Written by Karen D. Swim
“It don’t matter what you tried to do, you couldn’t destroy me! I’m still standing! I’m still strong! And I always will be. “– Antwone Fisher, 2002
I saw Antwone Fisher in 2002, when it was first released. I was drawn to the story line about a young man who enlists in the Navy, and is helped by a Naval psychiatrist to finally confront the demons of his past. It was a powerful movie that dealt with family, friendship and finding inner peace. In one particularly moving scene the main character, Antwone Fisher (played by Derek Luke) spoke the lines above. When I heard them something awakened in my own heart, as these words seemed to echo in my spirit. At the time I was facing no particular challenge but I tucked the words away knowing that somehow they belonged to me.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xgewaRT_ow&feature=related]
Over the years, these lines have become my personal mantra when facing adversity. I sometimes modify it to “I’m still standing. I”m still here,” but every iteration strengthens me and renews my determination to fight through the obstacles. As I speak them out loud, they seem to plant my feet on solid ground and enclose me in an impenetrable fortress. Though life may swirl around me I am reminded that I am indeed still standing.
I thought of this line this week as I received word from friends in Texas in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Friends like Robert Hruzek and Mrs. MZM who thankfully made it through the storm. As reports and pictures came in, I was glad that they too were still standing, all the more poignant as in so many instances the Hurricane had leveled so many homes.
Life may have dealt you a few setbacks but you are still standing. Your legs may shake from the effort but as long as you can proclaim that you are standing there is hope. I have been painfully aware in my own life that often it is not the movement that matters but the ability to simply stand. To stand in the face of adversity, to stand when everything seems to conspire to knock you down, to stand when the ground shakes and the skies rumble, to stand when then the torrential rains beat at your door, to stand when others are pushing you to move.
Today as I face the business and personal challenges in my own life, I am so very thankful to report that I’m still standing. I’m still strong. And I always will be.
Do you have a favorite line from a movie or book that gives you strength or uplifts your spirit? Share your favorites in the comment box below. All of your comments are welcome.
You do not need a website or blog to join the conversation, simply type your name in the comment box. If you’re a first time commenter, your comment will not appear right away as it emails me to ask for permission to post. Don’t worry it will show up! If you enjoy Words For Hire, I’d sure appreciate it if you shared it with a friend. Thanks!
Related articles by Zemanta