TOUGH TIME: THE MAKING OF GREAT MEN
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Tough times are periods of difficulty, hardship, discomfort, and suffering. During these times, things that are supposed to work may stop working. It’s a time when you might cry in secret, feeling lost and unsure of what to do. You start questioning where you went wrong and how you ended up in this state. Tough times are not pleasant, but the result makes it worthwhile because it's the time when men are shaped and toughened. It's a season of growth and an exercise that strengthens the heart and mind to stand firm. It's a preparation for the future because life is in the future when today is in the past. Today is always fading away, but tomorrow holds more promise.
Since I was a young boy, I have faced tough times and days. My days in elementary school were tough. Living in the village for almost six years was challenging. My time in secondary school was difficult. The toughest was living with my stepmother after my father's separation from my mum. Growing into a man was a tough time for me; I may not have enough space here to explain in detail the tough experiences I had during those days. I vividly remember the day my stepmom told someone like herself to point at me and say, "There is nowhere this boy cannot survive." After that, I thought to myself, "So is it true that there's nowhere you cannot survive? Let's go there and prove this."
I left my father's house peacefully and travelled to another state to validate my experience of tough times. My first year in the new state proved the statement valid. Making the tough decision to travel outside the state to experience a different life was a significant step for me.
At the end of every tough season, you realize there's - Nowhere you cannot survive.
TOUGH TIME EQUIPS YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING:
- Experience: Time equips you with the experience you need to become an expert in life.
- Wisdom: The accumulated experiences become a well of wisdom that can guide you and others.
- Knowledge: Tough times help you understand what works and what doesn't, and when it works.
- Courage and Bravery: Tough times make you fearless because you have survived, making today easier to handle.
- Understanding People: Tough times help you understand others better.
- Building Trust in God: Tough times can strengthen your trust in God.
- Cutting Down Excesses: Tough times help you realize what is worth having and what is not.
- Learning and Maturity: tough times help you learn and mature. When things get hard, you realize how little you know and that there's more to learn.
These challenging times expose your immaturity and create an opportunity for personal growth. You've probably heard the saying,
"Tough times never last, but tough people do."
Embrace difficult times, as they can work in your favour. Instead of being overly negative, recognize the potential for a positive impact on your life. You might be struggling in private now, but your triumph will be public.