The Atlanta-Journal Constitution ran a story this past Sunday about Paul Anderson, once “The World’s Strongest Man.” More than half a century ago, Mr. Anderson not only held that moniker, but also set Olympic records and an astonishing number of similar titles. Paul Anderson is local hero in Toccoa, GA, his hometown for “putting (the small town) Toccoa on the map!” — bringing the small-town recognition and positive press coverage.
The young Paul Anderson searched junk yards and scrap metal dumps to find items heavy enough for him to lift and build strength. He searched for actual “heavy lifting.” He knew such difficulty would bring the kind of results he sought.
In a manner of speaking, we all have heavy lifting to do. Many times, that heavy lifting may tear us down instead of building us up. Heavy lifting is from poor choices or ruinous attitudes. When we become wearied by anger, fear, shame, or regrets, we are carrying heavy weights. Such weights chafe our relationships, daily work, and, in adverse ways, canker our very being.
Paul Anderson deliberately searched junk yards for scrap metal to build up his strength. He made the weights work for him. In a like manner, we can make our heavy lifting work for us. A critical part of building strength and character is to purge ourselves from seeking “unnecessary heavy lifting.” Certain matters are none of our business, so keep out! Steer clear. Life is too short to take on extra trash to tote.
Too often family and friends take on heavy lifting, thinking they are helping, when they were becoming enablers sliding down poisonous, slippery slope. When I was earning Certification as a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, we learned to never thoughtlessly jump into the water to save a drowning person, lest both the “lifesaver” and the victim both drown. Assess the danger, plan the process, and protect the outcome.
Too often, I have gotten angry only to learn that I made an early mistake — misjudging circumstances or someone. My worst faux pas was a call to finalize an event; I became angry because “…they had not done any planning for the event…” only to discover I had called the wrong number! No wonder they knew nothing about the “plan!”
Perhaps asking “Why?” should be the first step in any heavy lifting. And if something must be done, there are ways, as Paul Anderson discovered, to lift with purpose.
©Copyright Willis H. Moore 2025
Hope you have a great weekend