Endangered Grit

I feel like the word grit is an endangered word. Is it also an endangered character trait? Not many people use this word in conversation, or understand what it really is. This word used to make me think of the movie, True Grit with John Wayne. Perhaps it’s because it was the only time I really heard the word being used. In my mind, the word meant scrappy, tough, against all odds, one who stands for justice, etc.

I actually painted a picture a couple of years ago entitled Grit & Grace in which I expressed my understanding of the two words as an abstract entanglement of grime and beauty. I didn’t have a realistic view of the depth of the word, but looking back, it was an interesting interpretation.

So, what is GRIT anyway? Well, the technical meaning of the word means “courage and resolve; strength of character.” I like that description. I suppose John Wayne fit into those categories as well in the movie, so I wasn’t that far off I suppose. But wait… there’s more!

I have come to really admire the thought of grit even more since reading a blog written by Caren Baruch-Feldman, PhD* in which she describes grit in this way:

“Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term and meaningful goals. It is the ability to persist in something you feel passionate about and persevere when you face obstacles. It’s about having direction and commitment. Without grit, talent may be nothing more than unmet potential.”

Whoa. With that description added to the technical meaning, what a deep and powerful word to adopt in relation to our walk with Jesus Christ! When we stand for Jesus we will absolutely need courage, resolve and strength of character. We are surrounded with so much in our daily lives that is contrary to the word of God, at times we may feel as though we are treading water and barely able to keep our heads up to keep doing the right thing. It takes strength to forge ahead and not conform to the patterns of the world around us. It takes courage to speak of Jesus on every occasion and live our lives as he did, even though it will separate us from so many people and what is considered popular or mainstream.

So, how can we be considered a person with GRIT? I have devised a list of words based on what I have come to understand grit to mean, and we just need to work them one at a time. We know that with God ALL things are possible, so why not ask Him today and everyday to bless us with all that incorporates this word.

• Courage

• Resolve

• Strength

• Passion

• Perseverance

• Direction

• Commitment

A portion of your prayer may look something like this:

“Lord, I choose to do your will again today. Thank you for your mercy and grace. I stand humbled before your throne. I ask you for the COURAGE to live out my faith in every opportunity, even when it is the unpopular opinion. I am RESOLVED to do things your way Lord not mine. Give me STRENGTH to PERSEVERE and look to you for DIRECTION in every choice I make. Father, help me to feel PASSIONATE about the COMMITMENT I have made to you and help others to experience the love of Jesus Christ when they interact with me. Help me to be a much needed light in the darkness. I praise and honor you today and everyday. I love you, Abba. In Jesus holy name...AMEN!!”

Although the word grit is widely unused and unknown, I pray that today we all adjust our hearts to bring it back in our actions if not our conversation. Reaffirm your commitment to the Lord again today and dare to find a way to become passionate in all you do for Him. May God bless you with direction and strength. And as always... stay encouraged!

Proverbs 16:3, Nehemiah 8:10, Deuteronomy 31:6, Proverbs 3:5-6, Luke 1:37, Galatians 6:9

*https://www.newharbinger.com/blog/what-grit-and-why-it-important