Hold Fast

A trip down memory lane. . . .gym class 1985

Today is the dreaded physical fitness test.

Next challenge: the Bent Arm Hang

My cousin Brenda grips the bar and positions her chin above it. The gym teacher starts the timer while the rest of the girls watch Brenda. As the seconds tick by, her knuckles turn white and her body starts to shake. On and on she goes, gripping the bar with the tenacity of a sailor hanging on to the ship’s rigging for dear life.

Brenda is my cousin, but we are more like sisters since her parents were my legal guardians. As children, we often did not get along. She was the oldest of her four siblings, but I was the tallest.

Despite the numerous arguments, my aunt assured us that someday we would be the best of friends. She was right.

Brenda is a woman of great determination. No matter what difficulties she faces, she pushes through to the end. I admire her grit!

In my time of despair and confusion, Brenda was by my side. She prayed and listened.

My dear Brenda, you are a precious treasure. I am so glad God placed me in your family.

 A friend loves at all times, and a (sister-cousin) is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

Brenda says that the image of “Hold Fast” on the sailor’s knuckles often comes to mind when meditating on how we are to hold fast to faith and Christ.

Let us HOLD FAST the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. . . Hebrews 10:23

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for my cousin Brenda. Thank you for her life. You have used her to be a blessing to our family in so many ways. Thank you for her example of determination to push through even when life gets hard.

We ask that you would help us to have that same tenacity to get back in the saddle when the troubles of life buck us off. I remember Brenda learning to ride her horse. She would not give up! No matter how badly that horse treated her, she would climb back up and try again.

When we fall, help us, dear Lord, to get back up and try again.

When we hurt from the rough ride, give us strength to grab the reins and keep holding on.

We need you, Precious Jesus, to fill us with your power to be victorious over those chains that hold us down.

We lift our eyes to you.

Our eyes are fixed on you. Not on our failures. Not on our past.

You are the great Healer of our souls.

We cling to you.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Bridge photo by Aidan Kramer