This week has been a whirlwind. I am officiating at funerals on both Thursday and Friday. I will in turn officiate at a wedding on Saturday. Major life changes for all three of the above mentioned families. They are all fine people. In the midst of those life altering events, I saw this quote on still another facebook status: “Some people think it’s holding on that makes one strong–sometimes it’s letting go.”

Reading that quote actually caused me to want to go back and preach a sermon I delivered a few weeks ago all over again with a much different approach. I preached on the virtue of perseverance. The theme was: never give up! I even made up a word to use in that lesson: stickability. I stressed the biblical ideal of persevering, so we can become mature and complete. After seeing the above quotation, I realized that my approach to the subject of perseverance was seriously flawed.

There are times that letting go is the right thing to do. It is not the easiest choice. It is not painless. Letting go of something that has given us security actually demands more courage and tenacity. It is a lot easier to remain in a friendship that is unhealthy than to walk away. Holding on to bitterness is like drinking a daily dose of acid, but even that becomes secure in a twisted sort of way. Letting go of bitterness is one of the ultimate tests of character. Letting go of bitterness truly makes us strong.

Relationships end, but the associated feelings do not vanish into thin air overnight. Careers are halted due to sudden termination or a layoff. Educational endeavors are postponed, because of a financial setback or family crisis. We wonder how we will carry on with life. We choose to be strong by letting go, and opening a new life chapter.

Fear can be crippling. It destroys confidence and self-respect. And yet we hold on to destructive fear, because that is all we have ever known. Strength is renewed as we let go of our fears, and trust in Him.

Holding on to pride impedes the life changes that need to be made so desperately. But we hang on to pride, as if it were a prize trophy. We could be embarrassed if we actually swallow a little pride. Relinquishing pride and embracing humility makes us strong.

It necessitates wisdom to know when to persevere and when to let go. Sometimes we just hold on to the wrong things at the wrong time. In looking back, I realize that I have erred on both sides. Sticking it out will often make us stronger and better people. Sometimes letting go makes us strong as well. I needed to hear that today. In fact, I may go back and preach that sermon on perseverance again. I wonder what the church would think…