An Opportunity for Heroism

Read until the end for a special announcement!

Life has a funny way of knocking you down as soon as you pick yourself back up.

The trick, though, or rather the goal, is to never stop getting back up, no matter how many times you’re knocked down.

Staying down means giving in, and giving in means accepting failure as your only fate.

I realise most of us know this. If anything, I’m ranting to a mirror because this is what my soul needs to be reminded of after what happened last week.

To quell any curiosity, as of right now, I am—we are—fine. And Hashem has provided us plenty of other small miracles. (Dayenu!) I am also working extra hard to expand my conscientiousness towards them, to acknowledge them, and bless Him for them—no matter how small or insignificant I think they seem.

However, there is an easy way for me to feel as if my prayers and wishes are not heard nor seen.

You see, when I shared that Hashem had worked a small miracle for me, it did not necessarily include my husband, who now faces trials of his own. Watching him endure his own challenges (not to mention how they affect me), brings a whole new depth to my own emunah [faith] as it feels I have to pray extra hard for him to see and hear Hashem as much as for myself.

Not because he is blind to all He does, but as my rabbi frequently reminds us, “Men are stupid. They’re not as spiritual as women. That is why they have more mitzvot to perform, to remind them of Hashem’s presence.”

Unfortunately for him, I have a suspicion Hashem is trying rather hard to get him to pay attention.

As C. S. Lewis said,

Pain insists upon being attended to. G-d whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”

The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis

All the more reason for me to stay vigilant.

How interesting that often times what feels and appears to be a tragedy—but isn’t—can sometimes be turned into an opportunity for heroism.

May we all find the courage and strength to rise and face our own challenges, to become heroes.

For those of you who read until now, thank you!!

I value your readership, and since you are here, you might be delighted to know I have something in development, which I can’t fully reveal yet, but it’s safe to say you will have an opportunity to read more of my work this summer! (Maybe even…IN A BOOK!)

Stay tuned for updates as I will discuss more details as that time nears. Remember to follow me on Instagram or Twitter to hear it first!