This is a phrase I use a lot, usually at the close of an email to a friend or relative whom I know is going through a struggle: “Hang in there.”
My wife wrote me an email this morning, telling of struggles going on at work, predicting that her workday would be difficult. I responded with my usual morning report, and closed with “Hang in there.”
And I mean it: just stay strong, stay tough, push through and the end of the day will come.
Sometimes I wonder if people who receive this phrase from me understand exactly what I mean by that, and whether it means anything at all. I wonder if I’m coming across as dismissive or uncaring, or otherwise less than genuine in my concern for their problems.
I wonder if I could construct a phrase that would be more sympathetic, more helpful, more sincere.
But really, this phrase imparts all that I wish to give: encouragement to stay strong in the midst of struggle, to push through to the end of the ordeal, whatever it may be. It might be a particular crisis, like a busted water heater or a car in the shop and no money to pay the repair bill, or it might be a child who’s sick for a day, or a week, or an entire lifetime. It might be a relationship gone sour, or a sudden termination from a job you’ve had for twenty years.
Life is tough. Each of us faces struggles both big and little every day. Some of us have more to deal with than others, and some of us face one particular struggle every day knowing there is no end to it. Some of us have faced tragedy after gut-wrenching tragedy, and wonder when the next one will strike.
But hope lives, and joy remains, and even after the darkest nights the sun comes up in the morning.
So to all of you, fellow human beings who struggle and wonder if there’s any point to it or any reward or rest at the end, I say with all encouragement: Hang in there.
And I would even add this as well: Pray. There is no comfort or help greater than what God provides to those who seek Him.
As the Rainbowmaker shows us, we may get a load of rain but coming along the way is a gorgeous rainbow, no human being could ever create a rainbow could she? At the risk of sounding self-serving, my own life has had those incredibly negative elements but on balance I see so much to be grateful for and I truly am.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, my beloved son!
Spending a lot of time in schools, I see many inspirational/motivational posters. And one of my all-time favorites is a tiny kitten holding tight, claws out to a branch in this big ‘ol tree; with the words “hang in there”
Sometimes you feel as though you are the kitten hanging on by your claws, but have faith the fireman may be just around the corner…
I think that by just responding with that phrase at all (and I think of the kitten poster when I hear it, too!) shows you care.
And remember, adversity builds character!
I worry about written comments I make in just the same way. But anyone that knows you certainly knows that you are sincere. Hang in there covers it pretty well. And I agree 100% that prayer is the greatest comfort of all. That is always the first place I turn when I’m struggling.
I needed this post more than you can ever know. It’s been difficult for me lately and sometimes I think it will never end. Hanging in there is tough, but as a statement it does encourage. I think encouragement is sometimes what I and others need. It’s like a verbal hug when someone says, “Hang in there.”
I pray. I don’t pray the standard prayers I learned as a child, but have conversations with God. But, in the back of my mind I’m always thinking, is this important enough to bother God about. Other people do have it worse.
But, hang in there and pray is probably the best advice I’ve gotten. Thanks again.
(MD) I knew someone needed to hear it. I’m glad this made a difference. And yes, it’s always important enough for God. He wants to sweat the small stuff with you.
Thanks, Tom.