Book Notes-Being Resilient

Yes, yes, I'm still covering book notes. Only a couple more though.

Ortberg uses the story of Joseph to make some points about the storm. If you know the story of Joseph then you know he faced a number of storms. When facing the storm you find out what lies inside you because the storm forces key decisons. This is not going to be a very well composed post. I just want to share the three characteristics of resilient people that Ortberg discusses in the book, resiliency being a very important characteristic when facing a storm. These were very helpful for me and I've been rolling these ideas around in my mind since reading the book.

1. Resilient people exercise controll rather than passively resign. This means controlling what you can, however small and not giving up. Joseph faced situations that probably tempted him to give up, like being sold into slavery and thrown into prison unjustly. Joseph didn't give up though. He was wholly faithful even in difficult situations.
2. Resilient people remain committed to their values when tempted to compromise. We may be most tempted when life doesn't turn out like we planned. We start rationalizing like this: "I don't have a spouse like other people, what would it hurt if I watched just a few minutes of that movie..." or "I'm stuck in this low paying job so I'm sure God will understand if I don't tithe for a while..." Don't go there. Don't compromise. Joseph didn't. He refused the attempts of Pharoah's wife to seduce him.
3. Resilient people find meaning and purpose in the storm. If we let them, storms can give us a new perspective on other people and their suffering. We can reach out to others in compassion and understanding.

If you haven't read the story of Joseph, let me encourage you to do so. In fact you can click right here and read it over at Biblegateway.com.