The earth has grown old with its burden of care, But at Christmas it always is young.
Phillips BrooksRead
I do not pray for a lighter load, but for a stronger back.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of inner strength and resilience over seeking an easier life.
Phillips Brooks' quote suggests that instead of hoping for easier circumstances, one should strive to become stronger in dealing with life's challenges. It highlights the value of personal growth and perseverance, implying that true strength comes from overcoming difficulties rather than avoiding them.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a motivational speech to encourage individuals facing difficulties.
The earth has grown old with its burden of care, But at Christmas it always is young.
We never become truly spiritual by sitting down and wishing to become so. You must undertake something so great that you cannot accomplish it unaided.
The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden.
To believe in the God over us and around us and not in the God within us - that would be a powerless and fruitless faith.
To say, 'well done' to any bit of good work is to take hold of the powers which have made the effort and strengthen them beyond our knowledge.
Think of life as a voyage. The truest liver of the truest life is like a voyager who, as he sails, is not indifferent to all the beauty of the sea around him.
My father was convinced the Taliban would hunt him down and kill him, but he again refused security from the police. 'If you go around with a lot of security the Taliban will use Kalashnikovs or suicide bombers and more people will be killed,' he said. 'At least I'll be killed alone.'
The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.
What makes climbing great for me, strangely enough, is this life-and-death aspect. It sounds trite to say, I know, but climbing isn't just another game. It isn't just another sport. It's life itself. Which is what makes it so compelling and also what makes it so impossible to justify when things go bad.
Do you want to understand how to swim, or do you want to jump in and start swimming? Only people who are afraid of the water want to understand it. Other people jump in and get wet.
If I feel strongly, I say it. I know I can do more good by being vocal than by staying quiet. I'd have a whole lot more money if I lied, but I wouldn't enjoy spending it.
I am a post-mastectomy woman who believes our feelings need voice in order to be recognized, respected, and of use.
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