Strength is not controlling others,

but controlling oneself.

It’s not hard to be a bully.

You just tell yourself that you’re smarter, bigger, more capable than others. So cloaked, you now lord it over everyone. You stride to the front of the line, pushing aside those in your way. Dismissive of other’s views, you demean their ideas while your minions praise yours.

Bullies think that they’re strong and powerful, towering over their targets who cringe in fear of the next tirade, or worse. But bullies are so wrong.

Strength isn’t the ability to make others cower in fear and submission. It isn’t about creating havoc by turning moral standards upside down.

Strength is holding steadfast to moral codes when others are dismissing them. It’s standing firm in the face of temptations and using our influence to do good, not harm. It’s, one moment, admitting we need help, and in the next, seamlessly offering a helping hand to those in need.

True strength is an inner virtue, not an external spectacle.