“It’s the character that’s the strongest that God gives the most challenges to. Take it as a compliment.”

Me and my father circa early ’90’s.

One of my all-time favorite quotes is from the movie Return to Me. Carroll O’Connor plays Marty, the grandfather of a young woman who is in need of a heart transplant (played by Minnie Driver). He tells her “It’s the character that’s the strongest that God gives the most challenges to. Take it as a compliment.”

Carroll O’Connor

When we see people suffer we often ask “why?”. This quote reminds me that, even though we may not understand why something is happening in that moment, there is a reason for everything. Sometimes it seems that the biggest challenges come during our weakest times, but maybe that’s because we have certain lessons to learn. The challenge is what we need in order to realize who we are and what we’re really capable of.

My father was always sick during my lifetime, facing various medical challenges. He suffered so much, but had so much strength and so much character, that’s for sure! I think this particular quote comforts me in some way and helps me to remember him for the extra special person he was; a man who endured so much for the sake of others. A man who God knew could handle the challenges he bestowed upon him because of his strong faith and giving heart. Challenges that made him who he was and helped in shaping who I am and my brothers and sister are today.