Resilient.

We are resilient.

But what does it mean to be resilient?

To be resilient is to be characterized or marked by resilience, and resilience is defined as “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties,” “toughness,” or even “elasticity.” Picture a tree standing tall in the midst of windy storms and torrential rain. Or a flower continuing to grow after being stepped on; a boat sailing onward despite the raging waves; the sun shining bright on even the coldest of winter days. Nature reveals its resilience to us over and over again with the seasons. Year after year, the natural world endures many difficulties as it is exposed to wind, fire, and water – all in varying temperatures that add to the severity of it all. And year after year, though it may come near death during the winter months, forest fires, or ice storms, nature proves itself resilient as new life springs forth all around us. Flowers bloom underneath a dusting of snow; trees grow new leaves each spring; beauty comes forth from ashes.

We, too, are resilient.

I have seen families stand tall when storms rage all around them. I have seen children rise up despite their unfortunate circumstances. I have seen individuals continue moving onward towards their dreams, though the tides may not be flowing in their favor. And I have seen many shine bright light in times of great sorrow and in places of great darkness.

We, too, are resilient.

Deep within each of us burns a flame that cannot be extinguished. It may grow faint in times of trouble, but it will never burn out completely. We may lose sight of the flame burning inside us from time to time, but light it still shines. This is our resilience. This is our strength. It reveals itself in moments of weakness, coming when we least expect it. When we think we have not an ounce of strength left in us, something keeps us going. When we think we have reached the end, the light inside us flickers and reminds us that we are still alive and life is still worth living. It reminds us that there is still strength within us. It reminds us that we are resilient.

We have the capacity to recover.

We are strong.

We can keep going.

We will rise up.

For we are resilient.