Battles come in many forms and at different times. Conflicts may be interpersonal, from within, financial, health-related or competitive as in sports, business or politics. How you prepare for them could make for significant outcome differences.  Whether in leadership or servanthood or both, preparation before battles is essential.

During a recent church sermon, I became motivated to write about this with the hope that it will help you consider your preparation in the future.  And what I will suggest may surprise you. The sermon included the concept of grit.  The Merriam-Webster definition of “grit” comprises firmness of mind or spirit: unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger. Often during battles, that type of resolve is needed.  The question is, how is that grit attained?  Is it through individual determination and independence or support from other sources?

First, let’s examine three ways (briefly discussed during that sermon) in which people approach preparation and specifically regarding receiving assistance.

1.    Dodging:  People who evade help are those who avoid admitting to needing aid and possibly try to prevent the battle ahead or that they are in so not to expose themselves in any way.  I once knew a man who knew he was very sick and dying yet refused to seek medical attention. He was an example of someone dodging the battle.  I am not sure if he was hoping for a miraculous cure without treatment or was merely in denial that anything was wrong. In the end, there was no chance for healing or prolonging of his life, and he died rather suddenly and painfully.  Dodging comes from pride and accompanies an inability to receive anything.  Some rationale includes not wanting to be a burden to others.  Another position may be an unwillingness to express vulnerability.  Regardless, a “Dodger” is one who is trying to avoid being helped with preparation or during their battle. 

2.    Demanding: A demanding posture can come across as a challenging, sometimes arrogant, perfectionist type posture that exemplifies one’s lack of openness.  Someone with this stance currently employs a friend of mine.  My friend can never be good enough at what he does, and his employer seems never to be wrong about anything.  Makes you wonder what is going on inside of that person as they prepare for whatever battles each day brings before them or inside them. Whatever the struggle is, it seems this person chooses to go it alone and covers himself with a demanding attitude.  At least one person around him is intimidated and continuously uncomfortable thus incapable of assisting with fighting the battle due to the circumstances.  Have you ever had a Demanding boss like that?

3.    Receiving: This posture is very different than the first two and displays an openness to receiving help in preparation and likely during the battles fought.  This position exudes an expectancy that others will join in and a more naturally generous heart. A leader exhibiting this posture will be inclusive and want and expect those around them to become part of the preparation.  A team member, family member or other will plan to participate and contribute to the process.

With grit comes endurance.  Typically, you and I may think of stamina as a very individual effort to stay the course, take the pain and difficulty in stride and press on through the obstacles to get to where we want to be.  What if I told you that my eyes opened to having endurance be more of a team effort?  If you have played team sports, this may resonate with you because so much energy comes from belonging to a group, team or community and drawing upon them for supportive strength.  It is Winter Olympic time around the world, and even individual sports athletes excerpt needed encouragement, confidence, and push from their community of coaches and teammates. 

A community is a place where we can learn from others, receive their love and support and become stronger because of it.  Team members practice together, groups meet and share ideas and struggles together, and families gather round to love each other.  Belonging multiplies an individual and gives them the grit needed for endurance and a safe place to rest, relax and enjoy the environment before the battle.

With all the individual work you do to take on your battle or battles, don’t refuse community and don’t try to go it alone all the time.  There is refreshment, rejuvenation, and regeneration found in a supportive place where you belong and can prepare. We all need a place of belonging. Grit is best first formed in that situation. And grit precedes glory. But you must first be primed. You can only get battle-ready ahead of the battle. If not, then you can just triage the challenges. Prioritize your preparation and do so in a place where you belong and gain support.