COMMENTARY>>Triumph after the trial

By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing, command chief

Last week, I wrote about overcoming the mountains in your life as you run your race. Mountains represent challenges that can knock or slow you down while you endeavor to complete your goals. The difference between growing personally and professionally is how we handle the trials in our lives.

I believe trials are not there to stop us, but to reveal how resolute we are in regards to finishing what we started. Many people give up on themselves and their dreams because things become difficult. I submit to you that nothing worth having will come easy. So what do you do when things get tough in life? Do you dig in or give up?

One of the first things to be mindful of is there will be tough days along our road of life. Yet, I have come to understand there is much in the way of support and assistance if you look around you. My hope is that you have or are developing a network of people who are supportive. They will be like a gas station along your road, providing much-needed fuel through encouragement and counsel when trials come your way.

Overcoming trials takes fortitude, and it also develops a story that will encourage others who may be facing challenges in their lives. Have you shared your story of triumph with others? If you haven’t I encourage you to do so. Some people have given up on themselves because they felt like they were the only one going through something. Each of us has the ability to help someone move from hopelessness to hopeful.

Remember it’s important you stay focused, because no one can finish your life narrative but you. Also, it’s not how many times you fall down, but how many times you get up. I believe in the fighter that lives within you, so continue to climb that mountain.

Combat Airlift!