What Shall We Say About…

Endurance

By Jeff Harris, President of FDM Board

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”  – James 1:3

Struggles are a test of character, leadership, faith, endurance, and grit.

Due to a rare disease (esophageal achalasia), I endured an entire year consuming my every meal from a cup while sleeping in a chair. I literally became a shell of the man I once was as my body relentlessly cannibalized itself. I lost 55 pounds, rarely slept, and suffered from excruciating pain to even swallow a drink of water. 

I have never been pushed so far outside my comfort zone and for so long. Yet, I learned during my personal ‘Crucible of Starvation and Sleep Deprivation’ that the darkest and coldest valleys provide the greatest opportunity to reinvent ourselves, grow, and move closer to God. 

The key to enduring such a ‘rare disease’ was forging the ability to walk through the ‘dis-ease’ alongside the Lord with unshakeable character and faith. 

The experience of living life on liquids taught me that no matter what we are going through in life, we become what we are willing to endure. Letting go of the endgame, staying focused on the process, and leaning into faith are paramount. By faithfully doing what is necessary long enough, the impossible will eventually relinquish its throne.

As a parent, I was committed to holding onto my character, embracing an attitude of gratitude, and leaning into my faith to set an example for my children of what it takes to endure the most difficult of circumstances. Why? People do what people see. Our children are always watching the example that we set. 

In late 2019, I underwent a series of complicated medical procedures while fasting for 40 days to enable me to once again eat solid food. I am beyond grateful and blessed to now be healed and enjoying meals together with my wonderful family. 

I am determined to maintain and build upon the character and faith that I developed through that struggle to disciple my children and help mold their character so that their endurance may ‘rise’ as they grow. 

To endure and ultimately persevere during these challenging times, we must develop our ability to walk through pain with attitudes of gratitude and acceptance, the courage and discipline to embrace discomfort and change, a willingness to adjust our perspectives that the struggles in life are an opportunity to learn and grow, and the hope and faith for a brighter tomorrow. 

Remember, children are always watching. Thus, ask yourself,   

How much are you willing to ‘endure’ so that your children may ‘rise’ with strength of character and faith in the Lord? 

© 2020 Jeff Harris

Jeff is an executive, business owner, leadership coach, strategic advisor, Chairman of FDM, Forbes contributor, endurance athlete, Achalasia survivor, and former US Marine. He lives in Colorado Springs, CO, with his wife and three children.