When we think about strength, we often imagine someone standing tall in the middle of a storm, enduring hardship without breaking. Abraham Lincoln’s words remind us that while enduring struggle is a profound form of resilience, it isn't the ultimate measure of who we are. It is easy to be brave when we are fighting to survive, but the true essence of our soul reveals itself when we finally have the ability to control others or command a situation. Power acts like a magnifying glass, enlarging the traits that were already hidden deep within our hearts.
In our everyday lives, power doesn't always look like a crown or a high-ranking office. Sometimes, it looks like being the person in a friend group who makes all the decisions, or being a parent who finally has the authority to set the rules in a household. It can even be the quiet power of being the only person in a meeting who knows the truth. In these moments, we face a choice: do we use our influence to lift others up, or do a we use it to diminish them to make ourselves feel larger? The way we treat those who can do nothing for us is the most honest reflection of our integrity.
I remember a time when I was helping a small community garden project. One of our organizers suddenly found themselves in charge of the entire budget and the volunteer schedule. When they were just a regular helper, they were incredibly kind and inclusive. But once they gained the power to decide who worked which plot and how the funds were spent, a subtle shift occurred. They began to favor their close friends and exclude those who offered different ideas. It was a heartbreaking moment to witness, as the very person we admired for their grit was being undone by the sudden weight of authority.
Watching that situation unfold made me realize that character is a quiet, steady flame that can be easily smothered by the winds of ego. It is much harder to stay humble when you are the one holding the reins. We must constantly check our intentions and ask ourselves if our actions are serving a greater good or merely our own desire for recognition.
As you go about your week, I invite you to look closely at the small ways you hold influence over your environment and the people in it. If you find yourself in a position of even the slightest authority, take a moment to breathe and ask: am I using this strength to build bridges or to build walls? Let your character be defined not by how much you can control, but by how much you can care.