Loving, Giving, and Resilience
Lesson 8: There is Strength in Love, Generosity, and Resilience
Life’s challenges often reveal the core of who we are. It’s in how we love, how we give, and how we endure that our true strength is defined. These three elements—love, generosity, and resilience—are not just virtues but the essence of what makes life meaningful and relationships profound.
About five years ago, I experienced this first-hand during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. My mother fell gravely ill, and her recovery felt like nothing short of a miracle. During those weeks, the hospital became my second home. Days blurred into nights as we waited and prayed, clinging to hope.
In the midst of that uncertainty, something extraordinary happened. Family and friends rallied around us, pouring out their love and support in ways that humbled me deeply. Their presence wasn’t just comforting; it was a lifeline. From simple acts of kindness to heartfelt prayers, their generosity carried us through a time we could not have endured alone.
This season taught me resilience—not just the ability to endure hardship, but to do so with grace and hope. I learned to confront fear and exhaustion without allowing them to define me. More importantly, I saw first-hand how the strength of others, their unwavering love and generosity, fortified my own ability to stand strong.
Reflecting on that time, I’ve come to realize that life is a cycle of loving, giving, and suffering. Everything we do and experience falls within these realms. How we choose to love—with authenticity and openness; how we give—with no expectation of return; and how we suffer—with self-awareness and courage—these shape our character and influence the lives of those around us.
How you love, how you give, and how you suffer is just about the sum of who you are. Everything in life is a subset of one or a combinatorial function of all three. — Maria Popova
To be a source of strength, we must carry our own vulnerabilities with self-awareness and valor. True strength isn’t about being invincible but about being grounded in love and capable of enduring without causing harm. As Maria Popova put it, “How you love, how you give, and how you suffer is just about the sum of who you are. Everything in life is a subset of one or a combinatorial function of all three.” The daily acts of love, the small moments of generosity, and the courage to endure adversity define not only our days but the legacy we leave behind.
We should all therefore strive to do these things;
- Love Authentically: Love is not just a feeling; it’s an action. Express care, even in small ways, and make time for the people who matter most.
- Give Generously: Generosity, whether of time, resources, or presence, builds bonds and fosters community. Give without counting the cost, knowing it enriches your life as much as the recipient’s.
- Endure with Hope: Resilience isn’t about being unaffected by hardship; it’s about facing challenges while maintaining hope and integrity.
As I reflect on those challenging days in the hospital, I’m reminded of the profound beauty of human connection and the strength that emerges from love, generosity, and resilience. These virtues not only carried me through that season but continue to shape how I live and interact with others. These are the markers of a life well-lived.
So,
How are you building love, generosity, and resilience into your daily life?
In case you missed lesson 7, you can read it here
Ivan Kabandize