A Word For Me: Sisu

Photo by Nathan Jennings on Unsplash
The Lord Is My Light

 I have learned to write, every day if possible, my I am statement, which I make up and change from time to time.  For a while I had a really hard time coming up with something I was happy with.  I changed things every day, at least a little.  I finally realized that I had started feeling sorry for myself and fallen into victim mode.  Woe is me!  I needed to be a creator.  I needed to decide how to handle my challenges instead of just reacting to them.  I was still struggling with my I am statement though, until Derek suggested a Finnish word.

Derek went to Finland on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when he was 19 and he told me that the old timers in Finland would describe their ability to stand through challenges, and even thrive, as Sisu.  He explained it well, and I looked it up.  Sisu is a way of being, kind of like the Danish Hygge that is so popular.  So, I chose Sisu as a part of my statement.  The rest I chose because our world can be confusing and there are so many questions I don't know the answers to yet.  If I focus too much on those questions, and the hardships of life, I start to feel like I'm on shaky ground.  I can start to doubt God's love and to question His plan.  I want to be very deliberate in choosing what I believe and in choosing faith.

My statement is:  "I am Sisu:  Sure, Radiant, Strong, and Unwavering"

I put each of the four words in a quadrant and found a few scriptures and songs with lyrics that would help me stay on a firm foundation.

Spiritual:  Sure

I believe and am sure that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God and He loves every person beyond measure.  (John 6:68-69)

(This helps me remember who to look to for help and how much He loves me and others.  When I do this I can show up as a faithful, and loving daughter of God)

Social:  Radiant

This little light of mine.  I'm gonna let it shine.

(I want to be a light that draws people to the Savior so they can have the love and help they need)

Physical:  Strong

The Lord is my strength, song, and salvation.  He makes my feet like that of a deer and helps me soar on wings like eagles.  Isaiah 12:2, Habakkuk 3:19, Isaiah 40:31

(I am strong when I rely on the rock of my salvation.  He can help me know what to do to strengthen my body so that I can "run and not be weary, and walk and not faint".  He can lift me when I am down and help me to soar like eagles.

Intellectual:  Unwavering

"No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I'm clinging.  Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?"  by Robert Lowry 1869

(When I am calm, I am able to be inspired and know what I can study and share that will be helpful.)

I hope you will be motivated to come up with your own inspiring I am statement.  Something that can help you feel the strength you have through Christ.

Love from,

Sher

Photo by Derek
Picture by Dan
Me being surrounded by God's love and radiating it to those around me.