Volume 103: Rest in Mental Fortitude

Last night, before the dawgs played Tennessee, I asked "If you are Carson Beck, how do you get out of your head?"

The boys both responded immediately, "I have no idea."

A quarterback who began the season with three goals:

1. To be a Heisman finalist...  
2. To be a first round draft pick... 
3. To be a National Champion...

Yet mid way through the season, only one of those goals remained even slightly possible... 

The media began to doubt him, questioning his abilities. 

He currently leads the FBS in most interceptions this season. 

There have been three games where he threw three interceptions in each game. 

Yet, despite the fans requests, he remained in the games. When the defense ran off the field, Carson Beck ran on, ready to lead the offense. 

With every throw, the whole fan base cringed, coming to expect that it would be caught by the other team. 

So I began to think about being in Carson Beck's shoes...

How would I overcome the failure? How would I block out the noises from the media and people around me? How would I press on from my frustrations? 

Truth be told, I am not sure...

But, he came out last night, against Tennessee, battling the adversity with a new found confidence and focus. He played his game. One after another, he threw great passes!!!

With no personal relation to this college student, I am here to say - I felt proud of him. Last night was a display of mental fortitude.

Mental fortitude. 

This is something I've been thinking of a lot recently. At the Camp Collab conference, we heard from the founders of Elevation Nation - two young professionals who are devoted to helping young adults establish mental fortitude. 

They focused on three components of mental fortitude:

Your self // Your vision // Your fuel

Their presentation quickly became everyone's favorite. But, at the end of the day, when I thought about it, they were lacking a MAJOR aspect of this concept.... As a non-religous organization, they were missing out on the best example of mental fortitude...

This week, we read through the death of Jesus chronologically in the gospels, spread out throughout the week, which is something I've never done. I usually read one gospel account of the crucifixion and move on. But this week felt powerful - really leaning into what Jesus did for me on the cross. 

From the Last Supper to His last breath on the cross, Jesus exemplified mental fortitude. 

Verse 53 really stood out to me. Jesus's death could have been stopped... Yet, He understood the plan for His life and He was willing to push through. 

He didn't give up when it got hard. 

He didn't run and hide. 

He didn't stop Judas from turning Him in. 

It seems to be easier and easier to give up on things these days.

Something isn't what you expected it to be? You deserve better and can quit!

Afraid you might be stretched out of your comfort zone? Don't show up! 

A circumstance or task is difficult and you have to work harder? Just give up! 

How do we live with a mental fortitude on this earth, as Jesus did?

We focus on the bigger picture, rather than what is right in front of us. 

We place our hope in our perfect Father in Heaven, rather than in the things of this earth.

We understand that we are not the one in control, and submit to the One who is in control.

We don't give up when things are hard - what a beautiful opportunity we have to be counter culture in this!

At the end of the Elevation Nation's presentation, they had us write down personal mental mottos on a sticker. And I'll admit.... I wrote.... Onward & Upward ! 

 

Onward: Moving forward, walking in wisdom, seeking truth, with a resolved fueled by hope.

Upward: As we move forward, we look up in covenant faithfulness.

We throw it around a lot these days in the camp world, but it's become an important thing for me to keep at the forefront of my every day life! 

To continue growing stronger in midst of challenges. 

To not shut down when I get overwhelmed. 

To press forward in the face of adversity! 

Just like Carson Beck! Just like Jesus! (Ha you didn't think you'd ever see those two on the same line huh!)