Seeking tenacity
My nature walk on Saturday provided me with a reminder of the importance of seeking tenacity. Usually, it’s the stubborn oak trees who tightly grip their crusty foliage long after fall is officially over. But this year, the beech trees remind me that tenacity can show its presence in many places.
Merriam–Webster defines tenacity as the ability to “hold fast”; being tenacious is “persistence in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired.” *
The delicate tan leaves of the beeches are persistent, still holding fast to their source of life. Of course, ultimately, the leaves will fall, as new growth bursts forth to push the old to disconnect and make their way to earth. As the dead leaves settle into their resting place, they’ll make their final gift to the life cycle, nourishing the soil for future growth.
Seeking tenacity
Are you seeking tenacity? You might rightly question the wisdom of holding fast to harmful habits such as unforgiveness, grudges, or thoughts of revenge. Let’s leave that discussion for another day.
Alternatively, let’s examine tenacity as a positive trait, seeking something of value. When is tenacity, adhering to our beliefs and commitments, a good characteristic?
- Not giving up on a marriage when conflicts threaten.
- Consistent loving discipline when raising children.
- Organizing, planning, and implementing projects through to completion.
- Commitment and perseverance in our careers.
- Persistence in sharing the the love of Jesus with others through our words and actions.
In what other circumstances is tenacity a useful trait?
Having the gift of tenacity in our daily lives.
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-16)**
Being tenacious in seeking God’s wisdom to guide us.
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives. (Proverbs 16:16-17)
Sharing our love with tenacity.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Being tenacious in serving God.
Stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)
When has tenacity served you in a way that is pleasing to God? Are there areas in your life that are calling you to be more tenacious–to be persistent in seeking something of value? How can our tenacity help us nourish others, enrich the lives of future generations?
My prayers are with you (and I’m grateful for your prayers as well) that we can be tenacious in ways that serve God and less stubborn in ways that separate us from Him.
May God be with you as you seek His discernment, my friends.
**All scripture is from the NIV
You had me right from the start on this one Ms. Katherine. I remember learning this same lesson as I looked at the beech trees in western MA where my adopted family was from some years ago. It didn’t seem like they had gotten the message to shed their tenacious leaves. A lesson I learned many decades ago, and one I can’t remember whom to attribute to has been an important one in my life. I learned this during Ranger selection while I was in the military, and it’s served me well through the years. I don’t think you need this explanation at all, but I pray it helps one of your many readers. It is simply that understanding the difference between being tenacious and being stubborn can make all the difference in the world. That old saying is, “Tenacity comes from a strong will. Stubbornness comes from a strong won’t.” 🙂 God’s blessings precious friend and my thanks for this important word!
J.D., thank you for sharing your explanation as I am writing it down. You shared a gem!
I agree, Joanne. Our friend J.D.’s wisdom always adds a blessing.
Thank you for sharing your wise insights, J.D. I had not heard the saying about stubbornness “coming from strong won’t,” but it makes sense. I’ve been there with my own stubborn streak. Thankfully, God has been patient with me and helped me see the difference between tenacity and stubbornness. Your encouragement means so much. Thank you, kind friend.
Katherine, I loved this post. I am always amazed each fall to see which of our trees will hold onto many of its leaves all winter. No matter how the winds blow, and the storms come, they hang on until spring and new growth. My word for 2023 is “guide” so “Being tenacious in seeking God’s wisdom to guide us” is my prayer this year 🙂 Blessings, friend!
I love your application of tenacity to your word for the year. We certainly must be tenacious in seeking God’s guidance on a daily basis. Wishing you peace and blessings, Joanne. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, my friend.
The oaks in front of our house serve as my reminder. Thank you for an additional lesson when I look out the windows.
Oh to be a strong, courageous, and tenacious as beech and oak trees. We learn so much from God’s Creation, don’t we? Wishing you a blessed week, Diana.
I’m a fan of the word tenacity. Hadn’t considered it in the negative but you make a good point. Being tenacious for that which feeds our own agenda or will isn’t what brings God glory and benefits no one. Thanks, Katherine, for the challenge to hold fast to loving and serving others.
Thank you for adding your thoughts to our discussion, Mary. As with all traits, in regard to how we put them into action, it’s important to seek God’s guidance in our daily walk with him. He will help us figure out the difference between tenacious in service for His kingdom rather than stubborn in service to our own agenda. I hope your week if filled with joy and blessings.
Tenacity is something I saw in my father’s life of faithfulness to my mother after she became ill. He hung in for better or worse and in sickness and health and showed me how to deal with hard places in life. Great lesson, Katherine. God bless!
What a wonderful example your Father presented as a servant for and follower of Jesus. I’m sure you are continuing the legacy in your service to our Lord. May God continue to bless your ministry of service to Him.
The word tenacious brings to mind a bulldog who won’t let go of his bone. Thanks for showing me the positive side of tenacity. I’m hopeful for the tenacity to put God first in my thoughts, words, and deeds.
I’m hopeful for that type of tenacity, too, Candyce–“putting God first in my thoughts, words, and deeds.” Thank you for sharing with us. Peace and blessings!
I remember listening the the rattle of oak tree leaves through winters in Missouri and Texas, and they are certainly good examples of tenacity. I pray the Lord will help me be tenacious in those times it’s needed. You mentioned several important times, and I appreciate your insights, Katherine. Blessings to you!
Kathy, you’ve pointed out something very important–it’s the times when we most need tenacity in service to our Lord that He will help us–we have only to call on Him in prayer. Thanks so much for sharing. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Katherine, your explanation of tenacity reminds me of the perseverance James 1:12 describes. I need both. I like J.D.’s distinction between tenacity and stubbornness too.
Thank you for sharing the scripture from James 1:12–Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. And this one applies, too–Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3. Thank you for sharing your insights, Debbie. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Tenacity. What a good word. I’ve thought often about the word perseverance, but not actually tenacity. This is something I could use a lot more of! Thanks again Katherine for an uplifting post and a challenge!
I think we could all use a good dose of tenacity, as long as we use it in the best sense of the word. J.D.’s analysis is spot on. I pray for the perseverance version of tenacity rather than blind stubbornness. Thank you for your encouragement, Sylvia, and wishing you peace and blessings.
Tenacity—a much needed word! Thank you for the encouragement Katherine. I will remember this as I grab my sneakers and walk tomorrow—even if it’s cold.
Oh, it is cold! I’ve been a wimp today, but I’m doing my inside exercise routine. But, outside in God’s creation is best. Thank you for stopping by and sharing encouragement, Nancy. Wishing you joy and blessings.
You’ve given some excellent reminders here, Katherine. We can always learn something from God’s creation. I also must give a shout-out to J.D. and that pithy saying about a strong will and stubbornness. I need to be careful about that fine line.
J.D. is so good to share his wisdom with us and his “pithy” saying goes straight to the heart of the matter, I think. Thank you for adding your thoughts, Annie. Wishing you a blessed day!
Your post reminds me how important it is for us to be consistent examples of tenacity to younger people.
Today’s society is so fast-paced and encourages short attention spans. Stick-to-itivness is often tossed aside for instant gratification.
The rewards of tenacity can be evident in our lives for observant bystanders and hopefully be an inspiration.
Great lesson, Katherine.
I pray we can be good role models for those with whom we come in contact. I pray we can be tenacious in sharing the light and love of Jesus with others. Thank you for your encouragement, Connie, and for your ministry of service to our Lord.
Thank you for this post on tenacity. Right now, my husband and I are right now in a season off uncertainty. We are holding tightly onto God and trusting him that our times are in his hands.
I’m praying for you, Vicki. Uncertainty brings fear, but God is with you. May He give you direction and grant peace and blessings.
I love the thought of hanging in with tenacity to the things God ordained. Thank you Katherine
He gives us tenacity when we need it, doesn’t He? Enjoyed seeing the pictures of your trip, Yvonne. Blessings!
I learn so much from nature too. Your perspective on tenacity is just what I needed today.
Us “nature loving” girls find peace, comfort, and reassurance on those walks and rides, don’t we. Thank you for your encouragement, Jen. Wishing you good health, peace, and blessings.
Tenacity is also useful in prayer. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18). This verse reminds us to keep on praying for others and not to give up on them!
Thank you, LuAnn, for sharing beautiful scripture and prayer. I’m grateful for the reminder to pray for others. Sometimes we are so focused on our own needs, we forget to pray for others. Thank you for sending a blessing our way today.