Even in Weakness: What's Your Excuse?

Yesterday's post was a proper tribute, I felt, to a young man who--even in weakness, even with a challenging disability (austism)--has chosen to adapt and overcome. He hasn't let his achilles heel slow him down. Instead, he's decided to Triumph over his affliction. It's a great reminder to us all of how we should not and cannot let life overwhelm us. All of the stories on this blog, the movies, books reviews, the people and examples, say the same thing: you can't beat us ... you won't get us down ... we won't let you kill us, no matter how hard you make it.

It's not easy. Sure, it's all well and good to talk about resiliency and achievement and principles like this when the skies are blue and the birds are singing. But, what about in the middle of the flood, when the rains are coming down, and your house is sliding into the creek? This is the time when our mettle is tested; this is the essence of our resolve.

What's great is that we are surrounded, even inundated, especially if we look for them, by examples that remind, inspire and encourage us to do the same. That's the whole reason I started this blog: I am amazed almost daily by the courage, strength and stamina of so many. They inspire me and make me want to do more myself, more to be courageous and strong.

Real quick, I want to share with you a movie clip from the recent block buster, Captain America: The First Avenger, starring Chris Evans as Steve Rogers [Captain America]. It teaches us a valuable lesson on how to Triumph even when we're not the strongest, smartest or most impressive in the bunch. Even when weak, we can still make a difference. I absolutely loved this scene.

The movie in general, I thought, was pretty well done. Like other Marvel Comic tales, it's a little superfluous at times, but the action was engaging and the filming quite interesting. Set in World War II, it's the story of a once-sickly soldier and his experience becoming Captain America, the "first super hero." What stood out to me during the film, and the reason I wanted to mention it here today, was a scene in which Colonel Chester Phillips, played by Tommy Lee Jones, and Dr. Abraham Erskine, played by Stanley Tucci, are debating over who will be the best choice for their Top Secret program, Project Rebirth. Colonel Chester sees only Steve's frail health and slight build and is still not convinced he's the right choice. Dr. Erskine on the other hand believes otherwise, convinced that the young private has the right stuff, the inner strength and character, they need and have been searching for.

So ... what is the right stuff, exactly? What is it, do you think, that really makes the biggest difference? Is it being taller, stronger, more handsome or charismatic? Is that what's most important? Dr. E doesn't think so and neither do I. He wants what he sees in Private Steven Rogers ... quiet, humble courage and commitment, not to mention unselfishness--three elements that show up in many of our Triumph Times examples. 

The question is answered and the movie line established when Steve , the "weakling," jumps on what he thinks to be a live grenade to shield it with his own body from his Army boot camp buddies. With zero thought for himself, he willingly sacrifices his own life to protect his friends, or at least he tries to. (Seems a recurring theme in our discussions as well, doesn't it ... the willingness to sacrifice our own desires for a greater good). The incident was actually a test to determine the merits of Steve and the rest of the bunch. The comparison between weak and skinny Steve Rogers and the others is even more pronounced when the other soldiers run or jump out of the way with little to no thought for anyone but themselves. 

Dr. Erskine teaches one of the most important lessons of all, when it comes to Triumph and success, when he says : "The weak man knows the value of strength, the value of power." Even in weakness ... even when we're afraid or overwhelmed ... we can overcome and stand strong. In fact, more often than not, it is in our weakness and humanity that we usually prevail. It's the stuff that Triumph eats, drinks, breathes and thrives on. It's the stuff most real heroes, in my experience, are made of.

I liked the movie. I loved this scene. Check it out at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO6qu5fQLHo.

Take care and thanks for checking in,

JP Triumph 

Here's the full Captain America movie trailer. It's worth watching. Enjoy!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JerVrbLldXw