Several years ago I had the privilege to visit the Navy Seal Base Coronado in San Diego, California. It’s somewhat ironic that the name Coronado and Coronavirus both come from the Spanish/Latin root word for “crown”. As young Seal candidates go through difficulty and training something is forged inside of them. Something that makes them different, extraordinary. They are “crowned” as Seals. I’m wondering if we too can have something of value forged in us as we walk through this coronavirus pandemic? During my visit, Seal candidates were enduring what is called “Hell Week”. It’s roughly 6 days with virtually no sleep (4hrs total for the week) the trainees exercise and train for roughly 20 hrs per day and are kept cold and wet the entire time. These men are pushed to the brink physically, emotionally and mentally. To endure such suffering, Seals use a term you won’t find in training manuals, but will be familiar to all, “Embrace the suck”. Forgive me if that is in any way offensive- but every military individual that has endured basic training of any kind will be familiar with the term. The idea is you can’t always avoid or go around difficulty and pain. Sometimes, you have to walk through it. But if you will embrace it, something uncommon, even surprises can be produced inside of you. The book of James will give us a similar, yet less vulgar, way of saying it:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
James 1:2-3
This whole COVID-19 pandemic is horrible…..“it sucks”. But as followers of Jesus, we can embrace it and endure, knowing God is producing something inside of us if we will allow Him. Something uncommon and otherworldly. Something eternal. I’m standing with you and believing for God’s very best for you through this.
Much Love
PA