Life's Tough, Get A Helmet.

Insight 98 | You should know, we are not average. But we are also not special.

Yes, we are unique, and at the same time, there are countless others like us. We are simultaneously one of a kind and one among a million others.

Why am I reminding us of this? Because too often, we get into our own heads and overcompensate towards one end of the “we are special” spectrum.

In some instances, we start thinking we’re better than we are (we are not), and in others, we start believing the world is against us and that no one else would understand (it isn't, and trust me, others can empathize). What we can be certain of is that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), yet not exempt from the pulls of being human.

The truth is that there is “some” validity in both scenarios, but because it's so easy to allow ourselves the indulgence of falling one way or another, today's article comes with one easily implementable life lesson to protect us from being blinded in either direction:

"Life's tough, get a helmet."

The quote above comes from Candace Owens, a political commentator and journalist, who, when asked what she deemed a silly question, responded with these wise words. In recent years, it's become a guardrail for my family, often serving as the reality check I need when my ego starts to get the best of me. It's one of those medicine-like phrases that sting in the moment but are good for me in the long run. It provides so much nuance in five punchy words and quickly puts things into perspective. 

We are blessed to live in the 21st Century, and the mere fact that you are engaging with this article is evidence enough that you, too, find yourself in a privileged position when compared to most of mankind throughout the majority of time. In many ways, the simplest blessings, like access to wifi and a reliable water source (which we so often take for granted), put us all in the top 1% of world history… And yet here we are, complaining about how unfair it is that “I have to wake up early,” “traffic is so long,” and, perhaps the most grave problem of them all, “they haven't texted me back yet.” REALITY CHECK!

There are countless others who have it way worse. Sure, complaining might make us “feel” better, but as we have discussed before, feelings aren't everything. There is so much more to life. Now, it would be insensitive if we didn't also discuss the other end of the spectrum; the demons only you know about, the hardships you shoulder daily, and the regrets you might harbor from things you wish you had done differently. These are valid realities, and are certainly aspects to consider when decision-making, but they are by no means an excuse, crutch, or handicap to validate a bad attitude or mediocrity.

So, bringing this all together, why the need for a helmet? Because it's an acknowledgment that sometimes getting hit is a part of the game. When we choose to approach life without one, we selfishly remove it out of pride and leave ourselves open and vulnerable to uncalled-for pitfalls. On the other hand, when we fall into the victimhood mindset, we believe life is uniquely cruel to us, and we refuse to put on the helmet out of apathy. Both are wrong and dangerous ways to live.

Christ calls us to fight the good fight and run the race. This life is a battle, one we have to constantly show up ready to give our best to. All in all, the Lord calls us to excellence, but He also calls us to humility. It's a beautiful dance that can only be achieved through him. As such, we can find hope in the wonderful life to come in the eternity he promises when our faith is in him, but in the meantime, we must remember this life has its challenges. The kind we need God's guidance to walk through.

—

Today's article is very much one I myself needed to hear, as I can sometimes be too quick to think “I have it all under control” or “no one understands me”. 

Christ never promised a life without challenges, but He did promise that we would not carry it alone. This said, we must do our parts and arm ourselves properly. So be ready, 'cause life can be tough, but it's not too tough to handle. Similarly, when you get into a good flow, don’t get cocky and think you can let your guard down; none of us is ever too hot to go without protection.

No matter where you find yourself this week, remember “Life's tough, get a helmet”. :)

- Making The Most Of Being Curious

Daniel J. Cuesta

Sources:

Stay Humble. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. - Philippians 2:3

Careful With Pride: So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! - 1 Corinthians 10:12

Life's tough. Wear a Helmet. Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. - Romans 5:3–5

We Are Wonderfully Made, Yet Not Exempt From the Human Experience. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. - Psalm 139:14