Be Strong

"Be Strong"
Why are these words often communicated 
to people who are facing the biggest challenge of their lives
due to a change
or a loss
physically
mentally
emotionally
spiritually
and usually when the challenge is fresh, raw and overwhelming

to hear: "Be Strong"
when you are at your weakest,
when mere survival is strength
can be intimidating
can cause frustration
can sound judgmental
can feed discouragement
can be perceived as an insult
can drive a wedge between relationships
can make the recipient second guess each decision they make

I understand that the words are meant to be encouraging
but to be honest
they can be some of the most hurtful words spoken
unless the speaker understands that sometimes
drawing the next breath
choosing to get out of bed
showering and getting dressed 
interacting with even one person
taking the next step on the journey, however small, 
IS being strong 

If you are hearing those words

and are frustrated or hurt by them,

be assured that hearing them 

without throat punching the person saying them 

is being strong

If you are tempted to say the words

"Be strong"

I encourage you to swallow them