prototype of the now-famous "Jaws of Life."

 
Photo by: Jim Magruder

 
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