Being Resilient
The word “resilience” has been in vogue in recent years, especially during the pandemic, when the rhythm of all our lives changed dramatically, and we faced an uncertain future. Globally, even today, we view resilience as a way to face life despite adversity. The word comes from the Latin verb resilire, which means to bounce, retreat, or leap backward. In this regard, we can draw a common analogy with soccer, since the World Cup is about to begin. In soccer, when the ball is lost, the team falls back to defend near the goalpost and prevent a goal from being scored.
Falling back is a way to face difficulty and improve the chances of moving forward. That is what it means to be resilient: the ability to overcome adversity without giving up. A well-known example of resilience is Frida Kahlo. At age 6, she contracted polio. When she was only 18, she had a serious accident: she was struck by a tram, and an iron pipe pierced her hip and pelvis. She spent a month in the hospital and, due to her injuries, was bedridden for three years. During that time, she began to paint. She tried to have children, but due to the severity of the accident’s aftereffects, she was unable to do so; despite her efforts, she suffered three miscarriages. Her spinal problems plagued her throughout her life, and she died in middle age, just after turning 47, on July 13, 1954. Through her art, she depicted scenes from her life. Today, she is one of the most famous artists in Mexico and the world. Last year, on November 20, her work “The Dream (The Bed)” sold in New York for $54.66 million. This is the most expensive art piece by a female artist in history to date. Frida was resilient. She made the best of life in the various difficult circumstances she faced. There is a very popular saying that goes: “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It’s a way of saying that, with lemons, you can become bitter, but if you make the most of what you receive and add other things, you can flourish and find meaning in life. Frida made the best lemonade she could, and now she is known around the world decades after her death. The Holy Scriptures are full of examples of resilient people who continued to enjoy life even when there were only reasons for despair. The Apostle Saint Paul offers us a reflection on this in 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, when Christians were being persecuted by the Roman Empire. “We are hard-pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” Being resilient means not giving up. We are not alone, and if you feel that way, seek help, social support, and community. You can seek out a faith community. From the Christian tradition, Jesus of Nazareth taught us to care for one another, to look out for each other, and to practice the commandment of loving our neighbor as we love God himself. Rev. Israel Portilla-Gómez (He/him/his) is Associate Rector at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. 2222 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507. [email protected]. (907) 563-3341. Ext. 13. |