Give Me Some Good Old-Fashioned GRIT

GRIT. It’s not a term I see used much anymore. Perhaps it’s out of vogue to say someone has GRIT. But as I watched again the poignant photos of the firefighters and police rushing into the twin towers on 9/11, I couldn’t help but think. These brave men and women had GRIT. They selflessly gave the ultimate sacrifice to help others on that day. And we will never forget them. Oh, Lord, give me some good old-fashioned GRIT like those patriots on 9/11.

But it’s fair to ask. What do I mean by GRIT? It’s not grits like your southern mama used to cook, for sure. Although they are quite tasty. The dictionary defines GRIT as firmness of character, indomitable spirit, or pluck. However, I’d like to use an acronym to more fully describe it since good old-fashioned GRIT is often hard to find these days.

GRIT in its entirety is a combination of guts, resilience, initiative, and tenacity.

GRIT takes Guts

It took guts to run headlong into a burning building, take the first step on the moon, or sail across an uncharted ocean. But it also takes guts to send in that job application, write the opening line for a novel, or take that first step after not walking for over three months. The first three situations are dramatic examples of people who had guts. Yet it’s the small day-to-day decisions that prepare a person for the bigger, life-changing choices later on.

GRIT takes Resilience

It took resilience on 9/11 to guide co-workers down multiple floors in the towers not knowing what to expect ahead. But it also took resilience for medical professionals to change protocols multiple times as new information was discovered about Covid 19 during the pandemic. Resilience is a quality that gives a person the ability to pivot as situations evolve. Otherwise, they remain paralyzed in the moment unable to learn from their experiences.

GRIT takes Initiative

It took initiative for passengers to band together on Flight 93 and not allow terrorists to strike another intended target on 9/11. Initiative is what drives researchers to find cures for cancer and devastating neurologic diseases like Alzheimer’s dementia. But it’s also initiative which motivates an individual to start a new business or raise money for a family who lost everything in a fire. GRIT takes guts and resilience, yet initiative is the motor that keeps it moving forward.

GRIT takes Tenacity

It took tenacity after 9/11 to faithfully search through the rubble of the Twin Towers and the Pentagon for survivors. Tenacity keeps the Olympic long-distance runner running and bolsters the energy of every sleep deprived mother of a newborn. It’s the proverbial tortoise versus the hare scenario. Tenacity wins the race over speed every time. GRIT may take guts, resilience, and initiative but without tenacity all the other qualities mean nothing.

As we reflect on the legacy of those heroes from 9/11, don’t think for a moment that you and I are somehow exempt from honorable acts such as theirs. God willing, we will never be put in a situation like they were given ever again. But each day we’re offered opportunities to show GRIT in our everyday lives. Saying “yes” to those opportunities that come our way, benefits everyone around us in a positive way.

Lord, give me some good old-fashioned GRIT for all the little challenges in my life. Then, if I’m called to step up like the patriots of 9/11 and give the ultimate sacrifice, with Your help, I’ll be more than ready.

Featured photo courtesy of Canva

Please follow and like us: