“I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NLT).
“Will you please teach me a new slang expression and what it means every day?” Little did I know where that simple request from a student would lead.
Tough Cookie Lessons
As a friendship family to international university students, I became the unofficial interpreter for my husband’s frequent use of slang, idioms, and other unusual expressions. When students asked, “How are you,” he responded, “Hunky-dory” or “Fit as a fiddle.” When they said, “Goodbye,” he replied, “Toodle-oo.” For them, he often spoke his own foreign language.
A student from Taiwan made her request for slang lessons during one of our daily walks. As we began exploring those often-confusing expressions, an idea slowly formed. Why not combine my writing and international outreach with a hearty dose of fun? Thus began my blog, Words, Wit, and Wisdom: Life Lessons from English Expressions. Once a week I explain a new expression, frequently suggested by a reader.
Tough Cookie Life
One of my favorite posts explains the meaning of a tough cookie. After eating a few of my culinary creations, students probably understand the literal meaning. However, my husband’s example demonstrates its deeper significance. The way he handles hard times inspires me as well as our international family.
A tough cookie has often led a hard life. My husband suffered a malignant brain tumor in 2004, with a life expectancy of three to five years. He also had a heart attack, stroke, and fall that caused a severe brain injury in 2009. All three happened the same day, and his medical providers did not think he would live beyond 24 hours. Students from around the world prayed and waited for updates. They celebrated both miraculous recoveries with us.
A tough cookie is a strong person who decides to make the most of life. My husband refuses to give up in spite of health problems. He would prefer to be healthy and able to work. However, he chooses not to be a worry wart. Instead, he enjoys what he can and tries to stay positive in an often negative world. He almost never complains, rarely gets discouraged, fears little, and refuses to accept defeat. When he encourages students to hang in there, they listen and learn.
A tough cookie is not perfect. No one is. Life is not perfect. However, like all of us, my husband has a choice: complain or do the best he can. He says what happened to him is just the way the cookie crumbles. Therefore, he makes the best of life. I hope our students do as well.
Tough Cookie Lifeline
Becoming a tough cookie did not simply happen out of the blue. Although many in my husband’s family set a strong example of faith under stress, he had to choose his own course. When our first hard life storm hit in 2004, he withdrew for several days. I fielded his phone calls and health inquires, gave him space, and waited. Eventually, he reemerged and reported, “God and I had a little talk, and everything is going to be okay.”
He did not mean God told him he would not suffer. He did not mean he knew how everything would turn out. He did mean God would be with him whatever he had to face. He did not have to fear the future. He claimed the truth of Isaiah 41:10, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” He would not be alone. We would not be alone.
We may grow weak, but God remains strong.
We rely on His never-failing strength.
❤️
Thank you, Karen. Blessings.